Testimony of
Barbara Nutter
Missionary with Amazing Grace Mission
Soul Winning Ministry to Fairs, Festivals,
Flea Markets, Parades and other Public Events.
Table of Contents
1. Background
2. Early Religious
Experiences
3. Questions
4. Disillusioned
5. Saved
6. Change
"From Disillusion
to Deliverance"
Background
My religious background was Roman-Catholic all the way. Yes, I would
say my family was devout. My brother was an altar boy. My mother
attended and "hosted" the "block rosary", so popular in the 1950's.
My mother and/or my father and I attended almost every Friday
evening without fail "Sorrowful Mother Novena" at the parish church.
My mother and I made capes for the statue of the infant of Prague,
always asking a special favor in return. We went to Sunday mass
faithfully, unless we were ill. My first husband's cousin was a
religious brother in the "Precious Blood Seminary."
"And every priest standeth daily ministering
and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take
away sins." Hebrews 10.11.
Top
Early Religious Experiences
Yes, I was baptized as a baby. And yes, I was confirmed when I was
in the fourth grade, I believe. Of course, I don't remember the
baptism, but I have some recollection of the confirmation. All the
girls wore white, silky hats and a red tassel. (The red faded on the
white when washed.) We had booklets to study, which were covered
with green paper. We were instructed to keep these booklets clean.
Nuns were very strict! I kept this booklet until I was in my
twenties! I then gave it to a girlfriend studying the Roman Catholic
faith.
Yes, I attended the Catholic
school grades 2-12. I was a Catholic who lived by their rules. I
respected what they taught; never questioned regarding Mass on
Sunday or Saturday, donations (tithes, sometimes). I never
questioned the teachings or practices of the church. I truly
believed that Baptism saved! I believed and practiced Roman
Catholicism.
"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to
preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of
Christ should be made of none effect." I Corinthians 1:17
I did not question the character
or authority of the nuns or priests for many years. To me they were
to be revered. I though they were "super-types," special human
beings.
I was "big" on praying to the saints for favors, e.g. St. Anne, St.
Anthony of Padua and St. Jude.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between
God and men, the man Christ Jesus." I Timothy 2:5.
The sacraments were very important
to me, and the practicing of them. I was very big on "tradition".
Follow everything and do everything "just right." After I married
and had children, they received Baptism, First Communion and
Confirmation and there was always a party celebration associated
with the event.
I can't really say that I didn't
believe in the mass, but it was difficult for me "to get into it." I
only remember once when I was in High School - "one time" - that I
felt "uplifted" after attending mass. I never could get "into the
swing" of saying the rosary. To me it was always boring.
Top
Questions
I did not begin to question the Catholic teaching and authority
until after my first husband's death. But the period before his
death (he was gravely ill for one year) probably "paved the way."
Where were my parish "friends," where were the priests when I needed
them for support? (Even a casserole for supper would have been
welcomed from any parish member - but it never happened.) They
seemed cold and uncaring.
Shortly after my husband's death,
I stopped by the parish house to arrange for some "masses" to be
read for him. The priest greeted me in a macho way with his
jogging/exercise suit and asked me if "everything was back to
normal." My husband died leaving me to care for a 17, 15 and 12 year
old. This remark from the priest angered me. After my husband's
death, there was no concern shown either from the parish priests or
parish members.
During my grieving, I began to
question more and more. Once, I attended a "Grief Weekend" and the
priest told me to "shop around" until I got the answers I wanted. He
compared it to shopping for a lawyer or doctor.
Top
Disillusioned
I started mass "hopping" to other parish churches in the area,
hoping for some relief from the bitterness and grief I felt. At
times, it helped a little. I definitely thought I was being "fed." I
finally reached a point that left me sort of numb, not sure what I
believed anymore. I started thinking about attending a "protestant"
church, but really didn't know where to go. All this time, I became
more and more disillusioned.
Top
Saved
I truly did not know that you could be sure about Heaven. I had
never heard the Gospel until the fall of 1987 (3 years after my
husband's death). The man, who is now my husband, led me to Jesus
Christ. I had been Roman Catholic for 51 years.
Could salvation really be that
simple? Jesus DID IT ALL! No works, no church, no "hoping" and
praying to be
saved, was necessary.
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all
our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf;
and our iniquities like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6.
The response was gradual. I had a
lot of catching up to do! I knew very little of the Bible and almost
never read it. (It was just something to look nice on the coffee
table.) It was no great emotional experience as it is for some, but
in September 1987, my present husband walked me through the plan of
salvation.
I never went back to mass and
communion after this. As I said, it was gradual for me, so it was
not until Sunday, June 26, 1988 that I went forward to make a public
profession of faith in Christ at the Sandusky Baptist Temple,
Sandusky, OH.
"But this man, after he had offered one
sacrifice for sins for ever , sat down on the right had of God."
Hebrews 10:12.
Top
Change
I guess "boldness" comes gradual for me, too, as I still pray for
this often. As a result, I have not "shouted" my salvation to
family, friends or priest.
On January 15, 1988, I married my
present husband in the Sandusky Baptist Temple. This in itself,
tells some of my "change of heart."
My children were not surprised at my
leaving the Catholic Church. They were in Catholic school and felt
grieving, too, with no support from nuns, priests or teachers. When
2 of my children challenged and questioned the priest and nun in
religion class, they were promptly "shut-up."
It was not really hard for me to
give up Roman Catholicism, as I had nothing to hold on to in the
first place. I am still a "baby with the Bible," but after 3 years,
I seem to come to a little more understanding every day. Praise God!
Again, major
changes in my life,
attitudes and actions have been gradual, cautions. I have come to
know the devil will really "beat at my door" and never stop. I must
expect this and have tried.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary
the devil, as a roaring lion, walkeith about, seeking whom he may
devour." I Peter 5:8.
Since my accepting salvation, I
have had serious illnesses in my immediate family, my own bout with
cancer and serious traumatic problems with my children.
I don't enjoy some of the things I
used to consider "entertainment" and I thank the Holy Spirit for
this.
I feel that God is using me now to
help my husband in the tract ministry, especially to the prisoners
and Roman Catholics. As far as goals, I am waiting on the Lord to
see where He leads me regarding serving Him. My husband and I leave
tracts everywhere we can. Also, I (we) send them with
correspondence.
Yes, I have been scripturally
baptized. On Sunday morning, July 3, 1988, Pastor Roger Green
baptized me at the Sandusky Baptist Temple.
I left the Roman Catholic Church
for doctrinal reasons and because I was scripturally born again, not
because of our social or emotional needs not being met.
My husband and I have originated
the ROTC Ministry (Reach Out to Roman Catholics). We use literature,
tapes, videos and the fair ministry.
Top
Thank you for taking the time to
read my testimony.
You may contact us at:
Top
G. Steven Andres
Psalms 45:17
Missionary Evangelist
Copyright - 1996 to 2010 |
