Church heathen making my life hell

Dear Pastor,

I am 23 years old and I am a Christian. My boyfriend is the son of the elder of the church. When I was 18 years old, there was another guy in the church who loved me but I didn’t love him so the relationship did not go very far. This guy that I am in love with works with government and he has a college education. I love him with all my heart but some people in the church are criticising me and saying that the reason why I love him is because he is the pastor’s son and, in a few years, he is going to succeed his father as the pastor of the church. These people are disgusting. The say they have the Holy Ghost and they are always criticising people. My boyfriend and I agree that, if our love for each other wasn’t so strong, we wouldn’t continue our relationship. I have put on some pounds and these wicked people have it to say that I am pregnant, and it really hurts. They even went to the bishop and the bishop called my boyfriend’s father and asked him about it. It was quite an embarrassment. Our wedding is planned for next year and only a few will be invited.

K.W.

Dear K.W.,

People will talk and church members are always watching each other. Some in the church know everything about the young people. They can tell you where the young people go and what they do. Young people not only discuss matters among themselves about each other but some of them even fight over the young men and women they like in the church. You have to learn to ignore some of these people. A fellow loved you but you didn’t love him, so that relationship didn’t get so far. But now you are in love with another guy and this relationship is going somewhere. If everything goes well, you will be married to this young man. Some of your Christian friends might be jealous of you but don’t be worried about that. Some have accused you of becoming pregnant. You know that is not true so, whenever you go to church, greet everybody with a big smile and continue to be active in your church. I wish you and your fiancé well, and let me know the date of the wedding.

Pastor