David Mast

February 10, 2009

As an Amish teenager, I always knew there was something that I didn't understand about God, but I didn't know what it was. At age 18, I got baptized; I didn't know why, other than, just because everybody else did it.

A year later, I got in trouble because I didn't follow the rules. My bishop told me it's very important to follow the church rules, or we can't go to heaven, and that really got me to start thinking about God even more.

At that point I went to one of my English friends and shared what the bishop had told me. Then he told me, "David, you need salvation; go home and read Romans 10:9-13". When we got done talking, I went home and read the Bible verses that he had pointed out to me. As I was reading, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I cried out to God for salvation and he saved me! I will never forget that special day; it happened on August 11, 2006 --- I was nineteen years old.

On November 11, 2007, almost a year and a half later, I made one of the hardest decisions I would ever make in my life and that was to leave my lovely parents and family. It all started on a Sunday afternoon when I left a note for my family, saying that I was leaving them. Not because I was angry, or that I wanted to live a life of sin, but because I wanted to live for God.

All I had was $50 in my pocket and the clothes on my back as I headed out across the pasture and through the woods. It was pouring down rain and thundering as I walked for six miles; I had no idea where I was going. However, I knew that God was with me and that brought me joy and light.

After walking for awhile I decided that it would be best for me if I went to my English friend's house; she had no idea that I was coming. But when I finally showed up at her house, she was glad to help me. God's favor was on me and by evening I was told that I had a job waiting for me the next morning.

Several weeks ago, while in a Bible study, I decided it was time that I followed the Lord in baptism. And, as I stand here today, I put my past behind me and look forward to live for God.

-David Mast

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