Hi ericsmom,

Lord Willing, I will answer all your questions:

1. Were you born/raised catholic?

My Anwser: Yes.

3. Why did you leave the catholic church (what made you start questioning your faith)?

I didn't leave the church. I was damned to hell by the church, thus having not enough money to buy my way out of hell, but it was never guaranteed that I could get out of hell.

I was wanting to get married, to make things right with God. I had already had two children. So, I went to the church and repented of my sins. Being that I had done it twice, my repentance was viewed as not sincere. I had committed the unpardonable sin of fornication. Thus, the priest suggested that if I gave $350.00, he would see what he could do.

I asked him if that would ensure my salvation and heaven. He said, NO! So, being a stubborn person I was, I decided to get married by the mayor of our community. Thirty five dollars was a lot cheaper than $350.00 for the sin and the cost of the wedding, if they would do the wedding. I figured if I was going to hell, I was going the cheapest way I could!

And I did. I got married by the mayor. Three years past from that time. In that three years, bitterness and anger set in. I had bitterness against God for my damning soul. Amen?! I couldn't understand why He would do this to me.

I was raised as a catholic and was a catholic for thirty years before all this took place. When I was young I was molested, I was raped as a teen, I was physically abused, verbally abused and emotionally abused. I did a lot of things that I shouldn't have. I had a lot of problems. I always believed that if I had repented of that sin, forsook it, I would be forgiven.

But the church stated something much different.

Well, after that three years went by, the local bible believing church in the community came a knocking. They wanted my kids for vacation Bible school. I sent them.

After that week, my kids wanted to go to church on Sunday mornings, I sent them. They were bus kids for two months.

One day, my oldest son's, sunday school teacher came a calling.

And that day I was shown What Saith the Lord. That day I surrender my life to Jesus Christ.

At this time, my marriage was falling apart, I had suffered insomina, I had fears of everything in sight. But, that day, when I gave my life over, I was healed of all those things.

For three years of suffering, in one moment, I was healed! And that night, I slept like a baby! I actually got rest for the first time in three years.

Amen, Amen, and Amen! Glory to God.

One week later, my hubby was saved, born-again, washed in the blood.

For the last five years, the Lord has used us in:

1. The Bus Ministry! Amen?! Yes, we picked up the kids for sunday morning.

2. We also ministered to kids in the Local Juvenile Attention Center.

3. We also had teen ministry as well as taught sunday school.

4. We also did the nursing home ministry.

5. We also do the street ministry.

6. We also had done evangelist work in the ministry of youth. Vacation Bible School, Youth Rallies, and Teen revivals.

7. And Today, my husband is a Pastor of the local church.

You asked:

2. How long ago did you leave the catholic church?

I have been out of the catholic church for 8 years now.

4. Are you criticized by your family for no longer being catholic?

I have lost family members do to my faith.

The problem was this. They didn't want me to preach at them! :D I respected their choice.

But, in the mean time they blasted my God, used His name in vain, and critized me openly.

And one day, I stood up against them. And today, they don't have nothing to do with me.

Now, I have family that are still devout catholics. And we talk and have a good time. They respect me and my faith, and I pray and try to be a good witness for Christ to them.

It is hard! I know! My dad and I have received much trouble and persecution, as well as a lot of hurt for the Lord.

And it isn't easy! But, who do we love more, our families or Christ.

I love Christ. I also love my family, but my family didn't save my soul!

I continue to pray for my family. Pray that God would send that perfect person by with the Gospel. And I have to trust in the Lord that His Will will be done.

Also, after much tears, the Lord gave me peace over this situation. That perfect peace that passeth all understanding.

And I Praise His Name for that!

Good seeing you,

God Bless,

Deborah