Levi Mast

August 23, 2022

I grew up in an Old Order Amish community. Three things I enjoyed about growing up Amish were spending time with my family, living off the land, and developing a good work ethic. My relationship was challenging with my parents. My mother was (and is) severely mentally ill, and my father was abusive, so we were never very close.

Time passed, and I grew up and began a family. One day, my friend gave me a Bible, and I began to read God’s Word in English, a language I could understand. I realized that we don’t go to Heaven by doing good works. I enjoyed reading my Bible and going to church and decided to give my life to Jesus. I chose to leave my New Wilmington community.

On the day that I decided to leave the Amish, I went to work in the morning and just never returned. My family knew I wasn’t happy and that I wanted to live right by God. Years ago, I left the Amish for three days and the Bishop convinced me to go to an Amish psychiatric home. This time, however, I knew that I was leaving for good. I received support from my friends and my customers. Three men named Eli, Aaron, and David have also been huge supports as well.

Unfortunately, I have faced many difficulties since leaving the community. My family has brainwashed my children; they think I’m evil and crazy because of what they’ve been told. It’s hard to see my family turn their back on me and help in this effort to turn my children against me. The lies that the Amish have spread are damaging, and this whole experience has been very difficult.

I currently have very little contact with my family. I see my children once weekly, but they have been told to lie. The court system in New Castle knows how the Amish are acting, and I do have three lawyers to try to help the situation, but it is still difficult.

As for transitioning into my new culture, that part has been easy. I am at peace, and I have joy. My friends continue to help me, and I can continue to grow in my relationship with Jesus. My future plans involved getting my driver’s license, traveling, and helping Amish victims find Christ as well as a safe place. I was a victim of mental, physical and spiritual abuse and want to help others that may be going through the same obstacles.

This letter has been published with permission from the owner.

Note to the reader:

We would like to encourage you to leave a message for Levi below. When you do, it will notify Levi and be an encouragement to him. God bless you!