Judging by the increased stridency of the pro-gun lobby in recent months, one could be forgiven for thinking that, after losing the presidential elections, all the Republicans moved to Jamaica.

I find it disturbing that, a few months after taking certain guns out of the hands of our trained police because of frequent and tragic misuse, we are now advocating the issuing of guns to untrained citizens, claiming this will solve the crime problem.

At the same time, the crime situation will not go away by simply ignoring it. We therefore need a method of fighting crime that will not exacerbate the problem.

On December 3, 2001 I was held up at my home by three armed men. In my distress I cried unto the Lord Jesus Christ and he delivered me out of their hands (2 Samuels 22:7, Psalm 120:1). On January 28, 2009 I was again held up, this time by two men, both carrying guns. I 'remembered' his 'wonderful works' and again called upon him. Once more I was delivered - praise the name of Jesus.

Many persons I speak to hope for a return to the 'good old days' when you were robbed and not killed, meaning that crime is OK as long as they don't kill you.

The Name of Jesus has four distinct advantages over guns.

1. It cannot fall into wrong hands (Acts 19:14-16)

2. It cannot accidentally harm the innocent (Genesis. 18:25)

3. It cannot 'stick' or 'misfire' (Joel 2:32, Romans. 10:13)

4. It cannot be abused in fits of anger (James 4:3)

I am proposing we all start to advocate that our nation to turn to Christ. Then, crime will truly disappear (2 Chronicles. 7:13-16). Any takers?

I am, etc.,

CLAUDE B. MANNING

godsondis@yahoo.com