Mary Troyer

January 30, 2011

I was born into the Amish and lived most of my life in Michigan. When I was 15 my father passed away on December 22, 1997. Then on May 20, 2005 my brother passed away in a farm accident. I always thought the Amish church worried more about the rules than people. The night of my brother’s funeral proved that to me. The Bishops came and ex-communicated me, that night, because I knew my brother had a stereo and we had gone to visit my ex-Amish sister. The day after that, they announced it in church. I was eventually allowed back in but was constantly at odds with the leadership over various rules.

In February of 2006 I left the Amish Church. I was ex-communicated and separated from my family. I had a friend who helped me leave and I was taken in by people who helped those in need. For almost four years things went well. I was working steady and taking care of myself. My feelings toward God were that He was there, but other than that, if people left me alone about the subject, I would leave them alone. I would go to church with friends, but it had no real meaning to me.

In March of 2009 I met a guy who seemed to be my friend. Unfortunately, he led me down the wrong path. I let my feelings cloud my judgment and go involved in a sinful lifestyle. Things finally got so bad that I just wanted to die. God, however, did not permit this to happen. I was in bad shape emotionally, physically and spiritually. I had no hope. I was blessed with a good Christian friend, Barbara. She would always listen to me as I poured out my heart. She was in Ohio and I was in Kentucky but she still cared and tried to help.

One day she told me about Joe Keim who is part of Missions to Amish People. Joe called and we talked. He then had Robert call me. I really was not sure, since he was a complete stranger. We started talking and eventually began communicating on a regular basis. I liked the fact that he was positive. We talked a lot about God and who He was. I wanted God to take away all my problems. Robert explained that I needed a personal relationship with Him. I realized that I was missing Jesus. At the time I was still in Kentucky living with friends and going to church with them. It was then I realized that I needed Christ as my personal savior. One day in church I went forward and asked Christ into my heart! What a change! I had been suffering from depression for so long. Now that Christ is my savior I know God cares and will be with me always. I still have problems but I do not have to go through life alone.

I would ask you to pray for me as I grow in Christ. Robert and I are having regular Bible studies and Pastor Bouquet has been a real encouragement. I am spending a lot of time helping in the office at MAP. Please pray that I would be able to find a job. I have been looking and praying God would lead me to the one He has for me.

 This testimony has been published with permission from the owner.

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