Dear Pastor,

I love to read your column. I have a problem. I am 31 and have a girlfriend. I got into trouble and had to leave where I was living. The problem was resolved. After six months, I returned. I left my girlfriend in the house. She was the only one who knew how to contact me. I didn't even give my mother my contact number. My girlfriend told me she was faithful. Every week I sent her money through a friend.

One day, she said she had something to tell me but I should not worry. Pastor, to my surprise, she told me the friend who always brought the money I had sent for her, took one of his friends there and they became close.

She said their friendship turned into a love relationship and he got her pregnant. She told me this over the phone.

Pastor, I love this girl. Her mother lives on the street. If I turn her out, she'll have nowhere to go because the guy who got her pregnant lives in a dangerous community.

Lots of criminal activities happen there. I told her I would forgive her and she should register the child in my name. She agreed. If she didn't agree to register the child in my name, she would have to give it up for adoption because the guy doesn't want the child. He can barely read and write.

She cannot even give me a good reason for having sex with this guy and I was only away for six months.

Do you believe she is agreeing to put the child in my name because she doesn't want to leave my house?

E.T.

Dear E.T.,

This young woman was extremely careless. She didn't have to get sexually involved with another man. Lots of girls become sexually involved with men because they are financial in need. You were supporting her while you were away. She was living in your house, so she didn't have to pay rent.

On the other hand, perhaps she was vulnerable, your friend's friend realised you were not around and was able to capture her heart.

Concerning the child she is carrying, it is good to know you are willing to forgive her and support the child.

However, I believe you should be careful how you go about taking over another man's child.

I, therefore, suggest you and this woman contact the Adoption Board for advice.

Please, sir, be very careful how you handle this matter. I repeat, talk to the folks at the Adoption Board. They are very good people and will give you advice.

Pastor