Marion grew up Amish in a large family where life was often filled with chaos and responsibility. From a young age, she learned to suppress her emotions in an effort to help maintain peace in the home. As a teenager, she fell in with the wrong crowd and made choices that brought difficulties into her life. Eventually, she moved in with some non-Amish relatives, where the freedoms and lifestyle she experienced began to appeal to her deeply.
Through a series of circumstances, Marion came to New Beginnings Homestead and ultimately made the difficult decision to leave the Amish. One of the hardest parts of that decision has been missing her siblings and no longer being able to see them whenever she wants. Yet amid the heartache, Marion says the greatest blessing has been finding a true relationship with Jesus Christ.
Growing up, there was little discussion about who God truly is, and although she considered joining the Amish church, she carried many unanswered questions she was not allowed to ask. After meeting her boyfriend, he shared the Gospel with her and introduced her to the truth that salvation cannot be earned. One evening in October, shortly after moving to NBH, Marion was reading her Bible and began praying, asking God to come into her life and save her. She says an indescribable peace washed over her that night.
Today, Marion rejoices in the freedom she has found in Christ. “There is so much freedom knowing I don’t have to earn my way to heaven!” she says. During her time at NBH, she has learned she can trust God fully and speak to Him anytime, anywhere. Through regular Bible studies with Joe Keim and the loving support of the staff, Marion says she has felt deeply cared for and encouraged in her faith.
In just six months at NBH, Marion earned her driver’s license, gained computer skills, participated in life skills classes, and found great joy working in the MAP office. She especially enjoys being part of the ministry team and considers her job one of her greatest accomplishments so far.
Looking ahead, Marion plans to be married soon and is excited for what God has in store for her future. Her encouragement to anyone considering leaving the Amish is simple but heartfelt: “Don’t go with what other Amish people tell you because I was told that if I left the Amish I would go to hell. Pray about it and ask God what you should do.”