Dear Pastor,

I'm having a very big problem and I am asking for your help. I am a 22-year-old woman living with my mother, my two sisters who are 18 and 20 respectively, my daughter who is three and my niece who is 18 months. It's been real hard for us, especially me because we live in a house that is made of old zinc and pieces of rotten boards with cartridge paper and awning material for the ceiling. We do give God thanks for what we have because there are those who are in worse situations. It is getting real frustrating for us because we are plagued by insects, rats, roaches and lizards, especially at nights. The floor is swarming with dangerous insects. We try to make ourselves comfortable by placing linoleum on the floor and curtains and newspaper inside the house to hide the zinc and the parts that are open.

I just couldn't take it any more. When I started working, I went as far as buying some blocks, a few lengths of steel and four bags of cement to build a more comfortable bedroom. I even started the foundation with what I bought, hoping that as I got paid weekly. I could continue to build, but I got sick and was fired without any money, after seven months.

seeking help

We have nowhere else to turn. We have been seeking help since I graduated from school. My relatives curse my mom about our living situation. My 20-year-old sister tried to get help from her boyfriend which resulted in the birth of my niece. He is living abroad without supporting the baby. My younger sister is in high school and we don't want to pressure her. My mom got fired from her job. She now runs a cook shop and tries to do her best with food for the house and help my brother who is in prison, because he was trying to make money for the family.

I got pregnant for a man who provided a house for me and my daughter but didn't have a permanent job. He would hit me when the pressure gets to him causing me to leave. Because things are so bad right now, I have to go to his house every now and then. I was about to leave three weeks ago because I'm not happy, now I'm pregnant. I don't know what to do.

M., Kingston, Jamaica

Dear M.,

I want the public to know that after receiving your letter I spoke to you and I am satisfied that you are speaking the truth, and that the family needs help. If anyone is willing to offer help to you, they should let me know and I will get in touch with you.

My prayers are with you and your entire family.

Pastor