Jamaica

Tomorrow I fly to Guyana. Yesterday I heard that within the past week, a pastor in Kingston was stabbed to death, another man was shot to death in my friend's neighbourhood and a local pastor and his wife were severely beated by an intruder who stole their cell phones. The pastor lost one of his eyes. I don't want to write about this but it is reality. I leave Jamaica with the national anthem on my heart...

Eternal Father, Bless our Land,

Guide us with thy mighty hand,

Keep us free from evil powers,

Be our light through countless hours,

To our leaders, great defender,Grant true wisdom from above,

Justice, truth be ours forever,Jamaica, land we love,

Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love

Teach us true respect for all,

Stir response to duty's call,

Strengthen us the weak to cherish,

Give us vision lest we perish,

Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,

Grant true wisdom from above,

Justice, truth be ours forever,

Jamaica, land we love,

Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love