Dear Pastor
I am 17 years old and I am having a problem. I was a member of a Sunday church. I got baptized there but I stopped attending. I started to attend a Saturday church and I got baptized there also. Things were going well for two weeks and then I got mixed up with the devil. Now I don't know what to do. I feel depressed and sad. I want to go back to the Lord. I want you to pray for me.
I have a friend and he is in prison in Texas. I pray for him and he is planning to come to Jamaica in September. We have been corresponding. Do you think that I should correspond with a man who is in prison?
Tell me Pastor, why these men want Jamaican girls? I would like you to give me a Bible verse to read at nights and one to read during the day.
Please pray for me. My mother lives in Jamaica and my father lives in the United States of America.
A.J., St. Ann`
Dear A.J.,
I do not know why you changed church, but it does not appear that the change has helped you at all. You write as someone who is indeed confused. So very often changing churches is not the answer to a person's problem. Jesus is the answer. Religion often confuses people because everybody seems to want to prove that their religion or church is the correct one.
Thank God that the way to heaven is not through any particular church. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." You need to anchor your faith and your life on Christ, not on your denomination. Christ does not confuse anybody, but denomination often do. I do not mean to imply that you should not attend church. I am saying that peace of mind does not necessarily come by attending church. Christ gives peace and Christ Himself peace. Therefore, when you experience Him, you have peace.
I suggest that you read Psalm 37 and the Book of John every day. Take a chapter from John's gospel everyday. Read it and ask God to help you to walk uprightly.
Now concerning this friend who is in prison, I suggest that you be very careful. You do not know much about him, so go easy. Don't allow him to fool you or to come to Jamaica and use you. I am not saying that you should never develop a friendship with a man who is incarcerated. I am encouraging you to be very, very careful. You have my prayers.
Many of these men feel that Jamaican girls are not smart and that they are easy to get. Many of them come to Jamaica with a few dollars and want the Jamaican women to take care of them while they are here.
They make big promises to the women and when they leave, the women can't find them.
They change their telephone numbers or they refuse to accept collect calls. However, Jamaican women are getting smarter everyday and they are learning how to deal with these tricksters. Walk good, sister, walk good. Pastor.
Letter of encouragement
Dear Pastor,
I am writing this letter of encouragement to the young man whose letter was published in the WEEKEND STAR on July 7, 2000 under the caption "Suffering from homosexual fantasies."
I just want to tell him that the enemy will try to keep him under bondage. So he will have to fight and believe what the Bible says, "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."
The Bible also says no weapon that is formed against God's children shall prosper.
I can testify this way because I was once like him. I used to fantasize about having sex with men, but I prayed and fasted regularly and the Lord took me through this problem. And now I am worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth.
I can also assure this man that if he would talk over his problems with God, He will deliver him. I held up my hand to God and talked it over with Him and from that day I can say that I am free. So remember no matter what the enemy tries, never let go of God.
I would always remember you in my prayers and I hope God will hear your cry and give you a speedily deliverance.
K.D, St. Andrew
Dear K.D
You are a man and you used to fantasize about having another man. Now you believe that God has delivered you from this habit. Thank God for that. Because you feel you are delivered you are encouraging the writer of the letter that was published to lay hold on God for his deliverance. Let me hope t he would do so. Continue to pray for him. Nothing is impossible with God.
Pastor.
In love with deejay Beenie Man
Dear Pastor,
I have a problem and I do not know if you can help me with it. This deejay whose name is Beenie Man, I think I am in love with him. This started from I was about 10 years old and now I am 16 years old. I am attending a comprehensive high school. Beenie Man is my hero. He is a nice person. Please allow me to meet my hero.
I go to many places just to see Beenie Man. He is the best deejay in the world. Some people say bad things about him. Please stop it. Because he is the best they pick on him. They know he is the best. He is blessed by God. Please pray for my deejay.`S.R. Kingston`
Dear S.R
If Beenie man is interested in meeting you, he can always contact me for your name and address. You are just one of his fans. I would think that the majority of Jamaicans love Beenie Man. He is a great entertainer. I am also sure that Beenie Man would love for you to do well in school, so please concentrate on your lessons. I believe that you would one day in the future meet your hero. Such a meeting, however, I cannot arrange. But I repeat, if he feels that he wants to meet you I would gladly give him your address.
Pastor
Christian woman seeks Christian man
Dear Pastor,
I hope things are going well in Jamaica. I find your column very interesting.
I am a writer and an educator residing in the United States of America. I plan to return to Jamaica in the near future.
I am a single Christian woman and I am now ready to settle down with an honest Christian man between the ages of 45 to 55 years old. I would appreciate it you could help me in the process. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.
A.D, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Dear A.D,
I am sorry you did not give your age, height, complexion etc.
However, I am glad to hear that you are thinking of returning to Jamaica. I am sure that you can make a contribution to this country. I wish you well as you seek a husband.
May the Lord give you wisdom as you receive the letters that will come to you from men who would respond to your search.
Pastor
