Dear Pastor,

I turn to you with my issue of dire need. I have been incarcerated due to an incident that occurred while I was under the influence of PCP. A cigarette shared between my brother and me was dipped in PCP, of which I was not aware; from that point I have no recollection of what happened that night. A month later, I was detained for my involvement in a robbery. My case is on appeal and I am confident that I will be vindicated.

My personal issue, however, is that I am lacking a female companion. My woman, who I thought would have stuck by me the way I would have done by her, has deserted me after only a few months.

Ever since then I have been having the most difficult time here without the closeness and communication of a woman. I am isolated and much depressed because of this. Do you not agree that a man needs interaction with a woman, Pastor?

I am asking that you print my letter in your column in the hope that a caring, considerate, open-minded Jamaican woman, or other, may decide to reach out to me in writing and bring me some much needed companionship.

I am a handsome US-born black man. I am 43 years old, educated, spiritual and in very good health and shape. Pastor, with your prayers and assistance, I am confident someone will contact me. Thanks in advance.

M.S

Dear M.S.,

Are you trying to say that you were drugged and that whatever crime that you are accused of committing you did not do? Let me ask you a further question, why did your brother and yourself share the same cigarette? Was it because you are so broke and could not buy your own cigarette? Or was it because you were aware that it was laced with PCP?

You talk about needing the companionship of a woman. It is true that every normal man, unless he has taken the vow of celibacy, feels the need for a woman, but you should remember that you are in prison and except for a few words of greetings from a woman to cheer you up, etc., not much can happen, not even a little chups. Perhaps your girlfriend left you because she believed that you are guilty of the crime. Perhaps you should try to encourage her to come back to you if you are so sure that you will be vindicated. On the other hand, she might believe that there is no future between the both of you and she would not want to be in a relationship with a man who has a criminal record.

I don't know why you feel that Jamaican women are so desperate that they would be willing to take any American man, whether or not he is in prison. I wish you the very best and I hope that you will take the time while you are incarcerated to read your Bible and pray and learn to speak the truth.

Pastor