I feel so ashamed and battered. I gave my life to God in 2005. I'm a backslider. I really want to go back, but it's so hard. There's a lot of temptation out there and sometimes it's so hard for me to cope with them. I know God is good. If it were not for that man named Jesus maybe I would have done something stupid.

Pastor, help me. I really need your help. I don't have anyone else to talk to. Pastor, please be my guide. Help me to help myself, so I can see the light again.

A.P., New York, USA

Dear A.P.,

After reading your letter, I called your number to find out your age and to hear how you are coping. You believe that you have had sexual relations with over 100 men. You are crying out for love and affection. But you are afraid to trust any man.

The fear is there and is not going away. I am not sure you hate men. What you want is for a man to truly love you, instead of taking advantage of you. You are equating sex for love, but they are not the same.

You have tried to serve the Lord and you have failed. However, I want you to continue reading the Bible and to pray.

You need psychological help. Please talk to a psychologist. Look in your telephone directory and call one. He/she may even see you for free.

Pastor