I tried to hang myself four times

Dear Pastor,

I don't know where to start. First of all, I want to thank you for the good work that you have done and are still doing. I am a 17-year-old girl who has been through a lot. I am fed up of life. Many times, I go to bed hungry. I have just left high school. I have been successful in earning six CXC subjects. I am a very intelligent young girl. I would love to become a criminal lawyer or a politician, but I don't have the money to attend college.

My parents don't have the money to send me to college. They are poor. My mother owes seven months' rent. She has three of us. The landlord wants us out of the house. We get calls from him very often, but my mother cannot leave because she has nowhere to go. People have told my mother bad things about me. They have told her that I have men. She ran me out of the house. I have been sleeping at a friend's house.

I just can't take this anymore. I ran away two times. I tried to hang myself four times, and I take a lot of pills to end my life. My father is very abusive, verbally and physically. If he heard that I had a boyfriend, he would beat me to sickness. I really need help. I beg for help from you. I feel as if God has forgotten me. I desperately need a job so that I can send myself to college.

If anyone could help me with a job, I would be grateful. I am suicidal. The next thing I am going to do to end my life is run out into the busy road or drown myself. I am tired of my struggles. I can't take it anymore. If I don't get any help, I am just going to take my life. Please help me. Please read my letter, please. I look forward to hearing from you.

S.H.

Dear Readers,

I would like readers to know that I have spoken to this young woman. She is now in college, but she still needs help. Anyone who is willing to give her help should contact us. Please understand that I cannot divulge the personal information of everyone who writes to me. Nevertheless, if you want to help, let us know. And please remember this young woman in your prayers.

Pastor