Dear Pastor,

I am a 19-year-old female who seriously needs some help. I am a Christian, but so confused. I have been in the Church now for almost a year. At the beginning, I was so fired up and ready to do my part in church. I feel like I have lost my connection with God. I pray but I feel no connection when I am at church. I am so lost. I feel like somebody else. I can't fast for very long because I have acid reflux disease but I do short ones, like the morning before I go to church on Sunday.

Recently, I met a guy while I was at work. He is so charming and sweet. We exchanged numbers and we contact each other every day. The funny thing is he says I can call him anytime but, out of 100 per cent of the times that I do call, I only get him 35 per cent. He drives a taxi for a living. You know the things people say about taxi men. It is said they have a lot of women. He is not a Christian but he goes to church sometimes. Sometimes I call him in the night and the phone goes straight to voicemail. He says it's the phone signal.

I feel that something is very fishy. He says I am the only person he is dating and swore this to me. I find myself connected and I am falling in love with him. At times I think it is infatuation. I honestly do not want to get hurt. As a matter of fact, he has two children with two different mothers. They are the same age. I believe that is evidence of unfaithfulness. I really like him, but I am afraid of getting hurt.

Please, tell me what to do before my love develops more. Thanks and may God bless you. Please, pray for me.

B.

Dear B.,

Let me first comment on your physical condition. You say that you are suffering from a physical ailment. If that is the case I would not encourage you to fast. You will not be committing a sin if you do not fast. If you do not fast, you will be protecting yourself. I want you to know I believe there are times when Christians ought to fast. However, fasting should not be a routine. There ought to be a purpose for fasting. If you are not physically well, you shouldn't fast. You will do yourself more harm than good.

Concerning this taxi driver you met recently and have fallen in love with, I would suggest you do not get carried away with him. You are young and still very naîve. You should keep this man just as a friend. However, be careful not to allow your thoughts to run away with you. It has not been three months since you met this man and you do not know enough to be crazy about him. If he is not a Christian he will wreck your life and when he is finished with you, you will walk around talking to yourself.

I suggest you read your Bible, pray every day and regain that sweet fellowship you once had with Christ. You know this taxi driver has his children's mothers. Don't put yourself with him. If you do, you might 'holler and bawl.'

Pastor

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM? IS SOMETHING BOTHERING YOU?

WRITE TO: TELL ME PASTOR, DR AARON DUMAS,

PO BOX 188, KING STREET, KINGSTON.

TELEPHONE: 929-1667/8 EMAIL: PASTOR@JAMAICASTAR.COM