Dear Pastor,

I am a teenage girl and I have a rather complicated life. I would like you to help me, or at least give me some advice, before I go crazy or kill myself.

Supported me

This all began when I was nine years old. I was raped by a close family member and it has changed my life completely. When I told my mother she stood by me all the way. My other family members turned their backs on us and went as far as to declare that we are no longer members of the family. All this affected my grades throughout high school, but I came out successfully in the end.

Don't have good relationships

Recently, it happened again, but this time by a total stranger. It is killing me. These problems have caused me to hate men. I don't trust anybody. I don't have good rela-tionships or any that last long. I hate sex. I don't like myself even though I have been told many times that I'm beautiful; I just don't believe it. I have constant headaches. I really want to die. Life isn't for me anymore. I think if I were gone it would be better for everyone. I am a very ambitious person and I would like to be prosperous, but I don't know what to do. I want to want go back to school, but I have no money and it seems hopeless.

Pastor, these might be my last words. Help me. Tell me what to do because I'm on the edge.

K.K.,

Dear K.K.,

While I was reading your letter I was hoping to see that the family member who sexually abused you was arrested, tried and is in prison. What happened to him?

You were sexually abused for the second time. Was it reported? Is the matter before the court? Did you receive therapy? Where is the rapist?

I understand why you hate men. It is natural for you to feel that men are beasts. That is why you should see a therapist. He/she will help you with the issues, your depression, hate, rejec-tion and suicidal thoughts.

I am sending you the name, address and telephone number of an organisation I believe will help you. I am praying for you.

Pastor