I am 59 years old. When I was 43, I was saved by the Blood of Jesus. Prior to this, I was a Catholic, being raised by my parents in an Italian Catholic home, steeped in the traditions of Catholicism. We used to laugh and say that my father was more of a pope than the pope himself.

Upon graduating from high school, I went into a convent to become a nun as all Italian families had to have a token priest and nun. I was the designated nun. At the convent I was taught alternately by Jesuits and Dominicans.

After 18 months, I left due to illness. Over the next 23 years, I became a nurse, and married and had 2 children. I was then divorced and while working the nite shift in an ICU was prayed for by another nurse who was a born again Christian. After two years of the prayers by this nurse, I was goroiiously saved in my dining room.

It was a low point in my life, and I remember deciding that since I had done everything bad that could be done, including thievery, drugs, alcohol, crime, fonication, and being a terrible role model for my children, I might as well turn my life over to God. I believed at that time that I probably wouldn't live much longer the was I was going. All of a sudden, God the father poured His love on me and I couldn't stop crying . I cried for 6 months. I was changed. I never knew that my price was paid by Jesus. People noticed my change in behavior and asked lmy friend what had happened to me.

I have never been the same since.

Now my sons and one sister are born again, and at a Bible study in 1988, I met a wonderful man of God, and we married and are now exploring the Jewish roots of uour faith. We went to Israel this past July and can't wait to go again. We are in a small fellowship group and meet at each other's homes, where we study the whole Word of God. My hus band and I are learning how to keep the feasts of Yahveh. I owe Him everything. Nothing is imposible with God!

He met me in my own home and I didn't even know what the term 'born again' meant until my friend told me. I just knew that I was changed forever.

In the Catholic church, there is no mention of salvation by grace alone. I spent 19 years in Catholic education. You must also add your own efforts, and then you are still never sure of your salvation. I will never cease to praise Him!

Thank you for this opportunity.

Shalom,
Mary Whalen
Kentucky