The Editor, Sir:

Kindly allow me the privilege of expressing my feelings concerning the increase in the gruesome murders and in the kidnapping and rape of women and children.

My heart goes out to the many families who are mourning the loss of loved ones and those who are still clueless as to the whereabouts of missing family members.

In my mind, there are basically two responses to the present situation: we can either be proactive or reactive. Personally, I believe that there are evil forces at work, whether we want to admit it or not.

My humble suggestion is for us to come together and be a unified force against principalities and powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places and take back Jamaica, land we love.

Day of fasting

I suggest that we declare a day of prayer and fasting. More specifically, we should close every church door on a designated Sunday morning and take to the streets at strategic locations throughout the island, covering every city, town, village or community and declare war against the kingdom of darkness. I have absolute confidence that this would yield very positive results.

Parenting responsibility

In addition, we, as a nation, must change the way we do things. It is critical that we return to our core values based on biblical principles.

There is need for ongoing parenting and family-life seminars for persons lacking in these skills.

The Church could play a pivotal role by hosting and actively participating in the process while at the same time making itself accessible to those who are in need of help. The responsibility of parenting should not be left to teachers, but they can assist in the process.

There is hope for Jamaica and its people, for the Bible declares: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

I am, etc.,

DEBBIE ELLIS

Miss.debbie@hotmail.com