Dear Pastor,

I love this country. It is blessed, but we the people have turned our blessings into something else. Our children are dying and our mothers and fathers are failing.

Where is the love that we profess to have? How much longer must we sit and watch all the horrific events that are happening? We can play our part.

Our government alone cannot solve the problems because they begin in our very homes and hearts.

I know it's not easy having nothing to eat or anywhere to sleep, but believe me when I tell you that there is hope. Hope cannot be seen, but we can believe that it is real.

So let us hope for the things which we cannot see. We need to move forward as a nation, but more significantly, move forward as children of God. Be strong my beloved country.

D.W., Brixton, London

Dear D.W.,

I thank you for your letter, but I must admit that I wish you had given practical suggestions such as how to move forward. Too often people speak about God and how He would help, but they speak as if God is going to come and do the work himself. As I understand the Bible, God uses us, His children to get the work done.

If Jamaica is going to be a better place, everybody should work hard to improve the condition of the country. Our young people ought to be encouraged to do well in school and to go on to university or tertiary institutions.

Our older folks should understand that they too must continue to educate themselves regardless of age. We ought to stop blaming the government for everything.

I thank you nevertheless for your letter. God bless you.

Pastor