| Through a deep love for the Amish and the unusual circumstances shared in David's booklet, A Call to My Amish Neighbors: Back to the Old Ways , we found ourselves ministering to born again Amish folks who had a hunger to reach their lost Amish neighbors. We had no idea until we entered this ministry how truly cross-cultural and difficult it was to reach lost Amish friends. Since the writing and dissemination of the booklet, however, many opportunities have come our way.
David has spoken to Amish bishops, elders, and men and women. He knows first-hand how religious and fearful they can be--those who have not yet come to know our gracious Savior, Jesus Christ. So many are locked into rigid notions apart from the work of regeneration in their lives. Among the groups which we reach, many believe that being born-again is a strange new doctrine. This error is addressed in David's booklet.
Now we partner with churches, groups, or families who desire to see their unsaved Amish families, neighbors, and friends come to know Christ. David travels with a man he is coaching to meet with these groups.
AMISH MISSIONS NEWS*
NEW PUBLICATION
David's latest pamphlet, Rumspringa: The Wrong Questions!, has been released. This booklet is aimed at Amish youth. It warns of the spiritual dangers of this ancient Amish practice and suggests that amidst all the confusion and questions, the young people as the right questions: Who is Christ? What is the difference between religion and a relationship with the Savior and Lord, Jesus. Please pray for the impact of this important work.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
In January, the Pilgrim Radio Network interviewed David. They were interested in both the Amish Outreach and David's publications--Back to the Old Ways and the newest booklet (Rumspringa). Both booklets are outreach tools. The first is to reach adults. The second is aimed at Amish youth. Hopefully Rumspringa can be printed and mailed by the late fall, after the Amish harvest is in. Lots of time to read in the winter.
A pastor from Lancaster County asked David to come and talk to him and his church leaders. They want to explore effective ways to reach out to the Amish around them who may not know the Lord. David plans a trip with a friend and Frontline supporter.
Recently, a youth director in Ohio ordered 50 booklets. He plans on using them to handout as the young people in his group have a desire to reach their Amish friends. One of the Amish girls recently accepted Christ and is now passionate about reaching her unsaved friends. David has been invited to speak to these young people the next time he is in Ohio.
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On the last trip to Ohio, several individuals came face to face with the grace of God. In particular, David & Jack Earle were able to spend time talking with the Amish on their farms. They also met over a period of several days with groups of New Amish and born-again Amish folks to encourage them and share the booklet with them for use in their own outreach.
David has been invited to Graybill, IN in September. He will meet there with some believers and Amish folks who are under the Ban, to encourage them and share with them how others have come to Christ in a similar way. David is also receiving other invitations since the last mailing.
To date, we have mailed the booklet to several thousand homes and families. The response is typical. We receive both positive feedback and hate-calls. One Amishman used profanity in talking to our staff [he apparently doesn't think the booklet applies to him or his church! What do you think?].
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David is now on Twitter and you can see Amish topics there under #amish and #amishfmi
Contact us if you'd like David to come to your church or family group and share what he sees God doing among the Amish. He also suggests ways to reach out to the Amish. Pray that those who are lost among these precious people may come to know Christ and take a stand for him, regardless of the cost.
*For the protection of host families, we do not include specifics and names with regard to our Amish itinerary.
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