The Rev Al Miller, declaring that he and all Christians have the advantage of an inside line to information from God, has challenged his critics to say what, other than prayer, prevented Hurricane Ivan from hitting Jamaica full force last month.

“They need to. explain how could I have been able to tell the nation before, precisely how the hurricane would behave, the path it would take and the category of winds that would affect Jamaica,” Miller said in his response to persons, including Observer columnist Mark Wignall, who have ridiculed his claim.

Following is the full text of Rev Miller’s letter:

Mark Wignall in his columns on Thursday, September 23 and Sunday, September 26, 2004, sought to take me to task for declaring that prayers by me and others across the nation, appealing to God’s mercy to again prevail upon our nation ripe for His judgment, could not make a difference.

Since Mark and others believe prayers could not have made the difference, they need to tell us what did. In their explanation however, they need to also explain how could I have been able to tell the nation before, precisely how the hurricane would behave, the path it would take and the category of winds that would affect Jamaica. A path opposite to our experts at the Hurricane Centre in Miami.

We all must face the reality that there are some things outside of our control, but nothing is outside of God’s control. Nothing is outside of His knowledge and nothing that He will not or does not sometimes use to accomplish His purpose. He will use the ignorant, the righteous, the wicked and the elements where necessary.

The Christian’s advantage is that we are in touch with the God who run things and we do have an inside line to information. This is not to be envied or criticised because the channel is open to all. The problem is, some are too lazy, too proud, too preoccupied or just plain too fool to get connected.

Please then, Mr Wignall, don’t blame me because you can’t see what I see, hear what I hear and do what I do. The wiser thing is to come and ask ‘how?’ One should never, from a position of ignorance, ask and answer one’s own questions.

This reminds me of a legend that seeks to explain why the wasp cannot make honey. It is told that the wasp saw the work of the bee and desired to make honey, but after the bee showed the wasp how to make the comb, the wasp assumed perfect knowledge in the field and said to the bee, “I know how to do it now, you may go”. That is why wasps can only make comb and not honey.

Unfortunately, too many people who do not understand spiritual things speak as if they are experts. Mark should not feel too badly, as many clergy persons themselves do not understand spiritual things. Wisdom says where ignorance exists, be silent and rather ask question, not make statements and be wrong and strong.

The spiritual is my area of expertise, backed by theory, practice and evidence to support with proven track record. Often I hear journalists, talk-show hosts, economists, politicians, etc, speak with bold authority out of absolute ignorance of spiritual things. Anybody can talk religion, few can talk spiritual out of a relationship with God. No one is competent in the area of their ignorance.

I should like to thank Mark Wignall for his frankness and honesty in sharing his views and the questions raised. This is the very reason why I enjoy reading his column whenever possible. However, in the preoccupation with the concerns over why Hurricane Ivan shifted, I would not want Mark or the nation to miss the central issue of that advertisement. It was a warning to the nation of increasing judgment, of which “IVAN” was only a final external sign so that we will not have to experience worse in the future.

It must be understood by Mark and others, that when I, or any other serious servant of God speak prophetically, we have nothing to defend, neither are we after personal gain. I am responding to these articles primarily for a better understanding by both Mark and the readers, as ignorance is a killer, but knowledge of truth liberates.

Allow me to make some corrections to a few things said by Mr Wignall.

Correction 1:

It must not be assumed that it is only poor and ignorant people who express faith in God. To have faith in God’s word is not ignorance. From the birth of Jesus until now, it is wise men who sought Him. Many are poor in possession, but rich in faith and knowledge of truth. Sadly, too many in our world are bright and abound in possession, but are spiritually impoverished. The question is: Which is better?

Wignall based his argument about me concerning Christianity on assumptions. He should remember, being intellectually astute, that if your hypothesis is wrong, then all your conclusions drawn upon that hypothesis will also be wrong. Certainty of the hypothesis should be had before authoritative statements.

Wignall should inform himself that whereas some forms of religion can be enslavement, biblical Christianity is about liberation, not enslavement. It is about teaching and helping each person to develop a personal relationship with God, having the ability to communicate with and hear God for himself or herself.

Correction 2:

When one speaks prophetically, eg to warn or guide a person or nation, it is not a guessing game. The word spoken can and should always be tested against its fulfilment. If as a nation this warning is not heeded, watch over the next months, the actions spoken of in the said advertisement.

Correction 3:

Wignall says, and I quote, “. persons like Al Miller need power”, wrong again. Sir Wignall, I do not need power, I have power, as I am in touch with the source of power who can release more as needed. Power is not what I seek, what I want is the transformation of a society which is righteous, prosperous, productive and just. A society where the needs of all can be met. To that end I strive unflinchingly and cannot or will not be deterred by the ignorance of some or the criticism of others whether they are inside or outside the church. I am focused on the mission of saving the souls of men and helping to create an environment that facilitates their wholesome development to maximise their potential. That is my mission.

Therefore, to Wignall and those who think like him – you can join me in the process and help create the new Jamaica or watch me play my part. Should you choose only to watch, I would prefer you do so quietly, but ‘man free Iyah!’.

Finally, two issues on the lighter side. Firstly, Mark, you said if God ever spoke to you, you’d come to me. That would certainly be a wise move to confirm what you think you hear, for the good of all. However, if the message heard would send you to the top of the Observer building, then I would not join you but quickly refer you to my friend Aggrey Irons – “too many voices”.

Secondly, you said, you’d prefer to be accosted by 10 vicious gunmen rather than three ‘charismatic’ preachers.” Wiggy, be careful of weh granny sey, “mine cock mout kill cock”. I am sure the preachers would only love you and warn you in an effort to deliver you from a hell bent path, but the gunmen would certainly send you there on a fast track. God forbid. It would be better that you come talk to me first, but not on top of the Observer building.