From the Artificial Light of the WTBTS...
To the REAL Light of the Lamb
My Testimony by Michael Terran
I think the best way to start things off is with a Scripture:
When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.” (Exodus 33:22-23, NIV)
So what God is saying is: You’re not going to see Me coming… but you’ll know that I’ve been there. And that’s the case with my testimony;
I didn’t see God coming, but I sure know he has been here! Well I am/was a fourth-generation Jehovah Witness (JW). My dad is Catholic (by name only), my mother became a JW in October of 1985 (before that, she had no church affiliation). Her mother (my grandmother became a JW in the 1950’s, and her parents (my great grandmother and grandfather) became JW’s before that time---I think in the 1920s. So, it was no wonder that my mom became one, the trap was already set in motion; but one day God would step in on my behalf.
That’s where I come in. I was born on July 16, 1978. I also have a twin brother, he is a JW (by name only) just to be able to put something down on doctor/medical forms.
Growing up wasn’t bad, but I do remember a lot of fighting going on with aunts and uncles, etc. Yet, they all where JWs so to speak. You see, they would use the Bible as a weapon, or as an excuse not to talk to so-and-so, or to get their way. I think that’s why my dad is still Catholic to this day. I would get gifts all year round from my dad, so I was never deprived in that area like some. I would go to meetings off and on with my mom.
We moved a lot because of family problems---
So much of Christian love, right?
Anyway, when I was 18 years old, I was at a mall shopping; and I got sick and passed out. I was taken to the hospital, where they said it was the flu. Later, I found out it was stress---it was a panic attack. I began searching for God, next thing I know I’m studying with Jehovah Witnesses. On April 22, 2000, I got baptised as a JW. Then things changed overnight.
The love they showed to me in the beginning was gone. Friendships were based on how much time you put in their field service (door-to-door work). Some would say to me: Jehovah will never grant your petitions or requests. Many were very unloving and uncaring. The words from Mathew 21:22 have gotten me through some tough times. It states: If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
I found a great church to go to--- Bethel community Church. On July 9, 2003, I attended my first real Christian meeting. There were people praying over me. That night when I came home, I said a born-again prayer and accepted the real Jesus of Scripture Who is THE GOD-MAN as my personal Lord and Savior. Seven days later (on July 6, 2003), I turned 25.
On Sunday, August 17, 2003, I got baptized as a real, blood-washed, born-again Christian in Christ---in the Name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Amen. I now have a personal ministry to help people come out of cults and bring them to Christ.
Well, that’s my story. And since I opened with a Scripture, I’ll end with one:
Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NIV)
Yes, Jesus is the The Way, The Truth, and The Life; and now I am in HIS Light which is real and no longer in that artificial light of the WTBTS. I’m so happy I found the real Jesus, but better yet---I’m so happy HE found me and never gave up on me. May the grace of God be with you all, Amen!
Volume 10 No. 1 ( Page18) Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc. Journal Winter 2004
