Dear Pastor,

I am a 17-year-old girl who smokes hard and drinks alcoholic beverage. I did not have a father in my life. My mother raised me on her own. My father is in England and he has not been responsive to me. I don't even hear from him. I have a child and she is three years old and would be four years very soon. I got pregnant when I was 13 because I didn't have a father beside me and my mother couldn't afford to send me to school, so I had to go out and hustle for myself.

Sometimes, when I remember how I had to struggle as a little girl, tears come to my eyes. I need your advice because I am struggling through life. May God bless you.

Struggling teenager

Dear Struggling teenager,

I am sure you are determined to do well in life. No one should condemn you for what has happened to you when you were 13. You have not mentioned anything relating to the father of your child and whether he was arrested, tried and punished.

I would like to know more about you. Are you attending school? You have not said whether you are in school or you are working. Call my assistant and set up an appointment to see us.

Pastor