Church wants me to get baptised again

Dear Pastor,

I am 25 and at the age of 20, I became pregnant and gave birth to a son. From the moment I told the man who got me pregnant, he started to stay away from me.

When I asked him why, he said it was a mistake to get me pregnant because I am too good for him. I asked him why he did not tell me from the very start of our friendship that he was not good enough for me. He said he did not believe that he could do so because he did not want to lose me.

I work as a dental assistant. I don't make much money. It was a slip up on my part when I got pregnant because I have tried to serve the Lord. This man has not been able to go to bed with me since I got pregnant and I rededicated my life to the Lord. Whenever he feels like, the guy sends a couple thousand dollars for his son. Sometimes I don't feel like taking it, but I take it from him nevertheless.

Recently, I went to a conference and I was introduced to a man. He is in his early 40s. He is divorced. We have been communicating. He told me that he would love to get married again. He told me that he would like me to come and live with him in America. He has fathered two children. I don't know what to do. I didn't expect the father of my son to disrespect me the way he has because I did not do him anything wrong.

When I got pregnant, I was too embarrassed to continue attending church, and after I gave birth, I started to attend another church. I like this other church. But I asked the pastor if I can become a member and he said that I will have to get baptised again. I don't see the reason why I should be re-baptised. I am not eager to leave Jamaica, but if this man in America is serious about me, I would consider marrying him and going to America.

What do you suggest that I do?

P.M.

Dear P.M.,

I always feel very sad when women tell me that they were Christians and men impregnated them and walked away.

Some men seem to take pleasure in fooling good women. But I always say that these men will reach their Waterloo. These men believe that they can get away, but they cannot get away from the good Lord. I am sure that He will continue to bless you, my sister.

I know that you stopped attending church when you got pregnant because you were deeply embarrassed. I do not know any verse in the Bible that would direct a backslider to be re-baptised before he or she is readmitted to the fellowship of a church. If you believe that you are walking with the Lord and you want to be restored into fellowship with the congregation, but they refuse to extend to you the right hand of fellowship, you should not go back there.

Concerning the new gentleman who you met and who loves you - you should not be in a hurry to accept his proposal. You know from experience that not all Christian men speak the truth. See how this relationship develops. Make this a matter of prayer. And that's all I wish to say at the moment.

Pastor