Ray Miller

Ray enjoyed growing up in the Amish, and he loved his heritage for some of the same reasons that many people are drawn to the Amish today. The characteristics of solid family values, simple lifestyles, and strong religious roots stood out to Ray as he was growing up. His relationship with his family, however, was not overly close. Most of the time, he didn't feel comfortable opening up to them and sharing. He did know deep down, though, that his parents tried to have his best interest in mind, and he always knew that he was loved and cared for by them.

Ray started out as part of an Old Order Amish community, which is a strict sect. When he got older and got married, however, he had the opportunity to join a New Order Salvation sect of Amish, which was much more lenient. Over time, Ray was still unhappy where he was, so he decided to move to South Carolina and join yet another Amish sect, which was part of an even more lenient, Beechy Amish community. Unfortunately, Ray still couldn't find happiness.

The Holy Spirit began working on Ray, and his hunger for truth as well as fellowship with the outside world gave him a desire to leave the Amish. Ray did not have anyone in the English culture ready to help him, and he faced many difficulties when he finally made the decision to leave. The distance apart from his family weighed heavily on him, as well, and he felt guilty. Thankfully, Ray's parents respected his decision to leave the Amish, since he was not the first one in the family to make the decision to leave. Some siblings, on the other hand, had a harder time accepting Ray's decision and were very concerned that he had not been baptized in the Amish church.

After Ray and his family left the Amish, the Holy Spirit continued to work on their hearts, and they hungered to learn more about God. The Spirit took him and his family one step at a time; they knew that there was more to salvation than merely practicing good works, but they didn't know what that was. John 10:10, which talks about how Christ came to give abundant life, and several other scripture passages weighed heavily on Ray's thoughts. Over time, he and the rest of his family realized their need for Christ, and they accepted him into their hearts. They were baptized soon after salvation in order to symbolize their decision and new birth.

Today, Ray is very excited to be a child of the King and is eagerly awaiting His coming! He has transitioned to a Mennonite church and has a strong desire in his heart to share Christ's love with those around him in the world. Many times, Ray feels that his life parallels that of Noah's in the Bible. He realizes that just like Noah, he is at times discouraged, misunderstood, and unsupported by those around him as he follows God's calling, but he is encouraged and reminded on a daily basis to stay faithful to the call, especially through various websites and Christian Facebook pages.

Ray is certainly eager to see what God's plan for his life entails, and he is open to whatever His calling may be for him and his family!

This testimony has been published with permission from the owner.

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