Dear Pastor,

I am Jamaican living in the United States. I went to high school in Jamaica and on one of my recent visits I met a school-mate. He told me he loved me and when we were in school he used to wish that we could be friends. I was very surprised when he said that to me because I used to admire him too. He is not working, but he can fix cars.

He keeps asking me for money and I send him money often. However, the more I send him money, the more he keeps asking. I am beginning to believe he wants this relationship because of what he can get from me.

I am a Christian and he is not. He said that he does not have a girlfriend, but I wonder why. He wants us to get married but my father is warning me that he might just be using me to come to America.

I am 26 and would like to get married and have a child before I am too old. I am coming to Jamaica in August. He wants us to get married at that time, but that will not work because I believe he is only trying to use me to get to America.

Please, give me your advice.

C.S.

Dear C.S.,

I suggest you listen to your heart. Your heart tells you this guy is only interested in your money and is using you to get to America. Your father has cautioned you not to be in a hurry to marry this man. When you put all these things together, you will see a big red flag before you and you should not cross it.

Pastor