This is Mary Barmore’s Testimony (August 2025). It is a story of redemption, divine mercy, and amazing grace.
I was the first child born into a dysfunctional family. My mother became involved in the occult, and my father was an alcoholic who died before age 40. I have two sisters. My only brother died in prison.
I married my high school sweetheart as soon as I graduated from High School. Sadly, that marriage failed.
My life seemed to be one of failures, but I yearned for more. I didn’t know it, but what I needed was a relationship with God the Father through trusting the work of his Son, Jesus Christ.
My future path was rocky. I faced homelessness, poverty, and quiet desperation. I realize that the Lord brought good people into my life at critical moments.
A woman allowed me to live in her partially finished basement. She regularly attended church, and I often went with her. I remember hearing the story of Jesus at the Christmas service and being completely overwhelmed. That is where I first heard the Gospel. I am thankful for her and the ministry of that congregation.
I felt that God was calling me to some sort of ministry. I wanted to be a missionary, but that door never opened. Eventually, I found a way to minister by being a caregiver at Bright Lite Farm in Kentucky. I served there for 3 years.
That job prepared me for a 15-year ministry as a house parent at the Stewart Home School. That is where I met Randy, my husband.
Today I enjoy the fellowship of many Christians at East Frankfort Baptist Church. I am learning to be a director in the Women’s Missionary Union. I serve on the Flower Committee, and I manage the Clothing Closet. I hope to bring back VBS in 2027, with the help of church members.
I am thankful for my church family and for the ministry and preaching of Brother Kyle McDanell.
In conclusion, I would like to share one of my favorite Scriptures. It is about the armor of God.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 10:13-18
In the weeks ahead Mary Barmore will share some of her study notes on the Gospel according to Matthew. Dr. Alice C. Linsley will add some relevant historical and anthropological information. Readers will certainly find these weekly studies uplifting and inspirational.
Related reading:
Matthew 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod
Matthew 3: Jesus and John Fulfill All Righteousness;
Matthew 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics
Matthew 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority
Matthew 6: True Kingdom Seekers
Matthew 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate
Matthew 8: The Uniqueness of JesusMatthew 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord
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