THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am yet in awe of the wondrous miracle that spared Jamaica the utter decimation that would have occurred had Hurricane Ivan not detoured from its intended path. Only the mighty hand of God could have so confounded the tempest that it changed direction just in time to avoid a direct collision with Jamaica. This was patently God's answer to the prayers of the faithful all over the world.
The writing is on the wall. Our leaders should feel obliged to declare a national day of prayer and fasting to be commemorated annually. This day need not be deemed a public holiday. No coercive measure will be attached to its observance. It is simply meant to inspire our people to come together before God with thanksgiving each year and to invite his continued involvement in our affairs (though that may not be the wish of some of our leaders).
Those who are not so inspired need not participate but our leaders should certainly set the tone. Those of us familiar with the Scriptures will recall that it took inspired leadership, an obedient nation and national repentance to prevent national disaster in Nineveh. It is an example we would do well to follow.
I hope other persons of faith including the faithful in Parliament will be inspired to publicly lend support to this request.
I am, etc.,
JERMAINE C. SPENCE
christophers@
cwjamaica.com
Savanna-la-Mar,
Westmoreland
