Why I Left the Amish
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- Опубликовано: 1 янв 2021
- My story on leaving the Amish community in northern Indiana and moving to Idaho.
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Welcome to The Amish Potato’s Channel. My name is Cj Miller. I was raised Amish in Shipshewana, IN. I was Amish until I was 16 years old, when I started dressing “English”, drove a car and partied on the weekends. This is called Rumspringa.
I did this until I was in my late twenties. I then briefly joined the amish church, left again, and moved to Idaho where I discovered the truth of who Christ is, married my lovely wife and am now sharing my story on RUclips.
Thank you for watching and enjoy!
👉👉LIFE AFTER ALL THIS👈👈
Married? Kids? What else?
😳😳😳WATCH NEXT😳😳😳
ruclips.net/video/7s-QjGn-fA0/видео.html
Carl have you been able to connect with your Family??? Thank You for your testimony!!
I'm interested in finding work in the RV industry. I've been working in the solar field for the last 3 years but I'm now on my 5th project because they only last so long and I'm currently driving 3 and a half hours each way to get to work. I'm not too far from the area in Indiana where the RVs are made. Do you have a contact number or something that can help. I'm a single father with 3 children so I don't want to keep moving around.
A dog is not just a dog . I hope you now see that dogs and cats love unconditionally. They know how to love more than a human . That’s why they are man’s best friend. God knew we need them . They truly are a gift from our lord.
Did any of your other siblings leave? Are you able to visit your family fairly often?
@@houndlover870 It's possible that he is being shunned. However, without an official declaration that he "left the church" there is plausible deniability that he simply relocated for work.
I don't condone lies but he did accept a transfer from his employer.
I was also raised Amish. My parents left the Amish after being baptized and were shunned. They had no choice to stay or leave the church. As a young kid, not being able to freely be with my many many cousins was devasting. Out of 11 siblings, my mother was the only one shunned. We were not allowed to eat at grandma and grandpa's house. This still impacts my life today. Thanks for your transparency and sharing your story. God bless you!!
I can empathize and pray for peace and healing for you
My boyfriend is a Jehovah Witness and because he won’t break up with me his mother has kicked him out and won’t speak to him except when she needs his help with something. (She’s in her 60s.) I hate religion, it’s evil, definitely not loving at all!
@@TattedIrishxxx you are right. Religion kills
@@TattedIrishxxx I empathize with your boyfriend's dilemma. My mother is also a JW, but she's in her mid-eighties, and my eldest sister has blocked me from communicating with my mother for years. I also have lost my taste for any religion, and I've never been happier in my life!
No god in this world would ever want people to exclude others for having a different opinion on life or belief. That's all man-made when spirituality is abused to create power-structures.
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love
Amazing grace
💜💛💜 It is hard to think and change your mind about things. Especially religious beliefs.
God is not real
@@guyarrol582 ok boomer
Salvation feels just like that. Chains fall off ... nothing physical can match the experience
@@charlottedurden2050 an entirely subjective emotional experience, intentionally induced by the situation/environment, with no lasting effects. Religious people have the same problems as everyone else.
You have no idea how many people of all ages and genders and religions you have blessed with this sharing or testimony. For many reasons, this has blessed me, a 68 year old, handicapped, dog loving lady. Thank you.
Love your dog ;-)
Aww
It's 2 years since you put this out and people are listening. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for your testimony, I was born and raised in a Mennonite family, and I also struggled with, am I good enough to go to heaven? I tried so hard to earn good works so that God would love and chose me, until I started to study the Bible myself, and found that its all by Gods grace, and his finish work on the Cross. all praise to God, its good to be free from those chains.
AMEN!
I always tell my kids that God loves us more than we can understand- nothing we do can make Him love us more or love us less because He already loves us to the utmost.
@David Wolf- I was raised Baptist, but grew up in the same home my great grandfather built. I'm from a small community in Northern California. In the area I grew up in, most of my neighbors were Mennonite. It was a HUGE blessing to have to pass right by a Mennonite home going down the driveway across the street from my home so I could get to my great uncle & great aunts house. I was invited over one day by the mom of this family to play for a little while with her kids and such. It was a real education to me to see a whole different world of how Mennonites live compared to non-Mennonite. It was a few decades later before it was explained to me about the similarities and differences between the Mennonites and Amish.
What an incredible testimony I was raised Pentecostal (United Pentecostal Church) and "This is the only true church!" Was taught to me also I never realized there were so many similarities in doctrinal beliefs between churches. We had electricity. But there we're so many things we were taught that are similar. "You we're lucky enough to be born into the Pentecostal church if you ever leave you'll go to hell!" They used to call it "That old time Religion!"
So you say you have READ the BIBLE for YOURSELF.. do you believe that once saved always saved? Do you believe you can loose your SALVATION?
This man is an extraordinary individual who is a deep thinker & truth seeker.
Not really .. from what I get he gave up a pretty decent family and a pretty decent life because he didn't understand the rest of america is probably worse
Actually, he has put his trust in Jesus who is the only way to God. God has not taken us out of this world but has promised never to leave or forsake us.
God is the one who deserves all the credit. He is the extraordinary One.
Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will not be turned away.
That is talking about false prophets. I was quoting scripture Rom 10:14 on how to be saved. 😊
@Kristin j.r.
Thank you and God Bless you too. 😊
@@shawnmunroe1503
Yes this poor young man is a bit confused.
But he's doing great work by educating others on here. He's redeemed himself. Praise Jesus ! And god forgives him ! Amen good to see you !/ Good to see him !
As an INFJ who was apart of the Mennonite Church, I identify so much with this. Like, almost every part, even the level of heartbrake. Praise Jesus for his love, comfort and grace.
INFJ here also. We are rare!
I was not raised Amish but in a strict religion. I accidentally happened upon your video. You really spoke to me as we have similar personalities and I too suffered abandonment before I could walk and it’s been a lonely 56 years. Your words brought hope. Thank you.
Please always have hope - never give up. We don't know what it means or how it's going to play out - the activities of the world, I mean. If we truly believe there's a God and we must also believe there's always hope.
@@carolgiangreco6548 Wawa Axa
Maybe create a support group?
Yes, There is a loneliness in us and as time goes by we begin to recognize something is missing. For me it took a long time and the Holy Spirit leading me in how to pray and for good books to read. I keep a journal and one day I saw these words fall onto my page from my pen, " I have met me and I like me!" I was so surprised all I could do was smile. in that moment I knew that my Heavenly Father was telling me He knows all about me and He loves me and was telling me to love myself too... like in the Great Shema the Jews pray...' thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all your heart and all your mind and all your soul and all your strength, AND thy Neighbour AS yourself!
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
“This is the first and great commandment. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39).
You weren’t “a downer”. You were severely depressed. There’s a big difference!
Yeah you’re right, I don’t think she saw it that way though😋
Glad you are still here and didn't take your life. Everyone struggles with life and religion, doesn't matter what your beliefs are. In the end, you have to follow your heart and know God still loves you and you won't go to hell.
@@theamishpotato I broke up with my fiance because I was serious about serving the Lord Jesus. My ex was "happy" living like the world and was pulling me away from God. I realized that I couldn't have it both ways and I chose Jesus.
Even though I felt I had made the right decision, I terribly missed the friendship I had with this man. We were in our mid twenties.
He soon became very violent toward me. My Mom and I lived in fear of him. This only deepened my conviction that I had chosen well, and didn't want to see my ex. (How could he think that blowing up my mailbox would induce me to marry him ?!. That he did !!) . He claimed to be a believer, yet he wanted me dead if I wouldnt go back to him. The more he ramped up his attacks , the more greatful I became that I had NOT married him. It was a blessing in disguise, because he had alot of rage bottled up. This was a side of him I had not seen before. His Mom and dad said he was supposed to take meds. for it... they said he'd done that for years.. They had "hoped not to tell (me )about it." Imagine !.
Then, I lost my job as did my Mom when the co. closed. We were still being attacked by him. He rang the phone all night, threatening to burn down our home if we slept. Yes, he was the exact opposite of the Godly man he reprezented himself to be.
I sank into years of Clinical depression, still grieving the loss of my dad to suicide on top of everything else.
I was not comfortable going back to the church my ex had pried me away from. I had to admit I let my ex control and influence me...I had gone along with him. I found out just how miserable a person can be... I didnt want to live in pain any longer and I even begged God to kill me. Yet, God had things for me to learn and discover in my grief.
I used to walk until I collapsed in exhaustion. That was the only way I could sleep. I got emaciated, too.
For a long time, I ignored that I had stopped growing closer to the Lord. I had taken my eyes off of Him. I later sought out a Christian counselor, and she helped me. Gotta' add that you have to be PATIENT for a break through... I had alot going on. She helped me learn to understand myself and what all got me "going".
Eventually my ex was picked up for a crime he'd done to his own family member, so he was diverted from attacking us. I had truly loved him at one time, and I prayed for him. I didnt hate him, but I sure hated how he treated us ! ! And I am glad I never blamed God for all this, for He was stepping into my sorrow daily, reaching for my hand when I was broken and blind with tears.
One day I began reading the Pauline Epistles, and I couldn't put the Bible down !. (See, -- I had put myself on a spiritual "starvation diet" in order to spend more time on that failing relationship I 'd been in ). It felt so good to be back in the land of the living. It wasn't long before I went back to church and everyone said I literally glowed with happiness. I had never smiled like that before... it was something I wasn't aware I was doing.-- but everyone noticed it.
Jesus brought me back from the brink of death ...again. Thanks to God ! ! .True story.
"Now unto Him that is able to Keep You from falling,
And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God our Saviour,
Be glory and majesty, dominion
And power, both now and evermore
Amen". - - Jude, verses 24 & 25
@@donnajohnson3334 It sounds like he had Borderline Personality Disorder. They don't handle rejection well. You dodged a huge bullet. Glad you and your mom are okay!
@@stevelangland3924 for myself I don’t believe in hell. Not after you die at least, hell is here on earth when you’re disconnected from your true self xx heaven is here too it’s not somewhere else 😍🤩
Fantastic story. There is a large community of Amish north of me and I for years haf my door open as shelter for any young people who decide to leave the community.
that's awesome. Thank you for that.
I have quite a bit around me here in missouri. Side note. My step grandpa was Amish. He changed his name and washed his hands from it. He never really talked about it. You my friend, I could listen to all the stories. I’m widowed with three kids and trying to do the best I can. But there was one point in my life. Me and my dad and sister always swam at this one creek. Well the Amish would come down to swim too. I was about 15 and our eyes locked and I was just ready to change my life and become Amish. My dad told me once the two of us kids at the time when we looked away he said for them not having any electricity there sure was sparks flying then. And his dad was looking at my dad and looking at us. Idk. It was crazy. I’ve always wondered if I did wrong by not being bold enough to go stand by him and strike up a convo. Thank you for letting me see finally 20 some years later that I made the right choice. Every heartache and pain I’ve had. That’s when I get closer to Jesus. I would love to hear all the debunks
Sall good but I'm confused as to why that's something? Any neighbor should help a child in distress ...Is that motivated by anti-amish ?
@@Bubbles_Hill
Nice to meet you.
It's good you're a Christian !
@@shawnmunroe1503
In the cities that's crazy. Like you're stealing a child or something.
In the country that makes sense
That you'd look after children as if they were your own .
What a beautiful testimony! I'm so glad you found Jesus Christ and the peace for which you were searching.
Ok so what was your psychological diagnosis? What made you different? Are you on the spectrum? I am married to a man who we found out is on the spectrum.
Amish also believe in Messiah Jesus, even more than other western Christians so what's the matter with you
@@mustafagolubic2235 It is not just a matter of believing in Messiah Jesus. It was for me, a matter of becoming the complete fully alive , free and redeemed Daughter of My Heavenly Father I was being called into. To know Him in Spirit and in Truth. To grow into ' the full measure of the man in Christ.'
@@lovelettknight9344 So actions don't matter, right? OK, wishful thinking is your bliss.
@@mustafagolubic2235 They told him if he left he was going to hell just for that... which isn't true nor Christian. He had to find a personal relationship with Jesus, which is very difficult to do if you were discouraged from personal Bible study.
Man! I’ve never been Amish but You just described me! I went through the same stuff, though my reaction was much worse than yours. My dad and mom split at 2 and it continues to effect my life today. I turn 26 in a couple months and still can’t seem to get my life together. I have all these same questions.
Please pray for me.
Praying for you 🙏. May God reveal himself to you, deliver you and comfort and direct you. He is joy, forgiveness, and peace.
Bull, move on bro the past is dead.......
I am going to add you to my prayer list! As a believer in Jesus myself...I can say 100 percent this guy has an awesome testimony and he is telling you the truth. Jesus says in the Bible Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." and Jesus also says: I Am the Way, the Truth, and Life, no one comes unto the Father but by me". I hope you reach out to this guy and I hope you look up because I believe Jesus may be coming back for us very soon! God bless you ~
@@redpillcopinthephilippines9647 The past is in your head!
You’re in my prayers. God bless you
As a German I smile at the word " rumspringe". It comes from southern German dialects and means "to jump around (wildly)". We use that word actually, but not for stuff like dating, doing drugs and drinking alcohol, but like little kids do 'rumspringe' in the kindergarten playground, dogs do it when they are off leash, deer "springe rum" in the forest and hare in the meadows.
genau, das dachte ich auch! Wie wilde kleine Kinder die rumspringen!
Ich dachte mehr an "austoben". In der Jugend und in den 20ern tobt man sich aus. Passt eher. Toben ist ja auch etwas aktives. Kinder toben, Hunde toben, vor Wut toben. Und austoben ist dafür da es aus dem System raus zu bekommen. In dem Fall daten, Auto fahren, die Welt erkunden, ausprobieren, saufen. Und wenn man sich ausgetobt hat, entscheidet man was man jetzt machen will.
Wow...glad you cleared that up....I thought it was an code Amish word for "fucking" like bunnies.
That is what it is supposed to mean and like the word Gay it was polluted by the Satan!
Sometimes they dance at their youth gatherings . So it relates to dancing and running around.
I hope this man knows how inspiring and precious his message is.
33³3³⁴12112 12th²21½
People make up stories for what they don’t know. And then use those stories as a claim of knowing. All this pride in knowledge rather than accepting the truth of - I don’t know. The belief in a need to know, is just another claim only found in a story.
@@yoso585 IKR😝
i dont mean to be offtopic but does someone know a tool to log back into an instagram account??
I was stupid lost the password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me.
@Lee Nico instablaster =)
Any religion that separates you from others is described as a cult, no better than Scientology, it's designed to control and not much else...thank you for your bravery
taniabardsley6325: Shunning and removing members is not simply to "control." It's purpose is to prevent contamination of the body, by an unrepentant and practicing sinner. The "sins," that lead to shunning are NOT minor sins, but rather sins of adultery, sex abuse, etc that the sinner does not repent of.
Any religion, period, is.
@sheilasmith7779 not necessarily, amish can be shunned for having a Bible study group at their house.
@@4seasonsTrucker No, not true. The Amish leaders exercise instruction to the one preceived as off course, or beyond exceptable bounds, AND exercisr shunning for others that are unrepentant and remain rebellious.
The Amish leaders do not enact one response to all transgressions.
Let me simplify this a little for everyone: If you join a group of people who think it is appropriate to not only believe in the supernatural as an adult, but tell you to worship a supernatural being... you're in a cult.
Wow. This brought tears to my eyes. You're a beautiful person with so much depth. I have never been Amish but I can understand and connect with the pain you felt with having to decide which path to choose and the confusion from it all. Also the pain when the woman you were in love with left. Thank you for being so authentic. I'm writing this mid video I have not finished watching yet...but I hope you say that you have found your peace and happiness because you deserve that. It saddens me that I can see the heaviness and the pain that you carry, I wish you the best. Thank you for sharing your story.
♥️
You are a treasure. You gave yourself to Christ at 15, and told Him to do with you as He would and that's exactly what He did. Praise God!
I would just love to just give this young man a hug is a inspiration to so many people.
In u.c
Praise our Lord Jesus Christ.
Roman's 3:25 remission of sins that are PAST
@@maryhelenguerrero5740
Nice to meet you. Praise Jesus !
@@tinafranklin4597
Do you think the jews are working on slowly making a one world religion ?
I visit Lancaster often and know some Amish. I’m sorry to hear how much pain your birth family and faith caused you. Unfortunately life is not fair in so many ways, as you know. Many people struggle internally for years with doubt, insecurity and fears as have I. You aren’t alone having this kind of turmoil. I’m glad you found some peace. My feeling is you will have a good, fulfilling life. Life tip: Don’t worry too much about justifying yourself to others!
You have told an amazing life story. That counselling you received was invaluable.
I.N.T.P. here and I didn't find out until I was 55 years old. What a revelation for me. Better late than never to know yourself.
I was Amish for the first 38 years of my life in Holmes County OH. and I know exactly what you felt when you found more truth. and I also know the pain of leaving. I loved the lifestyle but always questioned the religion.
I lived in Coshocton for 3 years. I used to see people who looked Amish out around the town; but they drove cars and had cell phones. Were they Amish?
@@melindaking9270 No, Amish don't drive cars but they have cell phones, if they go to town like Coshocton they would hire a driver, could be that you saw Amish in vehicles with hired drivers, but if they were driving they were conservative Mennonites, they look similar to Amish but drive cars
@@melindaking9270 hi there I’m from Wayne county area of Ohio and I would say they were most likely Conservative Mennonite if I had to guess. Also if they were young I would say they could be in RumSpringa.
I grew up in Holmes County. Had a classmate, last name Raber, class of 85 at West Holmes. Did you go to public school?
@@Monipenny1000 no I went to a private school in 85 I was in first grade
Just found this, inspirational. I cried when he said God sent him a dog. And what a beautiful dog He sent him! What an amazing God we serve!
Nothing better than an honest and truthful testimony, given without embellishments, and from the heart.....May your path be merry and wide.... I am sure you're already helping many along the way....Thank you.
He's not just a dog 🐕 You both needed each other ! He's family 💙And what an inspiring story! Thank you
Dog spelled backwards is God. 🙂
Your situation similar to Hasidic Jews
They follow because they are afraid of repercussions
Power held by a few people
Do what is good for you
Wow! I live in northern Ashland County Ohio. All my neighbors are Old Order Amish or Buggy Mennonite. About 20 years ago, one of my best friends decided to leave his Amish family. He went thru the misery you talked about. We have a program I support in the small town I live near. I met an ex Amish girl in the food store that gives them a chance for a job. She is from Indiana. She has said a lot of the things you did. There was just something not right about joining the church. She believes it was the Holy Spirit working in her with the truth. It just amazes me how brave they are.
Great story of God’s mercy and Grace! I will be looking for the lost people; that He has planned to send me? This has really touched me with understanding and wisdom! See you in Heaven! Thank you Jesus, for your work
I worked with several people who left the Amish church for many reasons and the biggest thing was incestuous relationship with the uncle and father and no one believes her still the preacher didn’t care what she said and it was hushed up.She became pregnant and left with her brother he was also forced to have sexual relations with male family members this was in Indiana they didn’t even get to defend themselves all of the elders and abusing family members said they were lying they have been gone for 10 years and have been happy as can be and married Christians in their new church and they have families but no desire to ever see their parents anymore
Praise god you found your delivernce, I listened to your entire testimony and it was amazing! You are such light for the lord! Bless you!
I’m not Amish but I really needed to hear your story. Thank you. I subscribe to your channel. Your story goes beyond Amish. It is refreshing.
A kind, sensitive soul.
A beautiful man
I understand my youngest son more now than ever! He lives one the west coast & is now more at peace. I miss him terribly, but am more at peace with his decision. We found out that he processed things differently when he was in 8th grade. He solved algebra problems differently than what was being taught. We know that he is exceedingly sensitive & intelligent. I'm hoping he'll watch this video. Thank you, brother! Be exceedingly blessed until we see each other at the catching away! Amen!
You be blessed as well! What a glorious day it will be.
@@theamishpotato
Thanks so
Much for having this video on !
What a great video ! Loved it !
But this young man is very disturbed
At some points in video...
@@theamishpotato your rumspringa lasted until you found the truth😊👍🙏
I can’t believe that people let their sons and daughters go out of their lives that’s just so foolish but a bunch of foolishness
“The catching away”. I’ve never heard that term used. It’s beautiful. How wonderful it will be to see all of our brothers and sister in Christ at the catching away.
This is a powerful testimony. You've stayed true to your authentic self. Thank you for sharing.
I'm not Amish but can relate to alot of your testimony. My Mother was mentally ill, and kicked me to the floor when I was born, and never cared for me, so-- all of the abandonment issues, not being 'acceptable' etc etc trying so hard to please God and finding my place. Thank you for sharing, It tells me that I'm actually on the RIGHT track, even tho I never found the 'right church'. I have always read the Bible, and wondered why others, even many church-goers and preachers, have no idea what it says!! Like you, my biggest breakthrough, was understanding that I am 'acceptable'. A child of God who DOES accept me, and finally ..I accept me! :"Love God, Love others, as you love yourself." YOU are a God send! Thank you so much for sharing, and reaching out to others. Jesus was 'different' yet He went out and preached, even took issue with much of the religious leadership. Following in His footsteps is a very good thing!! Thank you and Bless you!!
I feel really touched by this man's conversion story. It's powerful, authentic, uplifting, and humbling. God sent that dog.
]APaZ ⁿP
⁰0
Q++aqaq
Wow, you touched on a profound point about feeling abandonment when your mom became overwhelmed with so many babies. I see the emotional abandonment from my own mother and how it played out in my own life. I'm guessing that was typical for people raised Amish. I'm grateful to have a good relationship with her now.
Check out info on 'childhood emotional neglect'. It can be hard to get your head around but even loving, supportive parents who are providing for kids physical needs can neglect them by not responding to their emotions (and mine didn't have to split time among a dozen kids, they just grew up without and so did I).
I just recently found out about how this can affect kids and it filled in a really big gap in understanding my life instead of feeling guilty that I was so messed up.
In the senses most people recognize how many children lacked support I never questioned or were victimized by caretakers.
And the way he's repeating all the good stuff about childhood... I had to pause because it sounded so familiar.
[Sorry to type this big novel of a reply, obviously I'm not in any position to assume this is what either you or he are dealing with but hopefully it's helpful for someone.]
Having so many children is really hard. Our dad was one of Seven, the 'Baby'', but he said ''The last thing my mother needed was more children''.
Kids need their parent's affection and attention. A mother frazzled by too many kids can't do that.
I related to this too and share many of his feelings towards himself. We weren't amish but my parents went to work in children's homes when I was six. They were terrific at it and touched many children's lives but me and my siblings were to supposed to just know they loved us while they took time with the kids who really needed them. Also we were supposed to be shinning examples because we were raised right. It was very damaging to all four of us kids and even now with my parents in their eighties they talk about how proud they are of the kids that still keep in contact with them and not about us though we all turned out pretty good. So it's like they are picking at a scab.
@@charlottedog5232 That is very sad and never have thought of that until I read your story. Makes sense though very similar to "the Cobbler always needed his shoes fixed" Right ?
Can you imagine just how the mom was overwhelmed with so many babies and feel abandonment by the husband and the Amish community? Not that I am not hearing his experience as a young man but it is tough for a lot of people inside that community.
Thank you so much for this amazing, beautiful heartfelt testimony. You are such a blessing. May God continue to bless you and your family 💕
I'm not Amish, and this story has helped me a lot. You are a very bright young man who has more than what you think you have. You've been saved since way before you were in your mother's womb, (God knows who will be saved and who will not, way before the beginning of the universe) but your mission in the Amish community was your school,, to help and teach others the truth. I have a lot of problems myself, and you have helped me make the decision to find a therapist to talk too. I needed to see this video.. Thank you so much and God bless you and your family aways.
You shall know the truth,and the truth shall set you free! Amen.
Still caught up in the need for knowledge: original sin.
I was born and raised in Bremen Indiana. Spent many days in Shipshewana at the flea markets. My best friend in grade school was Debbie Hostetler. I was devastated when we said goodbye the last day of 8th grade. I tried to find her 2 years ago while attending an Amish funeral. (My great grandma was Amish). The house she grew up in was no longer her home. I will never forget her😞. What an amazing testimony 🙏🏼
I bet if you go to the house where she grew up at they would help you find out where she is at. The amish have a directory that keeps track of everyone. Im sure someone would be willing to help.
Shes probably on facebook now. You should look her up. There's a few debbie hostetlers in indiana
I know a Debbie hostetler,, i gues it depends when or what year you're talking about,,
This was two hours well spent. Thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts and your struggle to find what is your truth. You and your family are in my prayers. Stay safe from covid and continue being an incredible inspirational man of God. Xx
“Be ok with the pain of leaving”. Genius! Thank you.
WHAT A WONDERFUL TESTIMONY !! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU !! WHAT AN ALMIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!!
You serve
😂🤦🏻♂️
In Jesus name amen
Your journey is very inspiring. As a Christian minister, it made me be more aware of the many people out there who may be deeply struggling too. Thank you so much for sharing your powerful testimony.
Hi, I think you’re brave, courageous, honest, admirable, and inspiring. I love listening to your sincere and modest stories of Amish life. God bless you and your families. Stay safe and healthy during vulnerable and uncertain times during Covid-19’s, my friend.
Thank you so much for your wonderful testimony! God is so good indeed!!!
May God bless you and many others who are watching this🙏❤️🙏
Your dog looks like he's a mix between a Golden retriever and a chocolate lab. You think you rescued the dog but it really rescued you. ❤️ From a former WV animal shelter director👵
He did rescue me.
@@theamishpotato yes he did. Unfortunately my dictation did not come out correctly. Sometimes autocorrect kills me. 😁
@@theamishpotato
Is that you from the video ? What a disturbed young man. He should join military he would learn Discipline and Happyness. Respect and decency.
@@studiodevelopers2467 is that you who hasn't heard the entire story? I don't understand your comment.
Incredible story... God touches his heart at age 15 and is now using him to tell his testimony... thank you for sharing!
You are so humble, gentle and your testimony is heart wrenching, heart felt, and will help guide many of us who are searching for truth and inner peace. Thank you!
Me and my husband live in Emmett, Idaho and attend the CalvaryChapel here.
Your testimony greatly moved me! I'm praying for your family and friends back east. God bless you!
Thank you for the prayers!
Oh my, what an eye-opening testimony. Thank you for sharing. Amazing, at 81 I am still learning thanks to people like you willing to share.
Your testimony is real and heart ❤ felt. My son is very very depressed due to his disorder. I pray 🙏 one day that the Lord Jesus Christ will also deliver him.
I’ll pray for your son, Eomma!
Excuse me please for being straight & direct... but is it true , I heard that there’s so much investors sexual abuse in Amish family, in that their father sexually abuses their children, usually their daughters right from childhood and brings them up to accept that that is normal and Bec children are impressionable so that they don’t have much choice and just accept it that incest is normal .... if you don’t mind to answer this , please... it’s just an honest to goodness question?... thank you so much for an honest answer.
@@PK-mm8zc Thank you 😊.
@Emily Morales: No, this is not normal or usual among the Amish. However, it is a temptation to many humans, regardless of their religion. What is different among Amish is that those who are confused, tempted or abused often do not understand correct healthy boundaries, and often lack the vocabulary to ask for help. Out of a desire to protect privacy and preserve purity, sexual things are not discussed with or in front of children. So for example, if your father were molested and never got the counseling he needed, it can be repeated in future generations. This is not unique among Amish, but their isolation and lack of education on what is sexually appropriate behavior makes them a little more susceptible.
@@salyluz6535 Great answer, Saly
My heart is so joyfulfor you I was 18 most old when my twin brother& sister was born I struggled for years but also had an alcoholic father but my Mother loved the Lord took us to hear an Evangalist at your church. when I was 10 he preached the gospel with his singing&playing the organ I accept Jesus that night knew he would be with me on my journey God knows the perfect times for our life!
Beautiful testimony. I am also a fan of Charles Stanley and grateful that you were searching and and were blessed by what you learned. I love that you still care about your Amish brothers and sisters to reach out to them. keep up this work, don't give up, you're doing the right thing. May you continue to be blessed!
At 30:00 he speaks of the inner struggle he couldn't find words for that kept him from any desire to be Amish. It was the night at age 15 he gave his life to the Lord. He belonged to Him from that moment and the vow couldn't be broken. We belong to God, not any church or sect. God isn't a set of rigid rules.....His truth shatters any box we're in or box people try to put God in. Amen!
I just do not understand how people are so bought into these cults. Where are the logic skills? The only reason I would believe in a god is if I had a lobotomy.
Amen
@@lijohnyoutube101 You've got to be very naive and indoctrinated and not think for yourself. Some people are just more naive.
Your artistic side is being expressed in your service to the church and God. Your talent is strong. I love that you used it to talk to people about your struggles. You are saving others from giving up, encouraging them to keep searching for their path.
I am so glad that you are still here with us and that you’ve found the happiness you deserve! Thank you for sharing
Your testimony was a blessing to me this frosty Sunday morning in Ontario Canada… I’ve been home all week recovering from surgery and feeling quite blue the last couple days. This video helped comfort me. God Bless & Thank You🙏🏽❤️
What a powerful testimony you have made me fall in love with Jesus all over again. I believe you will lead many people to the truth and eternal Salvation.
Thank you for your transparency and your boldness to speak the truth!!
Amen!
I love this video. Thank you for being honest and how your upbringing affected you. Praise you for trying to help others.
Oh! He’s not just a dog - he’s an angel that was given to you🦋🐾💙
God bless you brother, I’m so glad you listened to that still small voice. The Lord brought you through your pain of the breakup and spared you the worse pain and emptiness of being apart from your Lord Jesus Christ.
When you started talking about God's love for us I was brought to tears. I could feel the power and excitement in your words.
What a beautiful testimony! I hope and pray it will reach millions of people! May ago continue to bless you and your family!!🙏🏼🕊🙌🏽🎉🕊
I couldn't even IMAGINE having to deal with all that stress and anxiety! My ❤ goes out to him! You can see the pain in his eyes. Sending hugs & prayers 🙏
That's pretty much his own fault. He kept asking GOD for a sign, and it's blatantly obvious that GOD responded almost daily with the same message. It wasn't the sign he expected so he chose to ignore it. Over & over!
In the end, he finally got it right. What he chooses to do with his new found knowledge is yet to be seen. But... GOD isn't stupid. He specifically chose this guy for a reason.
It could be as simple as providing a video just to the right person. Who knows? Perhaps time will tell.
It's not by accident or coincidence.
❤ im a latterday saint for 60 years and I know im in the true church and I guess the for fathers in the religion you are in now also think there right we believe the king James bible too and dont like to talk about faults in other religions only look for the good
Wow i’m ex Amish Myself enjoyed your video very much I grew up in Pennsylvania thanks for sharing your story
I'm from Pennsylvania too and I so appreciate our Amish. All our organic products that we get in the health store come from them including our raw milk, butter and free range eggs. They live a healthier lifestyle, I think. We can all learn from each other. God bless!
@@haileyfields5190 alot of Amish, more then most actually is just as unhealthy as the English if not even worse. The foods they grow ain't any different then the English grown and IT ALL CONTAINS GMOS AND CHEMICALS, YES ALL OF IT!! IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THEY CLAIM ORGANIC OR NOT, ITS ALL CONTAMINATED. ALOT OF AMISH ALSO I HAVE FIGURED OUT THEIR EGGS AREN'T FREE RANGE AND ALOT OF THE TIMES AINT EVEN FARM EGGS, JUST ALDI'S EGGS REPACKAGED. SOME OF THE AMISH MILK SAME WAY. WHEN YOU GET THEIR MILK ITS ALL PASTURIZED AND HOMONOGIZED (WHICH USUALLY IS ONLY DONE COMMERCIALLY) SO THEY CANT DO IT IN THEIR LITTLE SHOPS WITH WHAT ANY NORMAL PERSON WITH A KITCHEN HAS. ALSO THEIR BAKED GOODS DONT USUALLY CONTAIN BUTTER EVEN THOUGH THEY PUT THAT ON THERE, THEY USE VEGETABLE OIL OR SHORTENING INSTEAD... E&S SALES IN SHIPSHEWANA IS AMOUNG SOME OF THE WORST AMISH SO I NEVER EVER SHOP THERE!!! THEY ARE FAR FROM CHRISTIAN! JUST CUZ THEY CLAIM TO BE HOLY AND CHRISTIANS DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE. ALSO most of them don't even know about the real God or what the Bible says as it's all taught in high German which only an extreme very few of any even know so it's like sitting into a church hearing a sermon of a complete different language week after week. You end up blocking it out.... There's so much I could tell you you wouldn't believe or you wouldn't want to hear... Alot of the Amish are leaving due to their so called religion. Just like rise and roll bakery, none of that is from scratch. It's made from a donut mix package. The original owners did make it all from scratch but then the other people who bought it turned it into a corporation kinda business....
@@sadnlonelywithoutmydaughter911 I take it you're Amish. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I was under the impression all "organic" foods must be USA certified not matter where or who makes it. But "buyer beware".
I wasn’t brought up Amish but strangely enough my history is very similar to yours. I’m trusting Jesus and happily married to a wonderful Christian man and attending church (when we’re not in lockdown because of COVID) in Simcoe, Ontario. I have read a lot of “Amish” books which helped me understand my upbringing and forgive my narrow-minded joyless parents. Bless you for sharing.
Narrow minded & joyless is an excellent way of describing way too many faith traditions. That’s great you’re married to a wonderful Christian man and attending church.
When you’re raised in a conservative religion, to break free from human religion and just have a relationship with the Creator is so freeing-whether you’re Christian, or not.
I came across your testimony and you have no idea how you helped me. I to felt I didn’t belong. I also have a childhood full of pain, abandonment, and searching. Everything I did to squash the pain only made everything worse. Your so inspiring and by your testimony God used you to bring others to Christ!!! I want to thank you for sharing!! God is good all the time!
Thanks for taking the time to give your testimony. What an inspiration you are! I have worked with an Amish family in Shipshewana for over 20 years. I thought most Amish were Evangelical Christians. You gave a lot of insight into their thinking and mindset. I learned a lot from your testimony. Stay close to God and He will lead you.
Thank you for sharing. With the exception of the Amish part I can totally relate to everything you said. Thank you for not committing suicide, my wife did and it completely changed the course of mine and my daughters life our little girl was only a year old at the time, and she has a huge void in her life till this day, suicide changes the lives of everyone that is connected to that person....God bless you sir I'm glad your life worked out
My dad never joined and left home at 18 , I grew up knowing my amish cousins ,which was awesome. Most of my cousins are either mennonite or not amish anymore , I believe many are saved .
All GOOD people have the opportunity to go to Heaven. Bad people who have sincerely repented their sins before their deaths also may go to. NO ONE religious group controls the Gates of Heaven! Thank you, God, from a Roman Catholic with GOOD friends of many Faiths!
There is none good but God. Our rightousness is as filthy rags. The Gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord
I hope you guys are right but at least when we die our body's nourish the earth that is good enough for me
You jump from the hot pan into the fire...you need to keep praying and searching.
God's will is that all men be saved.
For by grace are ye saved, through faith in Jesus Christ's death on your behalf - for your sins. It's a free gift!
(Eph 2:8-9 paraphrased)
I also went through a bad breakup years ago and I know the pain of heartache. It feels like the person you loved died. The physical and emotional pain is real.
That abandonment issues realisation gave goose bumps. Really what a person goes through even in his earliest life, is very impactful. Thanks for sharing.
Basically, I think the way of living the Amish lifestyle is very comforting. Grounded, connected to nature and the people in your own group! The many rules, prohibitions, the lack of education and bigotry, the immense pressure within the group and the exclusion from the environment do not make the decision easy to choose this way of life. The golden middle would be perfect!
Well said!😉
omg.. how fascist and painful to live in a cult. how freeing removal from cults and patriarchy is.
I am so glad you are still here. God bless you and keep you in Jesus name amen🙏🏻
Thank you so very much for taking the time to tell your story it has helped me so very much. May The Lord Bless You and your family Always
I watched you in an interview with Anthony Padilla (I know I'm late to see it!) and your eloquence and emotion really drew me into your story. My heart sunk when you explained abandonment, feeling like you're always trying to keep up with "two flat tires" and how it affected you as an adult; I hear you. While my childhood, like yours, was so happy, the arrival of my siblings so soon after me caused my young mind trauma too and I'm now, at 34, just dealing with it.
I truly wish you all the best in this life!
My husband grew up Amish not far from you in LaGrange. Thank you for sharing your story. It helps others who left feel less alone.
Yes it is
It’s amazing the difference between “religion” and an actual “relationship” with Jesus Christ. When you know Him and accept Him as your personal Saviour your life will change. It doesn’t mean all of our trouble disappear, but we KNOW we’re never alone in our problems and God Himself is going before us.
The Bible will lead you to TRUTH, any religion that says “don’t study or read your Bible to much” is not right. The Bible is Gods spoken words, His love letter to us.
Enjoyed your testimony. I look forward to meeting you in heaven someday.
Wow wow wow. This was a long video but I chose to stay with it and I was so glad I did. I could relate to you in so many ways that I was in tears several times. I have always enjoyed reading the Amish books because they are so heartfelt and also good clean reading..but always knew as a Christian that they are in error. I believe that God has used you in a mighty way and because of what you went thru...your testimony will change lives. Praise God. The only thing I was sorry about was that you didn't disclose more about finally finding love after your heart was broken for so long. I am touched by this video and by your transparency because this is one of the things that will reach people going thru similar experiences. GOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY and so thankful God led you to the truth.
I know how you feel brother. My mom had twin boys 13 months after I was born, then another boy 18 months after that. I was sent to live with a great aunt and uncle who had no children.
My Amish ancestor (Christian Hocstetter)left the church after the French and Indian War after their Pennsylvania home was attacked by Delaware Indians and he was taken prisoner and adopted by them as an adolescent. After he was returned after the war, he did not go back to the church. He ended up settling here in Southern Indiana where many of his descendants still live. So I did not have that difficult choice to make, but I have always been curious about Amish ways and traditions. Over the past ten years many Amish families from your area have moved here and I have gotten to know many of them. My son was good friends with one Amish boy when they were both teenagers who would come over and hunt and hang out with my son. He went through much of the same experience as you, anded up leaving. He seems to be happy and has a successful business. I have come to find out that most of the Amish do not even know why certain things are done… “it’s just he way it has always been”. Best of luck to you in your future.
You’re a brave man to leave all you ever knew on a call from God! Thank you for your honesty. I’m so glad it was worth it and it gave you a fantastic testimony. And sometimes God gives you a dog❤️
Hi Neighbor! I live in Caldwell ID. I'm not sure how your video came through on my feed but I'm so blessed that it did!
I attended Calvary Chapel Caldwell and I remember that the pastors wife spoke at our ladies retreat in Cascade ID a few years back! Thank you for your testimony! We foster and have adopted kiddos that have been abandoned but we share with them that God has always been with and will not forsake you!!!
Thats awesome! My wife was probably at the retreat as well. We love our pastor and wife.
Doesn’t that happen in all religions. I call it a power struggle and control issue? My brother and sister-in-law where devoted Roman Catholic and all there lives the struggled with mental and physical pain.
They had lost two 2 children and where plaqued with Illnesses . So where is Jesus? Where is Jesus to help all these starving families, where is God helping the people of Honduras where every 36 hours a women gets killed? I could go on and on .
I don’t understand that a loving god would crooked Governments allowed to rule.
I don’t know if I need help to understand all this? But sometimes you have to wonder why innocent people are punished and not the trouble makers.
I used to live in Caldwell and attended that church. Now I live in Homedale, and attend Homedale Calvary fellowship.
Beautiful testimony! Keep the faith! God has great plans for you .
Great story! Well done. I hope your family will hear your words and believe.
It’s pouring rain here where I am but I am not missing church.. having church right here listening to you..your sermon is true genuine and and your life can relate to so many of us...
God bless you and your family
Praise God for this young man’s testimony and that he wanted TRUTH in his life.
God had screwed up some lives, freedom comes when you realize thAt the whole God myth is man made and one big lie, go study science and you’ll realize that it’s bullshit
@@himself2 there’s no such thing as science in a worldview without God my friend just random things that make no sense. Learn about presuppositional apologetics.
@@mapremjivan1883
>just random things that make no sense.
Yes that sums up religion exactly.
@@lordseaworth6055 no that’s sums up your worldview without God. You’re not making sense like your worldview.
@@mapremjivan1883 Well since mine is based on actual reality and not ancient children's stories i'm sure i'll do fine.
Thank you for sharing your story of redemption and being set free!
Thank you for your story, I know several people will here your words and that you saved several lives. It’s hard to go thru trouble waters, but how sweet it is to finally see.
I unknowingly suffered from the same psychological condition that you had, growing up in a Buddhist family in Thailand. So, until the day I was born again in Jesus Christ, 13 years ago, in Poway, California, that everything finally came together also, and I thank God for it. God chose a good church for me, a Calvary Chapel in San Diego, called Maranatha Chapel, under Pastor Ray Bentley. God called me to become the first missionary of our church to Thailand. And this year is my fifth year here telling Thai people, who are predominantly Buddhists over 94% about our Lord & Savior -Jesus Christ and the finished work of salvation He did at that Roman Cross nearly two thousand years ago. So, if you're coming to Thailand, please, let me know. God bless...
P]]
Bless you, and I’m happy for you.
God bless you! ❤️ will keep you and your ministry in prayer!
So glad you made it through that darkness and you have found the true God. God bless
Thank you so much for your testimony! I live in Northern michigan in a Amish community and pray for them all the time.
Glad to have you as a brother in Christ.
Will be looking forward to more videos ! Your such a sweet young man so glad you saw the light…..wishing you the best in your future…
I am not sure how this came up for me to watch but I wanted to say that it seems your testimony definitely was a jolt to me. What I have been feeling for some time now. Maybe gives me some kind of hope.
Perhaps you were meant to see this, take it to heart and apply it to your own life👍🏼❤️
Theresa Lortz, I am 55 years old with two degrees and show traditional signs that I should be grateful for what I have going. But I feel sad & empty, and despite church & therapy something is missing. This video helped me, too, to not quit and keep trying to make sense of this life.
@@twistoffate4791 Pardon me for asking, but do you accept Jesus the Saviour personally ?. That is typically THE issue. Praying for you 💕
@@donnajohnson3334 Yes, long, LONG, ago. Pushy individuals like you? That's typically the problem.
@@twistoffate4791 ... Wow... I didn't see it as pushy...just asking... Don't give up on GOD... DON'T give up on Jesus...
What an honest, ❤ caring person who has the courage to share his life with others. I love Amish community from an outsider perspective and never thought about their church-going side. I only thought how wonderful it must be to live simply and without electricity, etc. Thank you for sharing so openly the truth about your life. What a beautiful life. What an honest life. Enjoy your beautiful family and your beautiful doggie.
So true. Even Luther, who pulled away, wanting to go back to the first-century church practices of our Messiah and the Biblical Sabbath became discouraged. His friend, however, said No, you've done enough. So the vast majority of our protestant churches still follow the changes made by the 3rd century One Holy Roman Catholic Church including the adoption of the Pagan Holidays. What a horrid amount of changes happened to the church doctrines and practices that took place during the 3rd-century council meetings. New Bibles were distributed at one point and a man who refused to give up his old Bible was kicked off the council!
Ifsheisgonetowhere there That’s interesting!
I'm not Amish & I'm older but you have answered so many questions and hidden thoughts I held in my head & heart for most of my life! Thank you for sharing your story and triggering freedom and blessed peace within me.
Wow, your testimony was absolutely touching. I can understand to a certain point what you went through, I was raised catholic and I had started to question a few things also about that religion. One day I decided to try another church and I was scared, because we were brain washed to think that we were the only ones Also going to heaven. A friend brought me to a pentecostal church at that time and my kids loved it and I was still skeptical but one day while in church everything was lifted off my back. I was so happy, but I lost my family and many friends. It's a lonely walk at times to walk with Jesus but I know it will be all worthed in the end. Thank you for sharing with us.
Your story is so interesting. My was just the opposite. I was in a Pentecostal Church and I was led to a Catholic Church. My life is different and I so free to know who I am in the Lord and to live my life serving Him and others , especially my children and my grandchildren. I had 38 years with my good husband and he loved the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength.
sisters...husband and I both raised strict Catholic...18 siblings between us..12 years CAtholic school. Please understand, I did not rebel...I just started to question things...you get in trouble when you question nuns. Had a friend in public school that attended a Mennonite church...I wanted to go with her once..my parents said if she went to Saturday mass with me, I could. She did. For the first time ever I was able to read the Bible myself..not just listen to the priest read it to me and explain what it meant. Married, my husband joined ARmy...when we got out with some disabilities we started Church hopping again and fell in love with the Mennonite church...much to my surprise they had zero issues with his military backround. While we dont belong to a church..that is the church building we prefer when he is able. born and raised SArasota...HUGE Amish and Mennonite population. I have never ever ever understood some f the rules. I read the Bible cover to cover 3 times...never found the verse telling us Woman had to wear dresses (dress modestly yes) or that men couldnt wear a belt..ever...show me. Bible never tells us we will go to hell if we get a tattoo...but not to mark ourselves for the dead...you can twist words to make your sect obey...but His word is the truth..not the priests word or the bishops word...HIS word. Finally, as much as I admire much about the Amish (have some friends that have taught me so much with canning etc) HOW you can abandon your child because they choose a different religion is beyond me...Jesus dined with sinners, Jesus washed the feet of sinners...Amish can shun their own children for choosing different..is as far from Christ like as I can imagine.
Well, u shared a strange story... Im a strong Catholic out of choice... Nobody forced me into my religion... I was brought to the Church by the beautiful example of the Carholics. They accepted me in my darkest hour, they literally gave me freedom of choice... The vast majority iis like that. It seems to me you are trying to take the guilt out of ur soul.. When. I was an atheist and had never neen rejected by the Catholic society. On the contrary - I was loved and cared for and free to make my won chicices. This is the way it really is in the Catholic Church. You seem to be making thinge up to justify your choice
Catholic teaching says that those who rebel against their teachings ,
like Martin Luther are/ will be in hell. You have to perform their sacraments ,& confess all your sins/ bad deeds weekly to an Imperfect priest like y po u aho wili give you your penance & fogveness. You pray to the dead for intercession & mediation
Preach it brother! I too have a husband who loves me beyond and regardless of my pain. He just loves me. Sometimes I think something must be wrong with him for loving me and standing by me but I thank God for Him every second.
I really enjoyed your testimony. I have always respected the Amish community and love reading about the Amish culture. I am so happy that you have found your peace and truth. There is nothing more important than that. I was raised in a legalistic Christian faith and I had to leave and find my own peace and truth. Your testimony resonated with me and my journey. God bless you and your family.
Thank you so much! I can listen to you anytime and get uplifted. GOD bless you and all. Stay prayed up for everyone.