Dear Pastor,

I am 23 years old and having a problem. I used to be a hooker. Lots of people knew me because I used to be on the street. I was selling my body to feed myself and children. I had regular customers but was always looking for new customers, because the regular guys didn't always have money to pay but I didn't turn them away. I accepted what they had.

The better guys were the older men. They gave me more but I had to go to their homes when their wives or girlfriends were not around, or they to pick me up and took me to hotels. I had guys I could always rely on. They became regular customers. One of them is a public figure and he would give me money at any time, even if he didn't have sex with me.

Pastor, I gave up that type of life and went into the church. I feel clean and am now working. My children are going to school, but in the church not everybody trusts me because they knew me when I was in the 'world'. When I was getting baptised, I testified about the life I was living, so who didn't know, know now.

There is a brother who likes me and is visiting me. People reported us to the pastor. This man loves me and knows everything. We told the pastor we are planning to get married and he is encouraging us, but other people in the church are warning him to be careful. Sometimes I cry when I hear what they are talking about me.

Y.D

Dear Y.D.,

The past is the past. You cannot change the past. What you can do, however, is to learn from the past and not make the same mistakes.

You have lived the life of a prostitute but have changed. Do not allow critics to cause you to be depressed. No one has the right to condemn you.

Many girls practise prostitution. They do it from their homes. Many print cards and give them out privately.

Many university students sell their bodies. Men have told me that they have been stopped by girls who ask them for rides and slip them cards or tell them that they are selling their bodies to pay tuition and other expenses.

You openly walked the streets but that kind of life is now behind you.

This young man in your church, who loves you, evidently believes you can live happily together. Ask your pastor to give both of you guidance. Spend much time with your pastor in counselling sessions. Get married and let the Lord guide your future.

Pastor