My Salvation - Pat Schumacher

TESTIMONY OF PATRICIA SCHUMACHER

Hello, my name is Pat Schumacher. When I was 30 years old, I developed rheumatoid arthritis. The rheumatoid arthritis has totally destroyed my joints; I am unable to walk and spend my days in a wheelchair. But I have comfort from above and know that when I die I will have a perfect body and there will be no more pain. I would like to share my story with you.

I was raised in a religious family. I have one sister and three brothers. We went to church every Sunday. I was brought up believing there was a God, and learned much about the Bible. I was confirmed in a Lutheran church. I thought that my good works and my church membership were enough to get me into heaven. I soon learned differently.

When I was 15, my girlfriend and I attended revival services at a small Baptist church. Even though I had gone to church all my life this was the first time I heard the plan of salvation.

At the church that day I picked up a gospel pamphlet called All Satan's Apples Have Worms. I also met a young man that asked me where I would spend eternity when I died. I answered I would go to heaven because I believed that I was a good person. But after reading the pamphlet, I realized that being a good person is not enough to get you in heaven.

Isaiah 64:6 states "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Also, Ephesians 2:8-9 states "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." I realized my life was filled with works; after reading the gospel pamphlet I understood that I needed to accept Christ as my saviour, by faith. Christ paid the penalty for my sin, and I needed to totally trust in him and him alone for my salvation.

After I was saved I had a strong desire to read my Bible daily and to live for Christ. I wrote to John R. Rice, the author, and soon after that I started receiving The Sword of the Lord publication. This is a Christian paper filled with sermons and other helps for Christian growth. Christ has truly changed my life. I am filled with thanksgiving and joy. I have had many complications with my arthritis and I am so glad to have Christ walking with me through these troubled times. I know now that Christ will help me through all my sufferings and trials.

"And he said unto me, MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE: FOR MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Follow up to her testimony:

Patricia Ann Schumacher passed away on September 22, 2009, at the age of 53. She died at the University of Alberta Hospital after a twenty-two year battle with arthritis.

Patricia was born in Wisconsin. She married Reinhard Schumacher in 1974, and served with him in Richland Center, Wisconsin, Hamilton, Ontario, and the Alberta communities of Edmonton, Cold Lake and Sherwood Park. For twenty-seven years, she served the Lord as a faithful homemaker, missionary, and pastor's wife. They raised a daughter and two sons. She was very active in teaching children in church and ministering to others.

Her family paid tribute to her: "Patricia was the sweetest, most loving lady you could ever meet. God has used her in a great way throughout her life and we thank God for her. She will be greatly missed."