Dear family and friends, Easter greetings.
I have decided to address two issues in the news over this past week. And make a brief comment on the baptism and reception of the new candidates to our church.
Khanice Jackson
The brutal and horrendous murder of Khanice Jackson from Portmore recently was naturally met with the anger and disgust of many citizens. The fact that the man, Robert Fowler a mechanic from Portmore has confessed to the crime, has brought some relief, but until the trial and sentencing, the family continues to bear the pain of the loss and the society remains in shock and disbelief about the crime. While we extend sympathy to the family and anyone else who may have been targeted by this man we are left with some questions which must be faced as a society.
Whereas every individual is responsible for his/her behaviour, we must still ask, what kind of society produces men like Mr. Fowler who preys upon young women and when they do not get what they want they murder. At the risk of trying this case in the arena of public opinion, we must ask, what kind of mind produces this behaviour which could cause us to puke? Again, I stress that each person must take responsibility for their behaviour, but where is conscience? Where is respect for women so that if a woman says no to a man’s advances, he is going to leave her alone? Where is love of neighbour as oneself, and where did we get it or did not get it, that a woman is not a man’s property to be treated anyway one wants without consequences? Is this a case of the heart of man being deceitful and desperately wicked, and can be transformed only by the spirit of God?
As a society we must also ask, how do we train our boys? Do we train them to respect other persons, to care for women and not to hurt them? Do we teach and train our boys that you never hit a woman, no matter what? I must say that I learned some values very early in my life, from my home and church and these are the values that guide my social behaviour even to this day. We need to do more of this training, not only for children, but all the educational institutions where men and women study. Public and private sector organizations need to include periodic training on relationships. We cannot assume that this is known. Legislation on sexual harassment is only one level of intervention. We need to have a set curriculum on just how to treat one another included in the educational programme in our church as well. Good behaviour needs to be reinforced and negative behaviour punished. The proverbs remind us to “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). More could be done in this area.
Methods to combat covid-19
Covid-19 is still with us and will be until… we do not know when. It behoves us then to continue to use the actions which have been promoted to fight this virus. This is something we need to do together. We are a community and we put ourselves and others at risk when we fail to act responsibly.
Some of the measures promoted are,
· The continuous strengthening of the immune system through diet, sleep and exercise.
· Wearing masks,
· Washing and sanitizing hands
· Practicing social/physical distancing
· Vaccine jab.
These have been proven to all be effective measures when applied diligently and responsibly. The loss of loved ones, people we know, teachers, entertainers, politicians, doctors, etc., is driving home the point that the virus is no respecter of persons. We therefore cannot be casual about our behaviour. I appeal to us to use the tools to combat the virus and remember Christ commands us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. Do you think your behaviour is showing this?
New Members
Finally, we want as a church to welcome and congratulate the new members we receive into our fellowship through baptism and transfer. We are grateful to God for our Sisters, Victoria Harris, Kadeisha Cooper, Antonia Senior, Tori Senior and brother Byron Lothian. Let us make them welcome. Let us as a church rejoice and make every effort to integrate our new members into the life and ministry of the church. We must disciple them, walk with them and enable them to use the gifts God has given to them to facilitate their growth and growth in the church. God has placed these “little ones” in our midst, let us intentionally nurture them effectively, to the glory of God.
Your Pastor April 2021