I myself am not a part of the restoration movement, but I do have relatives and friends in the group. It has deeply wounded our family. Not being able to have real talks etc.
David Hildebrandt was my good school chum. Peter Hildebrandt's wife is my wife's sister. The group used to pull me very much to them but with the grace of God I was able to take a stand. Our pastor they called a dumb dog, but for years they called me Bro. Jake.
The deceased Anna Thiessen from Aylmer ON was my Sunday School teacher and so was Agatha Froese her sister. They were my spiritual heroes and when they up and left, I was on shaky ground. But thank the Lord He has helped me stay clear from them. I have earnestly prayed for them and I continue to do so.
At one point I was invited to their special services, but before I went I prayed to God about it. During my prayer I had a vision. I saw a very large black hand coming toward me, as if to capture me. I was terrified, I will never forget this experience. Needless to say I did not go, I have attended the funeral of Helena Wiebe of Aylmer ON and the wedding of Rick and Agnes Wiebe. I left with a sad and empty heart on both occasions. Rick was my good church chum, and I still do have contact with him once in a while, but always constained. But praise the Lord, I can truly say I am saved and sanctified in the Lord. I have a joy in serving him that no one can take away from me.
Just one more thought. At one time I was struggling a lot because they called us all sinners and hypocrites, but then the Lord spoke to me and said: If the Spirit of God gives me that testimony that I am saved, then nothing can take that away from me. Thank God for that.
Please be encouraged to keep serving the Lord.
In Christ,
Jake Knelsen