A while back, Doris Ballard - moderator & editor of Mary's Remnant - asked me to write about myself. She felt that some of my personal life experiences and/or decisions could have a positive impact on some readers and help them to live their own faith more fully. I told Doris that an endeavor like this could very well lead to the sin of pride - the most serious sin - and that I could not say 'yes' to this request without affirmation from the Lord. I prayed for a couple of weeks for affirmation from the Holy Spirit but nothing came immediately. Coincidentally (are there coincidences with God?) I have been reading the Documents of Vatican II as part of my ongoing self-education to answer questions about our faith. At the same time I daily prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide me on my decision on Doris' request. On one particular day I received several affirmations to do as Doris requested as I read from the Vatican II document, Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity. As I read this document, two passages in particular spoke to my heart and told me to do as Doris requested. "However, an apostolate of this kind does not consist only in the witness of one's way of life; a true apostle looks for opportunities to announce Christ by words addressed either to non-believers with a view leading them to faith or to the faithful with a view to instructing, strengthening, and encouraging them to a more fervent life (my emphasis). The words of the Apostle should echo in all hearts, 'Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel' - (1 Cor. 9:16)." "A particular form of the individual apostolate as well as a sign specially suited to our times is the testimony of the whole lay life arising from faith, hope, and charity. It manifests Christ living in those who believe in Him. Then by the apostolate of the spoken and written word, which is utterly necessary under certain circumstances, lay people announce Christ, explain and spread His teaching in accordance with one's status and ability, and faithfully profess it."

     So, with the above in mind, I hope that you will understand how my testimony will come into being. I will break it down into subject areas with each subject as a separate chapter, for lack of a better word. How Doris will put this out in the Mary's Remnant website - I do not know. This introduction will be sent to those on my personal E-mail list so that they can become aware that this 'project' exits. If they wish to read the further 'chapters' they can do so at Mary's Remnant website. To get to the website use the Yahoo search engine and the address: www.marysremnant.org. As always regarding my writings, they may be copied and provided to anyone that they may help as long as they are copied in their entirety.

Ron