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.

Update on Levi (March 2023):

Levi Mast is now forty-two and left his New Wilmington community one year ago. His wife and four children did not come with him. He has gone through so much, as his wife has continued to make up so many lies. She forced his children to write the therapist letters saying they don't want to see him. When he left, he had to go to the courts to see them. He had the court mandate therapy and family therapy.

All of this was very hard on the children, as his wife and community would have them make up lies. His wife was held in contempt for not sending the children.

After many months, we are happy to share that Levi gained weekends with the children, even Sundays which means no Amish church. They have reported they enjoy seeing Levi and have fun. He takes them skating, bowling, etc.

Keep praying for Levi and he navigates all of the changes and challenges he faces.

This letter has been published with permission from the owner.

Note to the reader:

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