My Beginning

I would like to write a short testimony to the glory of God, because the Lord has really done great things for me.

I grew up in East Germany under communism. We were taught that there was no God. But I had a praying mother and grew up in a family that believed that there was a real God. Nevertheless, I lived in the world and had no personal experience with God. 

But the faithful God knew that I needed Him and spoke to me, even in my godless state. It was February 1961, and I had just turned 18 years old. I was plowing with the horses. Suddenly it was as if a voice from heaven spoke to me: “What will you do when the borders are closed?” I replied: “Dear God, then I’ll be a prisoner of this communist system.” Not long afterwards, in August 1961, the Berlin Wall was built and escape attempts were almost impossible. I see this as God’s guidance. 

Without further ado, I left my home and family with a small briefcase and fled to West Berlin. From there, I was flown out to West Germany on the German airlift. I didn’t feel at home in West Germany, even though I was doing well and living with one of my sisters. Then my sister wrote from Canada asking if I would be interested in emmigrating there. I didn’t hesitate long in accepting her invitation. 

In September 1962, I arrived in Edmonton, Alberta. After two weeks I knew that Canada was my new home. Here I attended the Church of God and found faithful children of God who were a good example to me. After a year, I was also able to accept Jesus as my Savior and Redeemer. I had the privilege of attending Bible school in Edmonton from 1966 to 1967. This was a special time for me where I was able to learn a lot. 

I am grateful to God for giving me a dear God-fearing wife to whom I have been married for almost 56 years. The Lord has blessed us with children and grandchildren, and we have enjoyed many wonderful years together. 

In Edmonton, I was given the opportunity to learn the trade of auto body plumber. In 1970, I was able to start my own business with a God-fearing professional partner. We worked hand in hand for twenty years. Although the beginning was difficult, the heavenly Father always provided work in a wonderful way and gave His blessing. 

I never intended to go into the preaching ministry. But the Lord had other plans and called us into the ministry in 1990. In these 22 years of church ministry, we have experienced God’s help so wonderfully and have seen many answers to prayer. 

We have now been in so-called retirement for 11 years. Here, too, the Lord always has tasks and we want to fulfill them joyfully with His help as long as He gives us the necessary strength. We try to support and encourage other seniors to serve God faithfully. Someone once said that there are no unemployed in serving God. As God’s children, we all have tasks, even if we are already of an advanced age. 

Looking back, we can say that it was God’s grace that carried us through ups and downs. All glory and thanks be to Him!

Waldemar Makus, 

Edmonton, AB