Cool Water Ministries
May 25, 2010
Dear CWM Friends,
This will be a brief update as to the situation here in Jamaica. We are unable to get a full newsletter out at this time, due to many circumstances.
As many of you are aware, Jamaica is now in a ‘war’ with the evil strongholds of crime in the Kingston and surrounding areas. We live about 1 hour from the areas involved. We have been watching the news, and following the advice of the US Embassy. The following is the latest from the Embassy: "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Kingston, Jamaica and its surrounding areas because of escalating violence, shootings and unrest. Jamaican Defense Forces are engaged in an operation to arrest an alleged drug and weapons trafficker. The possibility exists that unrest could spread beyond the general Kingston area. U.S. Embassy Kingston is taking extra security precautions, including cancelling official travel by US Government personnel into Kingston. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile during this State of Emergency. U.S. citizens in Jamaica are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when venturing outside their residence or hotel."
We ask you to please pray:
- For protection for us and our boys - we usually travel to Kingston two or three times a week; that is not happening anymore!
- For the corruption in the government to be exposed for what it is.
- For the Jamaican people to stand up to the corruption and demand a change.
- For the safety of so many innocent women and children caught in the stronghold of evil men in Kingston, to be spared their lives.
- For God to intervene in a mighty way - this country is so dark and under the stronghold of the enemy.
We are supposed to leave Jamaica on June 3rd for four weeks in the Seattle/Vancouver BC area. At this point, Jay doubts whether he can leave the boys, property and ministry to go to the US next week - he really needs the refreshment and rest now. Please pray for him - to have God's peace about leaving, for Kedar to step up a HUGE amount in his courage and ability as a leader, for our house, property and boys to survive without us here for a month, and for us to be able to get out of here safely next week! Jay and I are praying about whether James and I should stay all summer - for safety sake, and 'civilization' sake. It is especially hard for me, as a white woman, as I no longer feel safe alone in town - and the situation is even worse now. Jay does most of errands - and escorts me if I need to go anywhere.
Thank you to the many who have emailed with words and prayers of encouragement regarding the poor health of my father. My father died on May 1st , as he never regained consciousness following his second surgery. Pray for my sister and me as we are planning a service in California, to take place in June. Pray for God to be glorified and God’s presence and hope to be felt. My sister, Carol, and I will be doing the service for our family.
For updates to the situation in Jamaica, I’ve enclosed links to the local newspapers, and an update on CNN this afternoon.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/
In the following article is a map of Jamaica, Mandeville is underneath the letter ‘I’ – and south towards the coast.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37320150/ns/world_news-americas
Thank you for your support and prayers. We will be at Lake Sammamish Church in Bellevue on June 6th at noon for lunch and a meet and greet. If you have interest in attending, please let us know! We’d love to see you.
Blessings,
Jay and Linda Cruze
