THE EDITOR Sir,
'MERCIFULLY' WAS the opening word of the Prime Minister, as he gave his press conference immediately after the passage of Hurricane Ivan. To atheists, sceptics, those who "couldn't care less" and others, the events through which Jamaica has just passed will have no meaning. The atheist will seek to explain scientifically what caused the hurricane to change its path; the sceptic will point to the fact that other places have been hit by the same hurricane; and the "couldn't care less" will merely pick up the pieces and move on.
But to those who know that God has often spoken through occurrences in nature, to those who are willing to listen, the events surrounding Hurricane Ivan have tremendous meaning and significance. As Jamaicans watched the 'eye' of that hurricane aim directly for Jamaica, and then turn and move alongside the south coast without making land fall, and then turn northwards after it had passed Jamaica by 60, many failed to realise that another 'Eye' had been watching us, as a nation. In what direction was Jamaica heading before Ivan struck? The nation had turned radically from God and His ways. Jamaicans were killing one another at the rate of 900 in eight months crime and violence ruled the roost. A Pastor who dared to rebuke women for their near-nakedness was being publicly castigated. A Minister of government had just apologised for seeking to pack a civic committee with party supporters. The tourist industry was contemplating the introduction of casino gambling, nude weddings having been tried. A pornographic statue was erected in a place commemorating our Emancipation won by servants of Christ.
WORK INSTEAD OF WORSHIP
The Government was about to advocate work instead of worship on Saturdays and Sundays. From bottom to top the nation was in moral decline. Before Ivan, where was Jamaica heading?
Like Israel of old, the nation was in rebellion against God and His ways. In a letter to the editor written less than a week before Ivan, I highlighted this moral problem in our national life (see 'The Asamba Statement' Monday, September 6). God is a holy God. Another 'Eye' had been watching us. Ivan has struck. Let us not hesitate to say it Jamaica has been judged. Without any reference to the actual people who have suffered, and who must be helped, Justice has been displayed to Jamaica as a nation. But, and what a "but" it is mercy has also been shown to our land. The hand that could have wielded devastating justice, held back the 'eye' of Ivan in mercy. Justice has been tempered with mercy.
The present call on all Jamaicans to work together to rebuild, should become a call to all Jamaicans to work together to build a new nation with a new spirit and higher values. We cannot merely reconstruct the old. That has been judged. We must build on higher moral and spiritual ground. Remember, the 'Eye' is watching us. The good thing is that He is willing to help us, if we ask Him.
I am etc.,
REV. EARL THAMES
North Middlesex Learning Centre,
Tower Isle P.O.
