Devon Evans, Gleaner WriterOCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
PRESIDENT OF the West Indies Union of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, Dr. Patrick Allen, has expressed deep concern over the state of crime and violence taking place in the island.
He was speaking at the official opening ceremony of the North Jamaica Mission Headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Drax Hall, St. Ann recently.
Dr. Allen said that too much crime and blood-letting was taking place and called on church members and other persons of goodwill to use spiritual means as the way to put an end to these ungodly acts.
He said the situation has reached a critical stage where church members now needed to take a stance and go down on their knees and ask God to heal the nation.
SPECIAL DAY OF PRAYER
He appealed to all Jamaicans to observe March 5 as a special day of prayer for the entire nation. March 5 was designated the 'International Day of Prayer for Women', but Dr. Allen said that due to the high crime rate in Jamaica, the country should use the occasion to ask God for protection of the entire nation.
He said the mission of the church is to spread the love of Jesus and to let the people know that there is a saviour who is willing to forgive all trespasses and sins.
Head of the mission, Pastor Joseph Smith, said he hoped the new facility will help to enhance the work of the church in the area. Among those present at the function were Custos of St. Ann, Radcliffe Walters, and Member of Parliament, Shahine Robinson.
