Seeking help after losing my family

Dear Pastor,

Season's greetings to you, thank you for reading my letter, I am a young woman seeking your help. I am currently facing some challenges which are causing my life to be somewhat strained.

My problem started when my grandmother passed away due to a terminal illness. I was living with my family at the time, but I had to leave due to disagreements; and I hate conflict. As a result, my relatives took away everything that we had.

I eventually went to western Jamaica to live. I stayed with my stepbrother for a while. I had a part-time job but the organisation closed. My stepbrother told me I had to fend for myself. There were days that I did not have anything to eat.

A friend took me in and I eventually got another job. Everything was going great until I lost my mom two years later. I was so devastated that it lead me down the path of depression. But thanks be to God, I managed to pull through.

I had left few of my belongings in Kingston with a friend, but I did not have anyone to collect them, and I did not want to be a burden to anyone. I got another job and a friend/co-worker assisted me with getting a place to rent.

I was home one evening helping my friend's dad when he took advantage of me. I was so devastated. To add insult to injury, he threatened to kill me because I refused to be with him. I did not go to the police because these people have connections and I did not say anything to my friend because I was fearful.

The environment became hostile, so I had to flee taking what I could. It so happened that a war broke out which caused the man to lose his life. My girlfriend had to leave the neighbourhood. I lost everything again. I almost suffered a nervous breakdown but I strongly believe in God and prayer and God sustained me.

I hope to further my education in computer studies, Spanish and customer care. I recently got back a place to rent, but I don't have anything to put it in. I would really appreciate if anyone can help me to make this place a home as I try to put myself together. I am still living in western Jamaica.

Thanks in advance.

T.

Dear T.,

You have gone through much difficulty, but God has helped you. You did not bring these problems on yourself, so I hope that you do not blame yourself for the problems that you are facing. Your relatives were not very sympathetic and kind to you and instead of helping you, they took away most of the furniture and other things that you should have had. How sad!

A friend took you in and her father abused you. I suppose what you are trying to say is that he raped you. And because of fear, you did not report him to the police. He was a very wicked man. But you continue to press on because you are a very ambitious young woman.

I would have loved to help you, but you made a mistake by not sending me your telephone number. Jamaicans are very helpful, and I am sure there are people who would give you some pieces of furniture. However, I do not have any telephone number to give to them. I suppose I would have to rely on your email address.

Personally, I would have loved to have what you say verified. If you would send me your number, I will be very happy. You say the man took advantage of you, but you have not said whether you have received counselling. You should endeavour to get some therapy. If you were to contact me again, and you did so by phone I would get someone to see you. It is not late for you to do therapy.

Pastor