I Will Always Miss You Dad And Mom
November 19, 2012
Samuel Girod was Amish for 30 years. He was in a business partnership with his dad and owned two properties. He had everything an Amish man could ever want; however, deep down he felt a void -- a void that would finally drive him to leave his family, community and all that he owned.
Just before midnight on September 22, 2012, Samuel walked away with two duffel bags and moved from Indiana to Ohio. More than a month went by before he gained enough courage to let his family know of his exact whereabouts.
On September 24, just two days after Samuel left the Amish, he was shown from Scriptures how he could be saved from all his sins and receive everlasting life. It was on that very same day that he reached out to Jesus Christ --- the Lord Jesus reached out to Samuel and washed his sins away and welcomed him into His eternal family. What a joyful day that was. We will never forget!
Here is Samuel's first letter to his parents
Dear Dad & Mom,
Greetings of Love in Christ and our Lord above. I’m not going ask how you all are because I can only imagine you all are crying for me and hurting. I know because I am too. But I had to do this because I always wondered if there is a way to get to Heaven other than being Amish. Well there is, and that is keeping the Word of God; nothing else will get you to Heaven, for we are all sinners.
I’m staying with some very Christian people. I have been blessed with all the friends and people I’ve met. They have all supported me in every way possible.
I’ve got 30 years of Amish man-made rules put into me and it works on me every day. But what is most important of all, is the word of God. And I know I was taught right about the Word of God; there is no doubt in my mind at all. I praise our Lord that my Dad taught me all of that, and I have a lot more to learn because we are not perfect. God does not care about materialistic things at all. All God cares about is our love, and the rules of the Word of God. Dad and Mom, I love you with all my heart, and the whole family, but most important of all is our Lord.
I never thought I’d leave, and most of you didn’t think so either. It was in the last 6 months that I really thought about it. It crossed my mind a lot of times before but I always pushed it aside. But I know God was speaking to me; there is no doubt in my mind. The Amish teaching was handed down generation after generation in the Amish culture and most of it was all about outward appearances. We have had walls built up around our hearts all of our life, and that is blocking everything out from the outside. Now that I’m out of the box it is so clear to me. The more I write, I fear, it’ll make you think of me worst. But I know in my heart you know how much I love my family, and always will, and also miss them.
I know growing up I always heard about the people that left the Amish, there’s no hope for them, and I believe that for the most part because they don’t have Christ in them. All they want to do is party and do stuff against God’s commandments. Well, I never had that desire and you know that Dad. I value that in my heart. The only thing that is going to keep me from having fellowship with my family is only because of all the man-made rules and outward appearances. It is not what we have or do to get to Heaven, it’s what is in our hearts and we will all bow before God someday.
I did not do this to make anyone look bad at all, if anyone thinks so then I think they have a problem that will have to be taken care of with God. And I know Dad that you are blaming yourself about all this, but do not, it was all my choice that I made. I know that the Amish look’s at all the worldly things about all this but what is most important of all Dad is what you taught me, the word of God. So Pray for me, not to come home, but so Christ is in me.
My heart goes out to my family so much and I wish you could understand. But, as long as you don’t want to you will always put that wall up so much higher.
After I left, reality hit me that what is most important in life is Christ. I could quote scripture and everything, but nobody knows it better than you Dad. Believe the truth Dad, please do. You would make my day if you would just realize it. I pray every day that I could be the foundation of my family someday, and maybe I am but God only knows. I don’t have anything else to say but pray to God to lead me on.
It was really, really hard for me to ignore your calls, but the only reason I did it was for my sake, not anyone else. Everyone can believe and say what they want, but I know in my heart God knows what is best for me, and I trust that 100%.
All I needed was sometime to clear my head and be open minded to the gospel. But, Dad be careful what you think and say about anyone or me, because I know, I was in that stage also. So please do that for me Dad and Mom. I love you so much and I will miss you all so, so, so much. My family means so much to me and always will.
Your loving son,
Samuel
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Comments (73) - Post a Comment
I commend this young man for taking the first steps of Failth and following Christ. It is so hard to leave behind everything that you know, but Trust in the Lord that He will guide your footsteps daily. I will keep you in prayer, while praying that God will continue to work in your family. Much courage for what you did!Blessings
Linda Ortiz at 10:28pm EST - November 19, 2012
Brother Samuel! Welcome to the fold of God!My heart aches with you, in the seperation you face with your family:( I will make special efforts to remember you in prayer, and your family! God bless you- feel free to write back if you wish.
Dwayne at 10:40pm EST - November 19, 2012
Will pray for you as you embark on this journey and will pray your family comes to know the same Christ that you do and that they find true salvation. I pray they will keep open the lines of communication too..May you go in Gods grace and continue to grow..God bless Donita
Donita Corman at 10:41pm EST - November 19, 2012
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. - John 10:27-28 KJV Praise God that you heard Samuel. I will be praying for healing for your family. It is the same for the "english". I pray that He draws your family to Himself, as i pray for mine.
jeanie at 10:47pm EST - November 19, 2012
blessings to you as u open ur heart to the Lord....i will pray for you that God enriches ur life...God Bless You!!!!
mary at 10:51pm EST - November 19, 2012
God has not promised blue skies always, but He has promised strength for today, Rest for the weary, And light on the way. Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, And undying love. Our prayers are with you and your family. I pray they will listen to the Lord's calling. May God bless you in your new endeavor of life.
Lisa Terry at 11:14pm EST - November 19, 2012
I am so thankful you followed God's voice . Our hearts hurt for these Amish youth that flow with the crowd just because its a way of life for them . God wants our hearts . I am sure you can be amish and be a christian,but so many times they don't realize what they have to have a new birth experience and that's what gains us Heaven , not the materialistic stuff . our God cares about us and we don't have to 'hope' we'll make it to heaven , we can know ..... Blessings and God's peace to you . LB and Miriam B
Lavern and Miriam Bontrager at 11:21pm EST - November 19, 2012
Samual, I talked to you son after you left. I believe God has an amazing plan for your life and you will have an impact on the American culture. I am so glad to hear that you recieved Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I have been praying for you and I rejoice with the angels in heaven tonight in the fact that you are a brand new creation and are now a prince in God's Kingdom. Your willingness to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd is the key to a victorious christian life. Those who are led of the Spirit are the Sons of God. May you continue to grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and may the love of your heavenly Father overflow from you as you continue on this journey of faith.
Jonathan Helmuth at 11:25pm EST - November 19, 2012
Dear Samuel. Thank you so much for sharing your very personal story!God blessed you with a hood heart and a good head on yourshoulders. I myself had to find my way and are happy to found friendsAnd family here in the Amish Mennonite community near SadalisMissouri. To me I found best of both worlds. If you ever come trough you are always welcome on our farm. Best wishes!Axel
Axel Klenner at 11:26pm EST - November 19, 2012
Your letter to your parents made me cry. It help me realize that god will always be there for me even when life gets rough. Your letter has changed my life and way of thinking. I hope that you are still able to communicate with your parents and family. May christ always be with you! God bless you! And stay strong, dont let anyone take you down.
Jenny Altenhofen at 11:27pm EST - November 19, 2012
Such a testimony! Proverbs 3: 5
Judy at 11:45pm EST - November 19, 2012
Samuel, I pray for you and your strength to leave the only world you knew and venture forward in God's world. I am very good friends with a couple Amish families and although I totally respect their life choices it is not without question at times. I often wonder how it would be to be raised Amish. I have friends that are from more progressive OOA and then my one friend is from a low church and we spoke on the phone last week and she told me that we could no longer have prearranged times to call. She uses an English neighbours phone so making a date and time was easiest. Her husband was spoken to by the Church and we are no longer allowed to have conversation. I can call with messages etc but socializing on the phone is no longer. Her church is really trying to limit the use of all phones. As much as I try to make sense of this, I still have difficulties. I can only imagine the inner turmoil you have felt and will continue to have. Know that many are praying for you and God is our Saviour whether we are Amish or English. If you ever need an escape and you would like to come to Canada to clear your thoughts, you are always welcome in my home.God bless you,Allyson
Allyson Langworth at 11:46pm EST - November 19, 2012
Samuel, I pray you learn to lean on the Lord. He will get you through your difficulties
Esther Crowell at 12:12am EST - November 20, 2012
Keep praying for your parents and never give up. My folks just left the amish tradition to follow Christ...my sister just older than me and the one younger than me also left the tradition this past year. we left @ six years ago and never imagined that my folks or any siblings would ever see the truth, but they did!!!!
mary jess at 12:17am EST - November 20, 2012
We do know the hurt of leaving as we did too. But we are not sorry we left and yes, it's a heart condition with Christ being our Lord and Savior...He is the ONE that must lead us on. I love this letter that you shared with your family. Let's keep praying that their eyes will be open to the Gospel! That truth is the only way that will sent them free. I Praise the Lord, with you for HIS GREAT SALVATION!! May God Bless you as you live for HIM!!
Pearl A. Lee at 12:44am EST - November 20, 2012
Praying for you and for your family.
Deborah Gullett at 1:21am EST - November 20, 2012
Samuel,It is a very courageous act of faith to follow God's calling into the unknown, especially in instances such as this where you know the steps you are taking will cause a divide between you and your family. There are many people living in boxes of their own cultural upbrining and have hardened mindsets, whether that is a religious or nonreligious parameter it seems inevitable that we cannot avail ourselves to God if we are not open to hearing from Him. I realize that breaking out of 30 years' worth of legalism is fraught with challenges, but with God all things are possible to overcome. As I read your testimony, I think of Abram who was given the call to leave his people and his former ways of thinking and living by God who blessed nations through him. When we honor God's call on our lives, we are enabled to do radical things for Him. May God abundantly bless both you, your family and the community you are sojourning from on account of your testimony to heeding God's voice.
Jocelyn Ackerman at 1:34am EST - November 20, 2012
Hi samuel i was 32 when i fiallly had the nerve to let my family know that i know it is hard but an i really like the letter u wrote very good it is such a relieve since i did let go of all those man made rules have been blessed in so many ways not money or world things as for christ since i,m out here it is not always easy but with god things will all be ok
alvin wengerd at 4:28am EST - November 20, 2012
Samuel, I was blessed to read your letter back to your parents, very good letter. I also left at the age of 36. I got saved one evening in my work shop. My eyes were so opened up to the truth that I took my family and within 1 week left the Amish and never went back. Praise God some of my brothers
Chris Byler at 7:05am EST - November 20, 2012
What a great testimony. It;s great to know that you are a fellow believer. I can't imagine what sadness you have in your heart for your family. I am praying for you and also for your family, that their hearts will be softened and that they will understand and find their way to salvation through Christ.
Doug Plice at 8:14am EST - November 20, 2012
Samuel, I pray for you and your family I am glad that you know the Word and have received the truth .I left the amish culture a long time ago ,and I still miss the family but they have lived in my heart .Your letter is a beautiful work of words and I pray your family would see the word of God as truth not as man puts it .I would love to set up a Bible study in Lancaster and spread the truth ,not a culture .Be safe and may the God of love rule in your heart.ruthannjean
ruthannjean at 10:19am EST - November 20, 2012
Samuel, I know you gave up so much, but look what you gained. God bess you. I"ll be praying for you. your such a blessing. your sister in Christ Rose
Rosalee Dempsey at 10:25am EST - November 20, 2012
Praying for you
Deborah Smith at 11:05am EST - November 20, 2012
Samuel, I welcome you into the family of God. I know that your choice was a very hard one. but one that you can enjoy forever.I understand the reasons the Amish want to keep the English out. It's fear not love.. You, my brother have found this love. Hold onto it and grow in it..o loose your family because you have left Amish country is hard.. I know.. but theres so much that you will learn. Please know that you will hurt and cry. God will always be there. no matter what....in Christ. David
david dixon at 11:53am EST - November 20, 2012
All I can say is wow . I am praising god for another Amish person saved so awesome when another Amish person get saved more and more are seeing the light . This letter is so my heart for my parent's .Me and my husband left 10 year's ago and .My family has not called or wrote me letter's. I do not hear from them sometime's it so hard but god is so awesome he get me through it . Holiday's is when it really hard. But I thank the lord i have 5 brother in law and one sister-in law and a sister that left the Amish the five brother are from the Yutzy group from Middlefield Ohio you may have have heard of us :) seem's everyone has . but i just wanna say welcome to God's family and you have many brother and sister in Christ keep look to Jesus pray for us and we will do the same .
Esther yutzy at 12:04pm EST - November 20, 2012
i don't know who he is, but i love him!
abranda at 12:33pm EST - November 20, 2012
Oh, and i want to say...great letter on being clear and so very much full of love. I know it was hard to write and every word mattered. I didn't realize this was going to go straight to your email account. We have Amish friends in Wisconsin who always are asking us to come visit and stay in their homes. We would visit more, if it wasn't such a drive, but when i am there, i feel so lost on what to say and what the heck is even going on spiritually. This letter may help me a lot the next visit. And we know mrs Esther Yutzy who wrote underneath me! If you both are in Ohio, you and her family should hook up. Then maybe you could come this way and visit with them. Never hurts to meet more believers. Take care, and keep writing.
abranda at 12:41pm EST - November 20, 2012
Glory to God the most high , our creator and saviour Jesus Christ who has redeemded us at calvary . and the ascencion . o glory to our Saviour . Stay focus on Christ Jesus . levi.
levi mast at 2:28pm EST - November 20, 2012
i hope you are doing fine! i miss seeing you and hope we can chat sometime! im so glad for you !! Praise the lord! Marvin
marvin yoder at 5:35pm EST - November 20, 2012
I am so glad for you, Samuel to have found Jesus.Its very hard to go in a different direction than your family. I know that. I am praying for you and your family also. God bless you Grow in the LORD and don't ever let anyone sway you away from Jesus.
Nancy McCleaft at 6:33pm EST - November 20, 2012
Hi Samuel. I was in a church for seventeen years. Not Amish but I struggled so much when I left and had to rebuild my faith. I went to less than zero and had to work on it. I can totally understand the feelings you have. I'll be praying for you and for your family. I pray for Mose Gingerich's family every night. That God will reach through those years of Amish teaching and they will see something new in the word. I believe that can happen. If you need anything, even just encouragement wise, feel free to contact me. When I left the church I went to, I thought God was going to kill me for leaving and I really had a lot of fear. Leaving all you have known is very hard and you have my heart. Heidi
Heidi at 8:54pm EST - November 20, 2012
sAM GLAD TO HEAR OF YOUR SALVATION. bUT KNOW WHAT. I JUST HAPPED TO KNOW OF A GREAT CHURCH IN STREETSBORO OHIO JUST SAYING....
laura york at 10:53pm EST - November 20, 2012
What a wonderful letter!! so familiar ..a hard choice to make, but with God ALL things are possible!!
Sadie at 10:59pm EST - November 20, 2012
I have always admired the Amish for the stand they take against worldly things but was always burdened that the trust in the outward blinded them to the love of God that is inward when we acept Him as our only Savior. God Bless the Amish and may He also show them the only true way through Jesus Christ.
Sherry at 11:45pm EST - November 21, 2012
I can't even amagin what it must feel like to miss your parents. It is amazing how God still loves us no matter what we go through or what we have done. I'm a student working on a world religions project and I was wondering if i could ask you a few question... thanks
Kelli Stickney at 10:26am EST - November 23, 2012
Samuel, the Lord be with you. I was an Amish minister for seven years before leaving at age 30. This was almost four years ago. It was a time of great trial for me, and the next few years were not easy. Life is still not easy, but His yoke is easy and His burden is light. You are welcome to contact me anytime and share, pour out, whatever. I know. I have been there. Find a church where the Spirit and the Word agree and plug in and learn, walk, and grow with them.
David Mast at 12:51pm EST - November 23, 2012
You shall know the truth, and the Truth shall set you free!!(John 8:31-32) Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (NKJV)
BONTRAGER at 5:39pm EST - November 24, 2012
Praise God!! Samuel , I am so glade for you, It is wonderful to have your sins forgiven!!! Thank GOD for the work HE can do in our hearts !! Over the years your family have always had a speial place in our heart,I read your letter and sensed a very loving and sweet SPIRIT, seems to me GOD has just begun a work in the commionty !! Samuel give me a call if you need something,please stop in when you get over this way, GOD BLESS YOU as you seek HIS will for your life !!!
Earl Hostetler at 1:19am EST - November 27, 2012
Samuel, I have been in your shoes and my heart goes out to you. This time is painful but joyous, hard but freeing. I just want to encourage you- God will restore in ways that are amazing if you walk faithfully with Him! Blessings, Urie Hershberger
Urie Hershberger at 9:57pm EST - December 2, 2012
Samuel, Be encouraged, I, who am your uncle have waited for 30 years to see some of my Girod family come to know the Lord.Never lose hope or sight of your family, God always take special interest in your family circle, knowing how deeply you want to see them saved. You are truly called to stand in the gap for them and many others.Standing with you, Your uncle Ben Girod
Ben Girod at 10:33pm EST - December 2, 2012
Brother it is so cool to see your brand new life with Jesus brimming with desire to see walls come down. Standing in agreement with you on this, may God grant your hearts desire to bring salvation to your family. Blessings to you!
Tiger Perry at 10:39pm EST - December 2, 2012
My heart is bursting with praises to God. I just want to commend you for writing this letter to your family. My wife and I found Christ 26 years ago and we too left the Amish. My Dad and had a very close relationship and it broke his heart when we left, but when I shared my heart with him and explained to him what really happened our relationship was restored and I actually was able to work with my Dad the last several years that he was able to work. The awesome part was that He found Christ and was saved before he died in 2005. Be encouraged my brother and keep praying for your family. God bless you in your journey. It is very important that you find a body of believers that you can connect with spiritually and will build you up and encourage you. Seek the truth and and it will set you totally free.
Elmer Coblentz at 11:31pm EST - December 2, 2012
I just read your letter to your parents! It was very good! I so rejoice every time I hear that one of my family (
Josephine Whetstone at 11:45pm EST - December 2, 2012
Samuel ...30 years is a long time but little is much when God is in it.... Your desicion to fallow truth will cost u ...Jesus said it will devide husband and wife father and mother brother and sister and family ...Jesus said he will not come to us inpart neither Will he recieve in part... Their is a way the seemeth right unto man but if it's not the way of the cross it will never lead us home... I am not 30 yet but I too am under pressure to comply with the church's standards as holy living.... 8 years a member but recently it's bin terminated by the group ... Sadly to say the least that is grounds to reject an individual .... N that brings back or alive feelings of history more vividly ...I was adopted at age 3 raised n come to kno the saviour .... N again not being felt excepted... :( But with a confidence based on truth "Jesus from whom all blessings flow great builder of the church here below" I go on!! May God bless u richly...
Anonymous at 2:33am EST - December 3, 2012
Samuel, I was so blessed when I read your letter. I to left around 18 years ago, and I know how hard it is to make the first steps, and sometimes wondering did I do the right thing? I got so hungry for more of God. I realize now God Himself put that hunger in my heart. And I used to wonder why He chose me, and sometimes I still do. The happiest day of my life was the day I realized that I don't have to work myself into heaven, that salvation is a free gift. I felt a joy and grautitude that I can't describe. The bible is now my road map, not mans idea. Keep filling yourself with the word of God. Knowing who you are in Christ is a must if you want to over come the guilt, that satan will try to put on you. I wish you Gods blessings.
Edna Weaver at 2:56am EST - December 3, 2012
Bless you Samuel! The Lord keep you and bless you all the days of your life. Your family will come to know the truth just as you have. Sometimes it takes years but your day will come, I believe that in agreement with you. Phil 4:13. Love God - Love People :)Blessings,Lisa
Lisa Friesen at 7:20am EST - December 3, 2012
God bless you,May the Lord continue to lead and guide you, I left home and the Amish when I was 18 (in 1983) because I was born again, 7 out of the 9 of us all ended up leaving the Amish because of our faith in Jesus, (I am the baby of us 9 children) A few years ago, about 5 I think, My mom was 80 years old and was outside watering flowers when she had a stroke and feel face down in the gravel drive way, there in the gravel she was completely helpless physically but completely alert mentally she got born again in answer to our prayers which some of my older siblings had been praying for, for over 30 years, so never give up praying for your family.god bless you,
David Troyer at 9:06am EST - December 3, 2012
God bless you Samuel
Sandy at 10:06am EST - December 3, 2012
Keep your eyes on Jesus. I myself left 12 years ago I still miss my parents. God Bless You
Mattie Miller at 3:10pm EST - December 3, 2012
It has been 40 years that my wife and I left the Amish at the age of 29. i did not know the truth when we left the Amish. Let me go back to my child hood. I was the third child in my family. The oldest was a sister then my older brother. So I was the second son. I was my dad's plow boy. I wanted to work with my dad but instead my brother was allowed to day after day and I had to plow. I redelled for a while. But then I started to realize if I rebelled only hell awaits me. I repented and asked God to forgive me. I went from complaining to singing and praising God. I had nobody to help me so I lost out somewhat. But the seed of God stayed in me so when I want a wife, I asked God for a godly wife. After marriage we studied the Word together, which made me ask questions. I asked question that the Amish couldn't answer. Therefore I was very dissatisfied and unfulfilled. When we left the Amish we didn't leave for more freedom. We didn't change anything in the way of our dress or way of farming for 2 years. When we were willing to step our of the Amish church, God started to reveal his truths.I have missed my family very much. But God keeps filling my heart to the point that I have never regreted leaving the Amish. I am saying all of this to help you not to look back when times get hard. We moved away from Delaware 38 years ago inorder to make it feasable for me to stay at home and be a husband and father while our children were growing up. Don't look at christian that have trouble getting along with eachother. Our flesh is so strong that if we lose our focus On Jesus, there will be trouble. Keep looking to Jesus the aurthur and finisher of our faith. A book you might consider is, We would see Jesus. By Roy Hesson. A very encoraging book. May God be with you on your new way of life.
William Mast at 12:58am EST - December 5, 2012
Wow, Samuel! From all the letters to you so far, it seems that you are quite popular. Really, it seems that it is not so much popularity, but that your story and experience is common to many who have been lost and have been empty inside and searching for God's peace and truth. You seem to have already found a new community, this time of former Amish and others who are all brothers and sisters in God's family. We will pray for you, that you will be able to stay in touch with your family, and that they, too will find salvation in Jesus. Look always to Jesus. It is good that your new life in Christ begins with such a large family who cares about you. I look forward to hearing about your continued growth in Jesus as you continue to grow in His love, His word, and in service to Him.
Paul Miller at 11:25am EST - December 5, 2012
Warmest Christian greetings from western Canada. We are greatly blessed by your testimony and want you to know that you have Christian brothers and sisters here in Manitoba who will be praying for you. We have three congregations here made up of mostly x-Hutterites who've found new life in Christ. Hutterites and Amish share many similar beliefs, although there are some differences. Hundreds have left the Hutterite colonies in recent years because of a wonderful salvation revival sweeping through our people, especially among the youth. It is hard to start over again. In the Hutterite system everything is owned by the colony and out people leave empty-handed. We help one another. We thank God for you and your wonderful relationship with Jesus. I will include my email address with this note so anyone desiring to contact us could do so: from Min. Terry Miller. Email: Diakonos.Travelling@gmail.com Blessings from western Canada.
Min. Terry Miller at 11:28am EST - December 5, 2012
Samuel,I am so happy for you! I couldn't have presented Christianity any better to your mom and dad. You said it so well. I know that your family misses you; I wish that their hearts were more open. We will be praying for you. Please know that you are always welcome at our house. We are so happy to have another brother in Christ. In Him,
Pam Kurtz at 2:41pm EST - December 5, 2012
Praise the Lord that your eyes have been opened!!! Isn't it so free and wonderful!? I pray that God will continue the work that he has started in you, which he will if Christ will always be your first in live. I'm encouraged and blessed to hear about your testimony and God will use you to share with your family, Oh that their eyes will be opened too. May Christ light and grace be in you as you live for his Glory!!
Ada Mast at 8:04pm EST - December 5, 2012
Hello Samuel,I believe we met briefly when I stopped in at Joe
Barbara Keim at 1:46am EST - December 6, 2012
Dear Samuel. I just read the letter you wrote to your family. How lovely! I will put you on my prayer list and pray that one day (hopefully soon) your whole family will understand the love of Jesus, the truth of God's Word and come to know Jesus Christ as personal Savior. I care about the Amish and have personally met Esther Keim - what a godly, lovely Christian woman! I have visited the large Amish community in Ohio many times - a little over an hour from my home southwest of Cleveland. I thank our loving Lord that He helped you to see what it was that your heart needed. I have been a born-again Christian for over 50 years and have found that only God satisfies the longings of our hearts. The Lord has always kept close to me (as He promised) and has met every need in my life in all those 50 years, including the past 12 years since my beloved husband was taken "home" to heaven. God bless you, Samuel. You just "keep on keeping on" by trusting our loving God and especially keep studying His Word (the Bible) EVERY DAY. It will enrich your life and get you through the tough times when Satan will try to discourage you and even try to whisper to you that all this "Christian stuff" is a lie. But Satan is the father of lies - rebuke him and concentrate on the Lord and His Word. This will encourage you and you will be successful in your new-found life with Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
Elsie A. Brewer at 10:57am EST - December 7, 2012
What a wonderful and sensitive letter to your parents! I pray they will accept it and not reject your words, and that eventually they understand. I have known you these 30 years, and rejoice that you have truly found the Lord. My dear husband Irving was rejoicing with those angels on the day you received the Lord into your live. The people writing comments here have left you with such good advice. Just stay in the Word and God will lead you and Polly. Blessings!!!
CoraVee Caswell at 3:27pm EST - January 1, 2013
Samuel, I cried for you this morning when I heard the blessed news of your new-found relationship with God. The tears were of joy as I praised God for helping you find your way to Him. I am so excited for you, and I pray that your hunger for God and His word will be seen in your words to your parents. I've been praying for you since you left... we were all so worried. I know that you still have fears as your family will each have to make their own decision on how they will deal with the choices you've made, but you and I both know that in your heart you made the best decision (ever) in following God's call. There's a peace that we can only find in Christ that will help you through all this. I've known you for most of your 30 years, and have always considered you my brother... now you really are! "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight" (Philippians 1:9)
Alicia (Caswell) Beam at 5:46pm EST - January 2, 2013
You know exactly how Arlene
Jack Milliman at 10:18pm EST - January 9, 2013
I will pray for you today, as I think about what you shared. I am so happy to hear of your faith in Christ as Savior. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to give up your family for what is true. I have been a believer for many years and often prayed for the amish, though I don't know any, that they would be saved through faith in Christ's work alone. I came across this site searching for stories of amish that know Christ as Savior. I admire their strong family values and dedication to the scriptures and living according to what they perceive is the the correct interpretation of the scriptures, but all that is for nothing if faith is not resting solely on the righteousness of Jesus only. After all, this was the faith that caused the separation of the amish and the mennonites from the rest of society so many hundreds of years ago and I wonder if it has been lost and I am looking up things on the internet to see if salvation is still taught in the amish communities.
Christy Maxwell at 8:24pm EST - January 20, 2013
Just a second thought to share: I have been a Christian for 35 years and encountered my own battles of wondering over the interpretations of various scriptures. I would encourage you to really get to know Christ through the Scriptures. Study the scriptures. Other books may be very helpful, or may lead you astray, and when you are seeking to be sure of what you believe, the only reliable test is the scriptures (as your letter shows, you already believe). Psalm 119 is so very good to ponder on. Coming out of the Amish may have left you feeling uncertain as to who or what doctrines to believe in. But the scripture tell us that the Holy Spirit guides us into truth and He will help you, as you focus on the truths of scripture. Many years ago I would struggle with various views of doctrine, wondering which was right and which person to follow, but as I've become older, I feel that even these struggles, though they may be difficult in our minds, give us an opportunity to show our love and trust in the Lord, although we do not understand a certain passage. We can trust, that whether or not we understand some of the more difficult things in scripture, the plain and clear truths of scripture, pointing us to deeper fellowship and communion with Christ as the One Who gave himself for our sins, is sufficient. In other words, you may feel uncertain as to what can be trusted, but the clear teachings of scripture are all we need to point us to Christ, although godly counsel and church fellowship are also important ways God works in our lives. May the Lord richly bless you!
Christy Maxwell at 8:44pm EST - January 20, 2013
Samuel,What a brave thing you did. It's not at all easy to leave all that you know and especially the people you love so much. Though I am not Amish, nor ever was, I did have to make a choice to leave my family in order to follow the pull God put into my heart. I didn't know it was God at the time which is why I think it was so terrifying. I felt like I was being disloyal to my family which is something I learned you should never do. It just wasn't done and if you did, shame on you. I can tell you flat out, you are not a bad person for leaving. You are a godly person for following God's plan for you. He is pleased with you I'm absolutely sure! Did you know when a person receives Christ into their lives the angels in Heaven rejoice? They rejoiced over you! Isn't that amazing? The letter you sent to your family was full of love and humility. God bless you brother in Christ.
Fran Shultis at 8:12pm EST - February 4, 2013
It's a beautiful letter that you wrote to your family; written in love, may they receive it in love. God bless and keep you Samuel~
Carolyn at 12:45am EST - March 2, 2013
Wow! What courage and trust. I admire that. God bless you lots, Samuel.
Jason Beachy at 11:11pm EDT - March 31, 2013
Samuel, I was never Amish, but I too, spent 35 years in a group that felt they were the only right people in the eyes of God and labeled all outside of their group as the "world". The group was closely bounded and it was difficult for me to leave. It's not easy to allow God to remove the doctrine that had been pounded into us for so many years but we need to put our trust in the ONE that died to save us. You will find many blessings and many others who love God and seek to serve Him.
Lynn at 6:37pm EDT - April 14, 2013
Dear Samuel, Marcella, my wife, and I know your parents. We spent a wonderful day in your father's home around 2 years back when your brother-in-law, the red bearded one, was being shunned. My heart hurt for him - while we all ate the big table in the kitchen, he ate what others took to him in the living room.I was raised Amish/Mennonite, by Godly parents. My salvation experience was like this:1. An evangelist preached a sermon about hell, and the 2nd coming of Jesus. I did not want to go to hell, so out of fear I confessed my known sins, received instruction, and was baptized into the Mennonite Church. But my life was a constant struggle - I did not want to sin, but I kept repeating them! I could not stop doing them - lying, masterbating, and even telling dirty stories. I'd feel badly about my sins, and ask God to forgive me, but they just returned. I THOUGHT THAT MY SIN WAS THE PROBLEM. I also was raised with lots of rules to obey.2. At age 18, I attended a tent meeting with George Brunk, Sr., from Virginia, and he preached on "How to receive the Holy Spirit." He gave an invitaion to go forward for prayer, but my pride would not allow me to go. So after I returned to my room, I asked m roommate what Brunk had said. He said, "You have to ask God to give you the Holy Spirit, and He'll do it!" Right there, sitting on the edge of my bed, I opened my hands and said, "Father in heaven, I need the Holy Spirit in my life. Send Him to me now, in Jesus' name I pray.The Holy Spirit came like warm water running all over my body - I KNEW He'd come, and I thanked God for sending Him to me. For three days yet, I could feel His presence flowing over and through me.My life totally changed that night.A. I instantly had a love and concern for the lost people all around me.B. I began to share Jesus with anyone who'd listen to me.C. The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to UNDERSTAND the Bible when I read it, and He gave me a hunger to read it every day, first thing in the mornings.D. Ocassionally, I'd sin, and immediately the Holy Spirit spoke to me about it, and immediately I confessed that sin to God, repented of it, and told God that I'd not go back to doing it again. LIFE BECAME FUN! IT WAS EXCITING. Other saw the change in me.E. I wanted to be in worship services, to hear the Word preached, to sing His praises, and to encourage others in their faith in Jesus.Now two things I'd like to know:(1) Would you like to continue to communicate with me? I live in Columbus, OH.(2) Would you encourage me to communicate with your parents, sharing my own personal testimony of God's work in my life? Marcella and I will commit ourselves to pray for your parents and siblings as God guides.The day we spent with you parents, Jackie and Arlene Miliman were with us.Then we returned a year later with Marcella's sister and her husband to spend time with your parents.When we left for home, in my spirit I sensed that they did NOT know Jesus, but I did not want to judge them too harshly, rather I wanted to love them into Jesus' kimgdom.To contact me, you can use any of the following ways:freyv@Juno.com614-436-9615890 Blind Brook DriveColumbus, OH 43235PS: Thanks so much for sharing you story above. We talked with the Miliman's tonight by phone, and they said your testimony was on the web.
Mennonite Pastor Vincent Frey, at 11:09pm EDT - May 25, 2013
Dearest samuelYou are very brave continue your relationship with Jesus and His Father,for you are truly brave to begin your life in the unknown far from the familiar,pray for me to have the same courage that what you have done,I could do to,begin life in the unkownxxxxxx
saretha at 5:29am EDT - September 4, 2013
Hello Samuel. this is your big sister in Christ, Linda :-) You have done a very brave thing.I pray your family will come to Jesus very quickly and He will let them know the truth!The Amish, in my limited opinion, have so much right! I wish and pray for a church body that would continue doing what the Amish have right and add to what the gospel teaches about salvation!The church can let too much of the world in, and that is not good. The church can live mostly in the world and that is not good.We, my husband and I, have 5 grown children and 7 grandchildren. When we were raising our children we raised them with God's word every single day. We taught them to not be part of this world. We were outcasts in our church because we took and take God's word so literally.Our children were shunned, so to speak, so many times by teens their own age because they lived their faith out every day and not just on Sunday.I know what it feels like to lose family and friends because of true faith, but I imagine your loss is much greater for the simple reason you were brought up Amish and I wasn't.My dream and prayer is that my husband and I, along with our family, will be part of( even if we have to start one), a church body that holds the correct part of being Amish and the truth of God's word, married together so to speak. My husband is a pastor without a church at present.I believe that we should be separate from the world. I believe we should be there for one another when troubles come our way. I believe we should be a body of Christ that is there for one another through good and bad times etc. I also believe our Heavenly Father makes no mistakes and He has told us how to get to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ His only begotten Son! We don't have to wonder if we are going to Heaven or not, all we have to do is follow Him and have a relationship with Him. God our Father loves us! He wants us to be secure in our faith in Him. We are His children!Samuel, you and your family will remain in my prayers.Your sister in Christ Jesus,Linda :-)
Linda at 2:09pm EDT - September 5, 2013
Samuel, This is a true God story and fiinding. I am so happy for you, no not happy, JOYFUL. I pray that you never loose this love and understanding of God and his glory. This is such a heart felt story. What church do you attend now? Wow, just wow! May God's word continue to be a light upon your path. Best Wishes, Michell
Michell Bloomfield at 7:04am EDT - September 7, 2013
Samuel,This is the second comment I have made today on this site. First I want to tell you how proud of you I would be if you were my son. To leave what one knows and meet what one does not is a true re-birth. It is the reason babies scream and cry when born. The very thought of life in another dimension is a very scary place to be. Death has the same fright I bet. No matter how prepared you think you are, the thought of it will someday scare me I think.So you look happy, and how are you now? Oddly that name of yours seems to belong to many Amish children that I know. We own a buggy shop here in Minnesota and also sell harnesses and novice broke horses to all points west of the Mississippi river. The horse market is down and the hay prices are up so things have been most difficult. Too many baby boomers are now done with horses altogether. And kids want computers not ponies.Someday maybe we could talk about your conversion. Best of luck to you all. Rod Monroe @ yahoo.com
Rod Monroe at 7:22pm EST - November 29, 2013
I can remember back when I left the amish 30 years ago, I went into the english world as in drugs and drinking so i knew that was not right and I have been in the english world for A long time until christ came into my hear.t it is true that the Bible is the word of God , and in the amish I didn't find god and neither did I find God In the english , he is known by revelation he reveals himself to you you have to have a personal experience with him to know him , you don;t know him through Amish lifestyle or English lifestyle he is known by revelation both amish or english are born a sinner come to the world speaking lies,. if you just went from Amish to english you went from one sinner into another sinner many people think when they change from one lifestyle in to another lifestyle they had a new birth it is not the style of cloth you ware but it is a change from with in your heart you used to do things that is ungodly and when you are born again you start doing things that are godly such as the morals you live the majority of the world have a carnal interpetation of what the new birth is, they have their series, but what I have experience it is A character change in a persons life you can be an amish christian or you can be an english christian its the Godly character that comes from a persons that Identifys him or her that they have a new birth,
Emanuel Byler at 9:37pm EST - December 19, 2013
Welcome Samuel to the household of faith. I remember you well as I also remember your family, relatives and community. We always had a high regard for our Amish friends and still do. They have stood with me in need and by Gods grace I have tried to do the same when needs arose. Your Uncle is very much like a true brother to me and I love him like one. I have very happy that you have found salvation in Jesus, something no religion on earth can offer, regardless of how old. All religions stray, just as all people do, but God has a way of pulling on us until we respond, as he did you. With joy comes sadness too because I don't like to see division in families and I know what your mom and Dad must be feeling right now. Jesus warned that his message would set families against one another but I hate it just the same. You have honored your Dad and Mom here, as you should. By human standards, he is a very good man, just as your uncle is. But you are not saved by belonging to a strict sect of people, by shunning modern conveniences etc. We are all saved the same way, by grace. My prayer is that your whole family can find the same salvation you have found. Blessings! Dan
Dan Christopher at 3:08pm EDT - March 26, 2014
Samuel,I read your letter with a mixture of sadness and joy. I know that sounds strange, so let me try to explain. I am sad because I know that, by your leaving, you have been placed in the ban and, according to he Amish way, you must be shunned by your parents and family, and any Amish that know you. I am not Amish, certainly, and never have been, however, I am Christian and, as a Christian, I truly cannot comprehend how the Amish church can require parfents and family to actually shun a loving son, just because you has chosen to find another path to God that is more meaningful. The very act of shunning goes against everything I believe as a Christian. Jesus Christ Himself went among the prostitutes and the tax collectors, and all manner of people of His day that were thought of as low and vile. He spoke of His Father's endless love and forgiveness. If the Father can forgive and love us un onditionally, why can't those in the Amish church do the same? I also am joyful for you, in that you were courageous enough to take that step and seek out another path to God that you feel is relavent to your life. My prayer for you is that you will always remain on that path and also that, someday, your family and those that mean so much to you will rise above the man mde laws of the Amish church and welcome you back.I note that your letter is already several years old, and I hoope that life for you in the present time is good, and that you remain on the path you have chosen to God. I would be delighted if you would take the time to let me know how you are.God's Peace to you.Greg Stepanek
Greg Stepanek at 1:25am EDT - July 12, 2014
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