Rhoda Brubaker

October 20, 2017

My name is Rhoda Brubaker, and I was born and raised in an Old Order Mennonite community; most might know my community best as the Black Bumper Mennonites. Growing up, I learned about the Word of God, was taught to “walk my talk,” and knew that following God was important.

Unfortunately, however, both of my parents were mentally ill. Although they did their best, my siblings and I were emotionally neglected because of their illness. I always blamed my problems on my Mennonite upbringing, but it wasn’t until I was thirty years old that I realized my problems were not Mennonite related, but rather, the result of human ailments. Surprisingly, my Mother did validate my relationship and walk with God. Because of her mental state, I can see that the validation was truly a gift from God.

I initially went to college with the determination to show my father that I could be educated and a Mennonite, but that didn’t last long. I began to “let my hair down” and attended Heston College in Kansas and stayed in the mid-west from 1970 to the early 80’s, unbeknown to my parents.

This was my way of making the decision to leave my religious roots with the Mennonites in a search for the absolute truth. At this time of searching and leaving, God sent people into my life to help. He sent me spiritual mentors, and he also sent me Christian literature, which I loved to read in order to learn and educate myself.

Some of the scriptures and literature that I read confused me, though. I struggled to know whether a head covering was required of God or not. I eventually came across I John 5:11-13 and realized that God never convicted me to wear a covering. I also started wearing my hair short.

After leaving the Mennonites, I stayed away from my family for years. I only came home to visit every now and then, but I did not want to hurt my parents by having them watch me grow away from the church. Although my mother eventually accepted my decision to accept salvation, I’m not sure if my father ever accepted my testimony for God.

I have also struggled to know where to go to church or find where God wants me. I walked away from the Baptists when I was in college because they did not accept my Mennonite Baptism, but God had a different plant and led me back to a Baptist church. I have now been immersed in the Jordan River and will continue to follow God.

In addition to being involved in my new church and faith, now that I have left the Mennonites, I have a deep desire to return and minister to the Amish. I have no patience to just go to church but want to be used by God to make a difference. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will lead me in the days and months to come!

This testimony has been published with permission from the owner.

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