JAMAICA ARREST

Pat Horner and Ray Angus and their wives arrived in Jamaica on a Monday at the beginning of March for what was to be about 10 days of ministry. They were to work with a pastor and his church and also to seek other open doors of opportunity while on the island. It seems that things went very wrong when the rented car that Ray Angus was driving collided with an on coming vehicle. A lady in that other vehicle was taken to the hospital the next day and there she died. The driver of the vehicle that struck her (Ray Angus) was charged with manslaughter. Ray was locked up until a hearing before a judge that took place the following morning. He was released the same day, Friday 8th March.

A court date has been set for March 22, which means that Ray and Pat will be forced to remain in Jamaica till that date. The expenses for this trip have certainly increased. I am calling upon all who may have an interest in helping these saints in need to give toward the legal fees and the expense that will be incurred from an extended stay. If you will help, please send the money to Community Baptist Church, 5697 Labus Road #1, Elmendorf, TX, 78112. Mark the check or envelope with "Jamaica."

If you have any questions or want to discuss this matter with me personally, Kyle White, please call me at 210-621-2110 or 210-621-0979.

The following is an update e-mail put together by Pat Horner:

We went to court on March 8, 2002 and bail was set and met by a Jamaican family standing in as security for brother Ray. A preliminary hearing is set for March 22, 2002. At that time all the evidence will be submitted and a decision will be made as to whether or not to send it to a higher court. There are three things which can happen - a reprimand - a fine - time in prison. I am asking you for your help in this matter - for your prayers and for your financial help. As we have been going through this time of trial, we have been asking ourselves the question every Christian asks in time of trial - "Why?" What is God's purpose?

The most obvious purpose is the most biblical one and that is that God does all things for His glory and for our good. Our God has allowed this to come into our lives for His own glory. But we believe that there is more. We believe God has sent us to Jamaica. We believe, as I said before, that we are here by divine appointment.

I would like to say a word about the Jamaican people. With few exceptions, we have met with a kind and caring people. The Jamaicans grieve over the accident even as we do. They carry a burden for us and our situation. They have done all they can to help us - sometimes to their own hurt financially. We have been received by a people who practice loving their neighbor. Their kindness and expressions of love have been a testimony to us. It has also been a means of challenging me in my Christian life.