Testimonial #1- from Don Diehl of the Jenks Journal

"I took my review copy of Susan Heck's With the Master in the School of Tested Faith home for my wife to read. After all, it says right on the cover "a ladies' Bible study," and I had already done the article about a "Christian woman writing for Christian women." The idea of having Janell read the book was so that I could quiz her afterward and pen this book review for our newspaper readers from her perspective, i.e. "my wife loved the book" etc. And of course, you know, I want to be careful about the scriptural admonition regarding "women teaching men." Enough of the distraction, I confess I picked the book up and as I began to scan the chapter titles, summaries and other helps, I soon found myself reading away. I also soon realized I was holding a true gem - a work by a well-studied author that will bless, help, encourage and exhort not only women who want to grow in faith, but men as well. Here is one that knows the material in her heart. Men, buy your wife a copy of Tested Faith then sneak your own read. All kidding aside, this book is a wonderful and solid commentary on the Epistle of James with life's applications that tear and mend heart strings of those seeking after the Lord. If you are looking for feel-goodism, plastic-surfaced filler or more pop-psychology, don't dwell here. But if you want some depth of study and faith with the full regiment of grace - read Heck's first in a series of "With The Master." The summary at the end of Chapter 8 (there are 24 chapters and 372 pages) may offer the heart of the work: "You know, it is so easy to become self-deceived by our religiosity," Heck writes. "But there are three tests here of true religion: (l) The test to our self. {more of text here if you please} And preacher, if you're looking for sermon illustrations - here is a source you would be hard-pressed to find better. "Tested" is full of illustrations that go beyond the text of James. Consider the "parable of the ducks" in chapter 12. A must read ... for women and men."

Testimonial #2 - from Joy Plahn in California

"It's no favor asking me to share how Scripture Memory has changed my life. When you said you were speaking on that, I almost voluntarily wrote to you what a difference it has made in me, but I thought you might be getting sick of me telling you how the Lord has used your challenges to change my life. In Bible Study on Wednesday I actually shared with the women how having God'Word in my mind and heart has changed my marriage. I am the type of woman who can have a complete  discussion with my husband before he even is in the door. I rehearse in my head what I'm gonna say, then I rehearse his response, then I hit him with a real good comeback, so that when he does come in the door it's as if one of your Oklahoma twisters has hit him. He doesn't stand a chance. Instead of the respectful wife that Ephesians 5 commands me to be, Eric has what I imagine Hilary Clinton to be like. Lovely. Since I have been memorizing God's Word I have learned how to Battle My flesh and take my thoughts captive. Now I don't have horrible fights with my husband before he comes home or even when he comes home because I have filled my head and my heart with God's Word. Now, a verse here and there is great but when you have chapters or books memorized by the time you get through reciting them, your heart is softened and if its not start over! In this way you control your thoughts and think on things that are true as Phil 4:8 commands, rather then feeding off the lies that Satan feeds us. And that what they are-lies. Having Scripture Memorized is  bulk helps you with idle thoughts and idle time. It's amazing how much easier it gets the more you do it. Believe me I am no genius and my mother swears I am ADD to this day, so if I can do this anyone can. The neat thing about this is that it not only can change your marriage but your friendships as well. Because you dwell on things that are true and not on the  moody assumptions that we as women so easily fall prey too. It will change your life. I wish I could tell these ladies in person, but I hope the above helps. Here's a quick PS to the Scripture Memory. I fall asleep more easily now. As soon as my head hits the pillow it's as if my brain goes into action, (goodness knows it hadn't been in action all day, why when I go to bed?} I begin thinking about the next day or the months agenda, unfinished projects, the chores I need to do, etc& .I cannot sleep despite my exhaustion. Now, I just take my thoughts captive and begin to say in my head the chapters I've memorized. Usually before I'm done I'm asleep. And if I get through the chapters more than twice I just figure the Lord wants me praying for someone so my thoughts go that way. It's amazing! I'm not a genius and I have to work at staying focused. I have two little ones and not many opportunities to just sit and memorize. So, I cut index cards in half, hold punch them and ring them. They just fit great in my pocket or purse. This way I can review the old and add on the new. Also, writing the verses helps me to memorize them, and people can quiz me at any time and check if I'm distorting Scripture. Anyway, if I can do this anyone can! By the way I did graduate in the top 5 of my high school class. Did I mention there were only six kids in that class?"

Testimonial #3 - from Stacy Jennaway in Bozeman, Montana

Dear Susan,

Greetings in the name of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. Hello from Bozeman Montana. You were here last April doing a women's seminar at my church: Grace Bible Church. I wanted to tell you what God has done since you left us with a challenge to memorize a book of the Bile. I am a mother of 3 and my memory Is not very good. I know that without God enabling me, I could never do it. But praise the Lord, He did help me to be diligent and faithful. As of today, I have the book of James memorized! It is a miracle, a true work of God. I wanted to say thank you for challenging us& Thank you so much for challenging me to memorize a book. It is crazy, but she an incredible blessing in my life! I am beginning to teach a new Bible study (How awesome is the Lord most High) and I need to solidly James still. I will, Lord willing, practice James daily for the next month, then weekly, for at least another several months. I think I'd like to memorize Romans 12 or Psalm 37 next. God bless you and continue to speak through you.

Love In Christ, Stacy Jennaway.

PS I just talked to our church secretary Mickey and she told me 2 other women are working on Matthew& somewhere in chapter five!

Testimonial #4 - from Brenda Rucker in Bixby, Oklahoma

Susan, 

I really enjoyed sitting under you as a lecturer. I have attended BSF classes, gone to many spiritual retreats, several Women of Faith Conferences in San Antonio and Oklahoma City. I was tremendously blessed as I have sat under these various teachers of the Word and I received the same blessing under your teaching. Some lecturers lose my interest and I have a tendency to take make believe cruises. However, I could have listened to you for another hour instead of doing the question session. God has chosen you for a great ministry to reach the masses of women and I think He chose well (but doesn't He always). I sing my praises to God for you and your ministry that helps others like me. 

Thank you for your serving heart, Brenda

Testimonial #5 - from Susan Carter in Ohio

Congratulations, Susan!

You have written one of the few meaty books for a ladies' Bible study. So many are fluff and stuff; I am happy to share with you the applause the four of us ladies have for your efforts to share insights from the Lord. Susan, will you be publishing another book in the near future? (We're halfway through your first book and are looking to continue our group study) If so, when will it be published, and what will it be? If not, what would you recommend for our group of hungry meat-eaters? And, my last question for you, Susan. I am interested in pursuing counseling certification. Would you recommend NANC? As a female, can I do anything with it to help others within the church? If you have anything else you can share with me, I'm open. I appreciate your efforts and would love to meet you....but Oklahoma is too much of a drive for me! How about Missouri, or Indiana, or Michigan, or Pennsylvania, Kentucky, or EVEN OHIO?????

Thanks much and God bless you and your ministry.

Susan Carter