Dear Pastor,

I recently read an article in the Jamaica Star where a lady mentioned that she knew her husband was having sex with multiple women during their marriage, but she did not protect herself from catching diseases. Now she has found out that she is HIV-positive.

Pastor, I felt this lady's pain. I also have a husband who lives like a common dog. He has sex with anything that breathes, and I tried really hard to encourage him to seek help to change in his behaviour, but he has refused to change. So I prayed to God night and day to release me from the situation, and as soon as God opened the door, I ran as fast as I could and got myself away from that dirty man.

Following my escape, I made sure I got myself tested for every STD, and thank God, I didn't catch any disease from him!

responsibility

Pastor, I would like both men and women to realise that each of us is in charge of our own bodies and we should not let fear or intimidation stop us from protecting ourselves from danger. I agree that marriage is supposed to be forever, but when your husband or wife is having sex all over the place and is not willing to change, then we have to make tough decisions and leave the cheating partners before we get infected with sexual disease such as HIV/AIDS.

Finally, I hope this lady does not suffer too much with the AIDS virus, and may God give her strength to carry on with this heavy burden.

God be with you, Pastor! We are extremely blessed to have you.

Faithful

Dear Faithful,

Yes, we should pray for this lady who has been affected, and not only for her, but for all those who are suffering from AIDS. And we should also remember her husband in prayer.

Now, this woman ought to report her husband to the health authorities if she knows for sure that he has AIDS and is having multiple sex partners. He needs to be counselled and treated for the condition. I hope that she will realise that she has a moral obligation to report this man.

I wish you well as you try to rebuild your life on your own without your husband.

Pastor