John Schlabach

September 18, 2002

I was raised in an Amish home and was never shown the plan of Salvation while growing up. At the age of 18 I decided to run away from home, against the wishes of my parents. Soon after that, my uncle (who left the Amish several years before) explained the gospel to me and shared the good news about Jesus Christ and why He came to the world.

At first, I didn't accept the Lord because it seemed contrary to what my parents had always taught me, which was getting to heaven is something we have to achieve with good works, following the Amish and going to church. If we did these things, we had a chance to get to heaven, but couldn't know for sure.

About a month later, I started to realize that what my uncle was telling me was indeed the truth and I had been misled for a long time. Then I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and my life was changed ever since that day.

I pray for my parents, brothers, sisters and friends that are still living the way I used to live. I hope that some day they, too, will understand and accept the Lord and will find the peace and happiness that I myself, have found.

-John Schlabach

^{This letter has been published with permission from the owner.}