The Church in Africa We get a lot of questions from people in Africa, and it didn't take long in this job before I realized there was a cultural difference that kept me from understanding exactly how to answer. Recently I became aware of a documentary on churches in Ghana and Zimbabwe called African Christianity Rising. Several churches, from Roman Catholic to independent Zion, are profiled, and the leadership interviewed. The video is quite limited, though. For instance, we don't find out what the churches preach about salvation or tithing. . . .

My husband, when he's stressed, exhibits minor signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He asks me the same questions over and over, he rechecks door locks, and he questions his salvation. If you've been a GotQuestions writer for longer than a week, you've most likely received a question from someone with OCD. We don't usually get calls for help about hand-washing or door lock-checking. We mostly get intrusive thoughts and chronic doubts about salvation. How do we respond to someone who has written in for the 12th time because they're convinced . . .

• If there is demographic information in the question, take that into consideration before you answer. • Read between the lines a little. It's okay to ask curious questions of the questioner or to suggest that they may be asking about something they have not specifically stated. Of course, be respectful and don't assume, but you can use your intuition and follow the Holy Spirit's leading. • Be personable in your tone. Respond to the questioner as an actual person, not as a test question or an article prompt. • Don't feel pressured . . .