Seventh-day Adventists celebrated Jamaica's national annual Day of Prayer by passing out Bibles, literature and Christian music CDs to residents in the violence-ridden Central Village

last weekend<p>The Central Village community experienced a surge in gang-related murders and other violent crimes over the past two weeks, church officials said. Residents expressed appreciation for the temporary quiet the church visitors brought during their August 1 visit.</p>

"The church coming in the community is good," said Craig, one Central Village resident. "It uplifts the people and gives them more confidence."</p>

Along with hope, the church members brought a sense of safety, acting as "a barrier to violence," Craig said.</p>

Church members distributed more than 600 copies of Christian literature, including copies of a Christian lifestyle magazine, gospel CDs and Bibles, and a dozen footballs to the affected region.</p>

"As Christians, we ought to be good Samaritans in the communities in which we serve as a church," said Derek Bignall, president for the Adventist church in the West Indies.</p>

The 2009 day of prayer was the first of many such events, local church leaders said.</p>

"We want this to be a sustained program," said Everett Brown, president for the Adventist church in Central Jamaica. "We are a part of this community and whatever we can do to aid the community in coming together, we will do as a church."</p>

Kevan Barnaby, pastor of the Central Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, said he and his church members plan to "adopt" the local police force and have regular devotions with the officers.</p>