Dear Pastor,

I send you greetings, in the mighty name of Jesus, and I want to congratulate you on the good job that you are doing, as it is beneficial to many, including myself.

I am an 18-year-old female seeking your advice and assistance. I should have graduated from high school this year but was unable to finish due to financial difficulties. After doing the first term, two years ago, I had to leave school and seek a job. Having no qualification, I ended up working as a live-in domestic helper but had to lie about my age to get the job.

Employers taking advantage

The first job I got lasted only two weeks. I had to leave because both the lady and her husband wanted to get involved with me. My other two jobs saw my employers trying to take advantage of me because of my age.

I am back in my hometown and living with my stepfather, sisters and niece. This is where the real problem lies. My younger sister, who is also my stepfather's child, is treated like a queen. I love my sister dearly but find it unfair that my older sister and I have to take the blame for everything she does. My mom works overseas and is aware of the situation but cannot do or say much. The last time my mom was away my stepdad threw my two older sisters and me out of the house. I had nowhere to go, - no family or friends. My sisters had their boyfriends, who they stayed with. As a result, I became sexually active at 17, just to get a place to stay. When I left school I was a virgin.

Since my mom left, a few months ago, the problems have started once again. My stepfather complains all the time. Our efforts to make everything perfect, before he comes from work, proved to be useless. Every time he started an argument, he'd tell us it will be long but not forever, and that it was his sweat and blood that built the house and that it is our younger sister's birthright, not ours.

Pastor of my church

Pastor, I am now a Christian and have been for the past five months. He is the pastor of my church so I don't have a pastor to counsel me. Even before I became a Christian, whenever he argued with us, my sister and I would not answer because we knew we would be wrong. It would take the entire day for me to tell you everything I have faced under his hands but I am writing a book about my life and all my struggles.

I am in a state of depression and sometimes feel suicidal. I didn't even have friends to talk to.

Please help me, Pastor, as I am seeking another live-in job just to send myself to evening classes. I would like to be a part of a very nice Christian family.

I am very dedicated, and I know I have what it takes to improve myself. With the help of God, I know I will achieve all my endeavours. If I could get a place to stay far from home and work enough money to meet my needs, I know I will be happy.

I have been to Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Kingston to work, without knowing anyone or having any family there, so the location does not matter. All I need is to get out of this place because I really don't want to backslide and that's where I am heading if I continue to live in this situation.

I am looking forward to your response and your assistance.

Thanks, in advance.

C.B., Manchester, Jamaica

Dear C.B.,

I will do my best to help you. I know many people will be calling to try to get your name, address and telephone number. But, they need not, because I cannot divulge such information.

My prayers are with you. I will see to it that you receive help.

Pastor

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM? IS SOMETHING BOTHERING YOU?

WRITE TO: TELL ME PASTOR, DR AARON DUMAS, PO BOX 188, KING STREET, KINGSTON. TELEPHONE: 929-1667/8. EMAIL: PASTOR@JAMAICASTAR.COM