Ladies, I’ve been struggling and fighting going back and forth as to which direction I should go with Siztas for Christ.
I thought I would go one way, then another and still not clear direction in which to go. Or so I thought. About a year and half ago I was crying out to the Lord about my life and how unhappy I was at the time with my situation. At the time I had
left my job of eight years to stay at home with my daughter and try to get my business off the ground. For the most part I don’t regret the decision to quit my job because I had become very complacent because I really enjoyed my job. I had a wonder manager and great co-workers. The pay was decent but the perks were awesome! Well, when I decide to stay home my husband supported me 100% but our
finances really took a hit and before we knew it we were falling behind in our bills despite my husband taking on an additional part time job. After being off for a year and my business starting off slowly, I knew it wasn’t time to go back to work. Well, God had other plans. It took me an entire year before I found another job and during this time I went through an emotional roller coaster of depression, resentment, bitterness of why the Lord would let
us go through such struggles. Well, the Lord knows all to well how to get our attention and I ended up on my knees crying out and seeking the Lord daily. When one day I clearly heard the Lord speak to me stating that he wanted me to write my story. “what?” Write my story I thought to myself. Who the heck wants to hear my story???? I’m nobody, with nothing but a tarnished past and my future was looking a little bleak at that.
The Lord has on many occasions during worship and prayer confirmed what I thought to be a ridiculous idea. So here I am a year and half to two years later trying my best to be obedient to the Lord. My story, what joke I think to myself but the Lord has said that he will take the despised things of this world.
So where do I start??? I will start at the point where I believe the Lord started working in my life. You know how the Lord will work in your life organizing things, bringing people into your life, pushing and unknowingly nudging you? But you don’t realize it until your on the other side and you look back and see how it couldn’t have been anything but the Lord. Well, that’s the case with how I got save.
Long before I knew there was a god, I knew there was a God. I knew there was something more than what could be seen with the naked eye. I was never one of the kids you hear say “my mom use to drag me to church every Sunday.” Actually, my mom never took me to church a day in my life. She actually has exposed me and my brothers to Jehovah’s witness when we were quite young, and they would come to the house each week and we would study with them. Still my mom would be in the other room and never participated in our spiritual development.
Fast forward to about 23 years old when I was living with my boyfriend, it was a terrible relationship but because of my upbringing it probably seemed normal to me at the time (I will speak to my childhood later). I don’t even remember how I met this young lady but I think it was at work and we started speaking about JW and she started sharing with me and it all made sense (probably due to studying it at such a young age). After much pushing and prodding (you know how persistent JW can be) I let her and another young lady start coming by the house for a week Bible Study. I really enjoyed Bible study, everything seemed to make sense and I truly believed that this was the one true religion (for many years I was confused with so many of the religions and the hypocrites in the church), but I was sure I had finally found it in JW. My boy friend at the time really didn’t like the fact that they were coming to the house every week and I normally wouldn’t speak to him about what I was learning because I moving into a new place in my life; so I thought.
After months of studying with JW and visiting the Witness Hall I decided that I wasn’t ready to make that commitment and I went back to life as usual. But in the back of my head I believed that when I was ready and the time was right, I had found the way, the one truth religion or what they would call the “truth” I had finally found it.
Years passed and I finally had enough with my boyfriend and that relationship ended. I took a year off from getting serious with any other men and having unmeaningful sex. During this time my mother and I were running a 24 hour answering service that was a business we had decided to start after I had worked for another lady with an answering service in her home. We were doing pretty well and had obtained several clients one being an apartment building with a maintenance man that was extremely nice. We became very friendly over the phone. After months of flirting we decided to meet and meet we did. He was one of the sweetest men I have ever met and I thought I was in love. After knowing each other for a short while we decided that we were meant to be together, it was fate and we would get married. Oh’ did I forget to mention, he was studying to be a Jehovah’s Witness, very intensely! Wow, this is great, I thought. The perfect man and he too knows the “truth.”
After deciding to get married and spending more time together, I found some things out about him that I didn’t find too attractive. One particular thing jumps out at me and got my “I am women, hear me roar” attitude set straight off. He told me how he was the man and that I had to submit to him and all that he said was law”. What”””” Now, I was not having that. I was not saved at the time and didn’t understand that there is godly submission but this was more of shamanistic attitude that creped in more and more as we got to know each other better.
Well, I came to my senses and decided that this was not the man for me and marriage was out of the question. That ended our relationship but it did not end how I thought about the religion it self and was sure that it was a case of right religion, wrong man. Not too long after, I met my the man who is my husband now during the time at the answering service. His mother was my client and one day he called to pick up the phone messages and I being the women I am heard a nice educated voice over the phone. So, I flirted, and he asked me out. This was my dream man. He was tall, 6’5 inches beautiful brown skin, college educated, nice car….what else could one ask for??? Little did I know this would be a turning point in my life in every way imaginable. We soon became an item and before I knew it I was in deep and although I saw signs of things that just weren’t right, I couldn’t get enough of him.
A year into our relationship I got pregnant. I was 27 years old, so I was too old not to know better. We decided to keep my son, and stick it out. I ended up going into pre-mature labor and gave birth to my son at 26 weeks, that’s only six months. I was scared to death!
Oh, let me back track a moment to the time when my husband and I decided to commit to one another as a couple was at my best friend of 28 years birthday party. We had gone to her party to celebrate and there at her party is where I met Darryl. I guess Darryl was intrigued with me and he and Angela (my best friend) were good friends, so he told her he wanted to get to know me better. Well, although I had just committed to going steady (I’m old) with my boyfriend, I said “sure, we can be friends.” I believe that Darryl was God sent into my life to speak Godly words of encouragement and plant seeds into my life. I didn’t realize it at the time but we became extremely good friends and for years he was ministering to me. I came to admire and respect him and his opinion was important to me.
After giving birth to my son at 26 weeks and only weighing in at 2.43 pounds, I was devastated! My son stayed at the hospital for almost three months and during his stay he had several blood transfusions. I was so conflicted by what I had been taught by Jehovah Witness that I was unsure I was doing the right thing but at that time I just wanted my son to live. My son is now 15 years old and stands about 6ft tall and as handsome as can be!
When my son was about two years old, I moved back into the house with my mother to get away from my son’s father and try to get back on my feet and start fresh. It was during this time that I came to know my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I had left the answering service and got a job at a major corporation working in customer service. Within a few months I was transferred to another department and met a young lady who was a Jehovah Witness and all of a sudden I decided that I was ready to begin studying again. Started taking her material home and took out my JW Bible and I knew this was it. I remember speaking to a good friend who had already gotten saved but she never really took the time to share the Gospel with me but God had other plans. During a conversation with my girlfriend she mentioned a Bible study they would have at their house and invited me. I thought to myself what a great opportunity to expose to them the error of their ways and I would point them in the right direction. Days before the Bible study, I went through my JW Bible and jotted down all of the scriptures that I was going to use to prove to them that they were all wrong about who Jesus Christ truly was and how they were on their way to hell.
I was totally amazed, shocked, dismayed and confused when I got there and we began the study to find out the very same scriptures that I had come prepared with were the exact same scriptures they were using to prove that Christ Jesus was God in the flesh. How could that be???? How could we both have the very same scripture references but have two different conclusions??? I left that Bible study more confused than ever! This was the turning point at which I got on my knees and prayed to God that I was so confused and that I didn’t want to hear it from anyone but him. I asked that he reveal himself to me and to show me who he really and truly is. God answered my prayer! I started to read my Bible in it’s entirety. What I mean by that is I didn’t use any man written material to interpret the scriptures for me. JW only use outside materials then try to back it up with their scriptures (which has been altered) But when I read their Bible from book to book, there was no denying who Christ Jesus really is!
At the age of 30 I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Despite my exposure to Jehovah’s Witness from early childhood the Lord saw fit to save me. Not only that he used the very religion that I once upheld as the one and only true religion to bring me into full submission.
How awesome is our God!
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Giselle castelant said,
October 30, 2008 @ 7:30 am
Your daughter is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!
Monisa said,
October 30, 2008 @ 6:24 pm
Hi Stacey, your above article is very interesting. I was also raised a JW, but I haven’t been to the hall in years. My mom and sister are still active in the religion though.
Stacey said,
October 31, 2008 @ 3:56 am
Hi Monisa~
Wow…..I’m surprised anyone took the time to read my long testimony. All I can say is what a mighty God we serve!
mysheka fenderson said,
November 15, 2008 @ 5:39 am
That is an amazing salvation story. To God Be The Glory!! He is so awesome!! Thank you for allowing God to use you and share your testimony!!
Stacey said,
November 15, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
Hi Mysheka ~
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my testimony! Yes, He is so Awesome!
Stacey
Renee Dawes said,
November 29, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
Great testimony, thanks for trusting in the lord and being obedient to his will. God is a great God and worthy of all praises…
Stacey said,
December 13, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
Thanks Renee -
I am so humbled when someone takes the time to read my story and even more so if it in any way encouraged them or gave confirmation to those who maybe searching for the one true God. For those who seek, he shall be found. For those who knock, it shall be opened. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seem him!
Ivana Andrews said,
January 4, 2009 @ 4:27 am
What an amazing testimony Stacey!!! I too was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. From the age of 7 my mom had me going to the hall with her and studying their materials at home. It slowly began to hit me that something wasn’t right. I noticed how hypocritical the congregation members were. They always preached about living a “double life”, presenting yourself as holy but living a totally different way. I saw so many of the ministerial servants and elders living “double lives” themselves!! I got fed up and stopped going to the hall. I didn’t get saved until I was 18 years old during my freshman year of college. Amazingly, I attend a Christian university. One my JW mother saw fit for me to attend. There I learned the actual truth. Your story just speaks to my heart! I am only 22 years old but I am glad that God is moving in my life and yours! To God be the Glory!!
Diamond Tennon said,
January 15, 2009 @ 9:06 am
Hey stacey,
That was an awesome testimony. Thank you for sharing. Reading your blog has giving me motivation to create a deeper relationship with the lord. And to focus more attention on the lord instead of my own crazy agenda. I came into 2009 with so many resolution and sadly to say growing my relationship with lord was not one of them. I thought, oh I go to church I read my bible here in there I’ll be fine. But now I thinking whatever happen to being on fire for the lord, wanting to be a light in the mist of darkness, or even wanting the lord to use you in a might way. Well I thank you for your beautiful spirit. God bless
Stacey said,
January 16, 2009 @ 3:43 am
Hi Diamond ~
I thank the Lord that we met that day you stopped by my booth. I love your determination and I’m excited for the new adventure you are about to undertake with your website. I’m sure that this is the beginning of a new friendship!
Remember it’s not how we start the race but how we finish it. It’s not too late God is waiting on you!
TaDonya said,
January 29, 2009 @ 8:28 pm
Hi Stacey,
I was never rasied on to understand the JW religion, but I am very happy to have read your testimony, it is but just another way that GOD wants you to touch other people. And you have touched me, I know that their is a GOD and that as I continue to learn more, he will revile more to me. But I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. Thank you it was beautiful and insiring in many ways.
God Bless
Stacey said,
February 7, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
Hi Tadonya -
Yes, God is real and trust me he will reveal himself to you if you seek him out. I appreciate you taking the time to read my story and I pray that has you seek out the Lord the eyes of your understanding would be opened.
Thanks,
Stacey
Linda said,
February 18, 2009 @ 1:04 am
I truly enjoyed your testimony. God is just wonderful. I commend you for obeying His call to share your story. We all have a story to tell and we don’t realize how our stories can help others. For the non-believers, it could plant the seeds to believe. For the believers, it is a re-confirmation of how all is NEVER lost with God, no matter how bad things may get. Thank you for sharing.
Linda said,
February 18, 2009 @ 1:10 am
By the way, your daughter is just BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Stacey said,
February 19, 2009 @ 2:12 am
Hi Linda -
Thanks for your comments on my story. I thinks it’s important to remember we all have a story regardless of how we may think it’s not worth sharing, the Lord knows best!
Thanks for taking the time to read my story!
Stacey
Michelle said,
March 31, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
All I can say is Glory to God! The last paragraph sent chills up my spine! I used to be in the Mormon Religion (I am black) and I did the EXACT same thing. Fell on my knees and prayed for God to show me his truth…and begin to read the Bible! And, He showed me! I am now in a non-denominational church! God is so good. To all those involved in false religions, read Stacey’s story and know it is the true!
Jeanna said,
October 26, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
You know, I grew up in a Church of Christ environment and I had saw so many people back home who were like don’t smoke or drink and they’d be outside smoking or you’d hear about their drinking binges. And it wasn’t until like you that I grew up and was able to make the decision for myself. I started reading the Bible (and still am). I just wanted to say that your story was very inspirational. Thanks so much for sharing.
Yasmina said,
October 29, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
Hi! I read your article about your salvation story. I am 27 now and when reading your story i saw myself. I was raised as a JW, though we rarely went to the Kingdom Hall. My dad’s side of my family are baptists, so you could imagine my confusion. I came to realize, just recently, that it doesn’t matter what group I belong to, as long as I believe Jesus is my personal Lord and Savior. Your story was an inspiration to me. You are blessed and thanks for sharing.
Cindy said,
February 7, 2010 @ 4:26 am
Hi Stacey, I am so happy I came across your site. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I believe it was meant for me to stumble across your testimony. God is Great. Stay in Faith. God Bless and thank you.
Lynn said,
March 7, 2010 @ 8:47 pm
Hi Stacey:
I read your salvation story. Well I must say many people have studied with Jehovah’s Witnesses over the years and have come to realize that being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is not for everyone. I only know of Bible study aids that the Jehovah’s Witnesses use to study with people, these publications are designed to help people understand the Bible in a simplified way. They are in no way “Bibles” themselves! That is why they have scriptual quotations in the publications so that people can go to their own Bible to convince themselves. Many people choose to strictly use the Bible and in many cases this is what is done. Many people go to Colleges and Universities and many books are used for reference and study, this is to benefit the student and no one complains. Personally, Stacy, I am the type of person that if you tell me something, I want to know where you came up with your conclusion or answer, where you got it from and what makes it authentic. I do lots of research, it helps me to see that what I am being taught is the actual truth! Jehovah’s Witnesses do have the “New World Translation” of the Bible that has been taken from the “Original” Hebrew and Greek written texts of the Bible. So when you say their Bible has been altered, what do you mean? What Bible are you comparing it to? The New World Translation Bible is written in the “English” that we use today. Unlike my “King James Bible”, which was written by a King name James who decided to translate the Bible from “Latin” to “English”, was written in the Shakesperean Language of his day. I find it funny that people seem to critize the “New World Translation” Bible translated by Jehovah’s Witnesses and regard highly the “King James” version of the Bible and other Bible such as the “Catolic Duay” version Bible (Catholics), etc. Various religious organizations and people helped to translate these Bibles so what makes them authentic? What actually makes the Bible we choose to read authentic? I would think it would be the one closely taken from the origianl Hebrew and Greek texts (scrolls of ancient times). I honestly think when I look around at the world in general and when I think about religion profoundly speaking, one group stands out…. that would be Jehovah’s Witnesses. Those people are the ones I see in winter, spring and fall
(all seasons)preaching the “Gospel of thy Kingdom” that our Lord and Savior said should be done before the end of this world! Jesus set the example of the preaching work, I think all those who claim to be Christians should be giving testimony of the Kingdom! Jesus and his disciples got out and went to people, preaching and teaching. I never have read in the Holy Scriptures that they sat in the Synagogues waiting for people to come inside and then they would minister to them! They (JW) are worldwide united (236 countries, lands and Islands) from what I hear around the globe. These people never say they are “perfect” and don’t sin, “by one man sin entered into the world, and death spread to all men”. So none of us are perfect and that includes Jehovah’s Witnesses! I do not look at individuals and there faults or sins, but look at their organization as a whole, it is growing and united. They seem to be good people, trying to do the right thing! As far as Jesus and God being the same or different spirit beings that is a different topic. Believe me Stacy, I have fallen on my knees and asked the Almighty to reveal himself to me and let me know his ways. I am happy to have accepted the Lord Jesus as my personal savior and I will continue to do the work of an evangelizer until his father says the work is done!
Stacey said,
March 7, 2010 @ 10:38 pm
Hi Lynn – wow, as I read your comments to my “Salvation Story” it reminded me of exactly how I thought about JW’s prior to me coming to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. And, although I could, it is not my intentions to debate the Word of God! I in my obedience I have written my story as how the Lord used JW’s to bring me to Christ. I have come a long way in my 13 years of being in Christ and I have a heart for JW’s and believe the Lord is and will continue to use me in this area.
Lynn said,
March 8, 2010 @ 6:57 pm
Hi Stacey:
It’s nice to know that you took time to read my statement to your salvation story. I personally never ever want to debate the word of God. The Bible needs no interpretation, for it is already interpretated. If it wasn’t God’s children could not understand it so that we could do his will! It does seem that from your recent comment it appears that when you studied with the (JW) you didn’t know Christ? Maybe I am confused because from what I know about the (JW) those people have a very high regard for Christ Jesus and they try and follow his footsteps very closely! As I mentioned in my previous statement, I do a lot of research and I have examined many of the religions today. First of all where did all the different religions come from? Why is there so many? Is God using all of them? Are they different roads leading to the same place? One scripture Stacey that has stood out in my mind for years is found at Matthew 7:13 & 14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”. So I know in my heart of hearts that not all religions is leading to Christ and to salvation. I do appreciate your story Stacey. However, regardless of what I personally believe as a Christian, my thoughts and feelings about (JW) will not change because I have been watching their organization as a whole for many, many years and it hasn’t changed! I do not think of them as a “Perfect Organization” with a “Perfect Church”, but they uphold Bible principals, have good morals and they try and lead good lives and I must say I have to give them their props for their “Determined, Unwavering Preaching Work”! I think if all Christians participated in this life saving work as Christ instituted we would have a better world! I believe those people really love Christ, I know I do, my life would be nothing without him as my “Lord and Savior”!