Desperate to overcome my challenges

Dear Pastor,

I am composing this letter in despair. I am a 19-year-old young Christian woman. I am from a poor background. I think I was considered a 'bastard child' but I know I am not. I was made in the image of God.

My mother is a high-school dropout. She had me when she was 19. She could have aborted me, but I'm happy she didn't since she'd be dumping a priceless gift from God. I have myriads of challenges.

I am a smart child but since COVID-19 came about, I am no longer sure about that. I am on my final lap in high school, and I will be doing five CAPE subjects.

I have not had any electricity at home for approximately seven years now and I have been struggling terribly. I can hardly afford to buy a data plan.

I do not have the textbooks to keep up with homeschooling. My phone is 'out of date' and it is not Zoom compatible, so I cannot attend online classes.

Amid all of this crisis, I have managed to be a top achiever, and I even graduated from my previous high school with a distinction. My family was beyond proud.

BOTHER TO NEIGHBOURS

I am a big bother to my neighbours since I have to beg them to charge my phone every single day that God sends. My battery is not good; it dies quickly. Sometimes I see annoyance in their faces and I feel terrible, but I can't do any better.

I have 'well-off' family members who know what I am going through but they don't care at all. I got a few chances to stay with them but they don't treat me well. They starve me and they treat me indifferently.

I must mention my dad; he tries his very best. He has five children and he takes care of them all. He loves me. I don't know how I will survive another month at home. I don't think I can.

I am behind in classes, Pastor. This is not even the preface to my story, but for time, I will cut it short. I am a very beautiful girl and I never settle for less than I deserve, but people have tried to take advantage of me.

At times, I just wish someone could listen to my story without making me feel small. I just wish a random person would help me.

VERBALLY ABUSED

Growing up, I was also abused verbally and emotionally, and that still lives with me. I've been called worthless, 'cruff', good for nothing, and every other dirty word you can think of by a person in my own house.

I just want to leave so badly. I was considering running away but that would not make it any better for my mom, my grandma and myself who I am working so hard to take out of poverty.

I don't go anywhere. I am a 'different' child. I never fit in. I just need help and encouragement, and I know God will deliver me soon. I do not have a boyfriend or anything like that. I don't ask men for money.

I am satisfied with whatever my family provides. I know that I will be able to encourage young people one day who are facing similar challenges when I say "yes, I have made it".

Pastor, I need your advice. What should I do? Living out another month at home like this will certainly kill me. I await your prompt response. Keep up the good work. I wish we could talk.

Confused

Dear Confused,

You have not said anything about whether you attend church. I am willing to assist you, but I would like to hear from your pastor, if you have one. I want someone who knows you well to verify what you have written.

I am not accusing you of not speaking the truth, I just want to know that you are worthy of help.

If you do not have a pastor, ask the principal of the school that you are currently attending to verify what you have written, and that you are truly in need of help, and I will do my best to assist you.

Please do so as early as possible. In the meantime, be assured of my prayers.

Pastor