My wife’s family trying to tear us apart

Dear Pastor,

I am a 25-year-old man, and since I was 18 years old I have been in love with my child's mother. Our relationship started when we were going to high school. I was the first man for her. I took her virginity.

I wasn't very bright in school but after we graduated she used to help me a lot, even to read. I went on to learn welding. The man who taught me was very good to me because he was a good friend of my father. I ended up becoming his best worker.

When my girlfriend became pregnant I told him and he raised my pay and told me I should marry her if I am sure that the child is mine. He, however, said that I didn't have to marry her right away. He became the godfather of the child, and my babymother and I started to attend the church that he goes to. We got married a year ago, and since we got married my boss helped me to get a place. Now I am on my own and my boss sends me on the jobs that he cannot manage.

My wife has family in America. They are encouraging her to leave me and come to America to live with them for a better life. She told them she was not interested. They have been cursing her and telling her that she doesn't have any ambition.

Recently, one of her relatives is attempting to spoil up my name by accusing me of getting a girl pregnant. The woman is pregnant but I am not responsible for getting her pregnant, but they are still scandalising my name. Some of my wife's relatives used to send her a little financial help but they have stopped because my wife is still sticking with me.

Both of us have visas but we are not even interested in going to America now. We are making enough money to pay our rent and our other bills. We recently bought a van. They want to break up our relationship but we are going to stick together. My former boss is like a father to me. Thank you for reading my long letter.

C.

Dear C,

Try your very best to remain faithful to your wife. Both of you have come from far. Your wife is a wonderful human being. She deserves every credit you have given to her. She has taken the time to teach you how to read well and whatever shortcoming you had. You will always be grateful to your boss who taught you welding.

I would also like to encourage you to get certified if you have not done that as yet. America is a wonderful country but it is wrong for people to believe that if one does not live there one cannot be successful. It is true that many have gone there and have done very well, but it has also ruined many families. No one should try to force your wife to leave you and to join them in America.

Both of you are happy living with your child. You are meeting your bills. Even when your wife's relatives are cursing her and telling her she is not ambitious, both of you should just stick together. You have visas but if both of you decide to visit America and you can avoid staying with them don't even spend one night at their house. I wish both of you well. Take good care of yourself and please do not neglect the Lord.

Pastor