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Hi everyone! This is my second post!
Im a 24 year old male who is about to graduate college, and have a year off untill I might go to grad school. However, since I was 16 I have seriously given thought to joining the Amish. I do believe in God, and I am aware that I can live a God-loving life in a mainstream society. I do feel however that there are many things I would enjoy about living the rest of my life as a member of the Amish family. I would love to live in a community of people who I will (unless a few leave) know and love for the rest of my life and will work and worship with. Im not perfect, but friends can vouch that I have lived a moral and decent life and lifestyle and I want to be in a community similar. Plus. I think modern life is too fast and complicated. I would be VERY happy focusing my life on God and neighbor in a very simple lifestyle.
I know it's not perfect, I am not naive and have done lots of reading up on the Amish. I would not blame ANY for being skeptical about my curiosity. I know that it is a HARD lifestyle, it is very strict, and there have been reports of abuse, incest, and the such. I do know however that the Amish are the same folks who were able to forgive and love after they lost children to that shooter a few years ago-that is truly beautiful.
As much as I honestly do want this, I am aware of the obstacles. I would miss family and friends. I hate the cold. I am not used to a lifestyle of manual labor. Finally, I would feel uncomfortable having to spend a year trying to "prove" myself- I would show love and hope to receive a reception of kindness, even if there is due skepticism.
Please help me make the right decision on this crucial manner. I ask for prayer, as I have honestly prayed to God over this many times and feel my heart is being guided toward this, but I wll be mature and realistic about this. I have no background in such as lifestyle, even if I feel I should be a member of such a community.
I earnestly also ask for assistance in contacting the community in Unity, Maine (I am from MA and have been to Unity, as my sister went to Unity College) as I read in this thread that they are open to curious outsiders. I plan to (if I get an invite) visit the community for a while in August. A week or so just to see if the lifestyle would work. I would be willing to try an do anything that would be expected of me as a member. If I feel that it is God's will and that I could live that life, I will be sure to return for a longer visit where I will seriously discuss initiation rites before deciding to adopt this new life.
I believe God would like this for me, and I would like it. I dont know if it is the right decision though. Prayer and advice would be great, along with info on who to contact. I DONT want to jump into this and wake up one day and wonder what I had done. I dont want to betray the community and up and leave after a brief honeymoon. This would be the biggest decision and commitment of my life, and I want to do the right thing.
-Hoping it all works out
-Brian
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Hi everyone (seeking advice on joining the Amish) Whether or not to join...
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#2
Simon Peter 
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Moderators
- Posts: 451
- Joined: 21-November 09
Posted 07 March 2010 - 02:10 PM
AK2 said:
I believe God would like this for me, and I would like it. I dont know if it is the right decision though.
-Hoping it all works out
-Hoping it all works out
Hello Brian,
I sense a hesitation in your decision to join the Amish. You say,"I believe God would like this for me." and then you say, "I dont know if it is the right decision though."
I'm not trying to trip you up, Brian. There is nothing wrong with your staement. Reading between the lines I think you are not quite certain about the direction God wants you to take, right? We all face situations like that.... "What does God want me to do in this situation?"
It is obvious that you are fascinated by the Amish culture and their lifestyle. BUT it takes more than that, Brian.
You must do your own research on their doctines and the applications of those doctines.
Then you will need to look at the 'man-made' standards and their 'constitutional' application... the reason I use the word 'constititional' is because most if not all Amish churches have a 'constituency.' This means they have a constitutional agreement with other communities on their 'ordnung' (standards of practice.)
Once you fully understand all of that ... then you are able to make an informed decision on what you should do.
Pray that God will lead you..and give you discernment. Be senitive to His Spirit.. and He will guide you right.
Thanks for posting on this messageboard.
God bless you, Brian.
Simon Peter
#3
Valerie
- Advanced Member
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- Group: Members
- Posts: 290
- Joined: 21-November 09
- LocationMedina Ohio
Posted 07 March 2010 - 08:18 PM
AK2, on 06 March 2010 - 11:26 PM, said:
Hi everyone! This is my second post!
Im a 24 year old male who is about to graduate college, and have a year off untill I might go to grad school. However, since I was 16 I have seriously given thought to joining the Amish. I do believe in God, and I am aware that I can live a God-loving life in a mainstream society. I do feel however that there are many things I would enjoy about living the rest of my life as a member of the Amish family. I would love to live in a community of people who I will (unless a few leave) know and love for the rest of my life and will work and worship with. Im not perfect, but friends can vouch that I have lived a moral and decent life and lifestyle and I want to be in a community similar. Plus. I think modern life is too fast and complicated. I would be VERY happy focusing my life on God and neighbor in a very simple lifestyle.
I know it's not perfect, I am not naive and have done lots of reading up on the Amish. I would not blame ANY for being skeptical about my curiosity. I know that it is a HARD lifestyle, it is very strict, and there have been reports of abuse, incest, and the such. I do know however that the Amish are the same folks who were able to forgive and love after they lost children to that shooter a few years ago-that is truly beautiful.
As much as I honestly do want this, I am aware of the obstacles. I would miss family and friends. I hate the cold. I am not used to a lifestyle of manual labor. Finally, I would feel uncomfortable having to spend a year trying to "prove" myself- I would show love and hope to receive a reception of kindness, even if there is due skepticism.
Please help me make the right decision on this crucial manner. I ask for prayer, as I have honestly prayed to God over this many times and feel my heart is being guided toward this, but I wll be mature and realistic about this. I have no background in such as lifestyle, even if I feel I should be a member of such a community.
I earnestly also ask for assistance in contacting the community in Unity, Maine (I am from MA and have been to Unity, as my sister went to Unity College) as I read in this thread that they are open to curious outsiders. I plan to (if I get an invite) visit the community for a while in August. A week or so just to see if the lifestyle would work. I would be willing to try an do anything that would be expected of me as a member. If I feel that it is God's will and that I could live that life, I will be sure to return for a longer visit where I will seriously discuss initiation rites before deciding to adopt this new life.
I believe God would like this for me, and I would like it. I dont know if it is the right decision though. Prayer and advice would be great, along with info on who to contact. I DONT want to jump into this and wake up one day and wonder what I had done. I dont want to betray the community and up and leave after a brief honeymoon. This would be the biggest decision and commitment of my life, and I want to do the right thing.
-Hoping it all works out
-Brian
Im a 24 year old male who is about to graduate college, and have a year off untill I might go to grad school. However, since I was 16 I have seriously given thought to joining the Amish. I do believe in God, and I am aware that I can live a God-loving life in a mainstream society. I do feel however that there are many things I would enjoy about living the rest of my life as a member of the Amish family. I would love to live in a community of people who I will (unless a few leave) know and love for the rest of my life and will work and worship with. Im not perfect, but friends can vouch that I have lived a moral and decent life and lifestyle and I want to be in a community similar. Plus. I think modern life is too fast and complicated. I would be VERY happy focusing my life on God and neighbor in a very simple lifestyle.
I know it's not perfect, I am not naive and have done lots of reading up on the Amish. I would not blame ANY for being skeptical about my curiosity. I know that it is a HARD lifestyle, it is very strict, and there have been reports of abuse, incest, and the such. I do know however that the Amish are the same folks who were able to forgive and love after they lost children to that shooter a few years ago-that is truly beautiful.
As much as I honestly do want this, I am aware of the obstacles. I would miss family and friends. I hate the cold. I am not used to a lifestyle of manual labor. Finally, I would feel uncomfortable having to spend a year trying to "prove" myself- I would show love and hope to receive a reception of kindness, even if there is due skepticism.
Please help me make the right decision on this crucial manner. I ask for prayer, as I have honestly prayed to God over this many times and feel my heart is being guided toward this, but I wll be mature and realistic about this. I have no background in such as lifestyle, even if I feel I should be a member of such a community.
I earnestly also ask for assistance in contacting the community in Unity, Maine (I am from MA and have been to Unity, as my sister went to Unity College) as I read in this thread that they are open to curious outsiders. I plan to (if I get an invite) visit the community for a while in August. A week or so just to see if the lifestyle would work. I would be willing to try an do anything that would be expected of me as a member. If I feel that it is God's will and that I could live that life, I will be sure to return for a longer visit where I will seriously discuss initiation rites before deciding to adopt this new life.
I believe God would like this for me, and I would like it. I dont know if it is the right decision though. Prayer and advice would be great, along with info on who to contact. I DONT want to jump into this and wake up one day and wonder what I had done. I dont want to betray the community and up and leave after a brief honeymoon. This would be the biggest decision and commitment of my life, and I want to do the right thing.
-Hoping it all works out
-Brian
Hi Brian,
It sounds like you're looking at both sides of the issue, and it seems to me that until you at least meet with the Amish of Unity, or Smyrna Mills Me, it's just going to be a big question mark as to whether or not the Lord is leading you in this direction. I shared before with someone from Maine,considering the same, as long as your salvation is based on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, as your foundation-and with that, want a community style living, then I can provide you with names to contact-my suggestion would be to write to the bishop or deacons of the community and express your desire. They have been through this with outsiders and know all the questions and concerns you have, and they will share theirs with you-Unity is a brand new community,just getting started-these 2 communities in Maine are English friendly-the Unity one even had a pig roast last summer, inviting the Englishers-so they are very accomodating to people who share your desires, to work with them-and give them time-but there are some things I'd want to discuss, not on the message board-if you could email me vjesusnme@aol.com then I can share more-and go from there-please continue to pray your way through this-I will pray for you too, and think about what Simon Peter said-I will have addresses for your contacts if you want to explore it further-even as Christians, we have desires to live certain places or ways-Amish is an extreme way with extreme requirements-and as nice as these 2 communities are, they are no exception to that-
God Bless you Brian, and email if you want as I need to share more-I won't post addresses on the board
Valerie
One thing, Brian, I'd really like you to do, is read all the testimonies of former Amish on this board-you will find most of them did not leave because the lifestyle was too hard-they wanted a "relationship" with Jesus Christ that is frowned upon in the Amish lifestyle, which has a spirit of "law", versus a spirit of "grace"-that is harder than the lifestyle itself-many are hurt by trying to measure up to man made expectations-so please read as much of the board's message as you can-thank you
#4 Guest_AK2_*
Posted 23 March 2010 - 10:31 PM
Peter, you definitely have the situation hit dead-on. I plan on developing the "curious" state im in right now into an anthropological/religious like experience this summer by doing my research onto the doctrines, and I plan to visit the Amish first-hand to see the lifstyle and meet some of the Amish first-hand.
Valerie, thank you for reaching your hand out to provide me guidance. I will definitely e-mail you ASAP.
I will also be sure to (continue) to read the testimonies of those who left the Amish community that they left.
Valerie, thank you for reaching your hand out to provide me guidance. I will definitely e-mail you ASAP.
I will also be sure to (continue) to read the testimonies of those who left the Amish community that they left.
#5 Guest_Liz Popp_*
Posted 02 May 2010 - 05:54 AM
Brian
hello my name is Elizabeth lm from ontario! l dress modest also have friends who are amish!! live among the Amish and work among the amishand see if its Gods will but wait on Gods Direction its a big life change! even though lve heard alot of not so nice things l have alot of respect for them and ejoy sitting with them and having fellowship with them ! l hug my friend and tell her l love her ! at first it was hard for her, cause its not there way , but l tell her its my way she carries a little bible with her and reads it through out the day and her hubsband showed us his bible of course we couldn"t read it ! anyways take care listen to what God is whispering in your ear? God Bless
hello my name is Elizabeth lm from ontario! l dress modest also have friends who are amish!! live among the Amish and work among the amishand see if its Gods will but wait on Gods Direction its a big life change! even though lve heard alot of not so nice things l have alot of respect for them and ejoy sitting with them and having fellowship with them ! l hug my friend and tell her l love her ! at first it was hard for her, cause its not there way , but l tell her its my way
she carries a little bible with her and reads it through out the day and her hubsband showed us his bible of course we couldn"t read it ! anyways take care listen to what God is whispering in your ear? God Bless
#6 Guest_Arlen Yoder_*
Posted 02 May 2010 - 10:04 PM
Brian,
I worked with one man who left the English world to go into the Amish world. I can say he was one of the nicest and kindest men I ever met. He met an Amish girl while working with a Clydesdale horse team at the farm of her parents during a local fair. He turned Amish and they got married. Some persons said he was a more devout Amish man than many born and raised in the Amish life.
I am not trying to glamorize the Amish life, as I now meet with many former Amish persons involved with Joe Keim, the founder of the Mission to Amish People (MAP). They have a much different story to tell, one of ostracism and harshness, and as Simon Peter wrote, "man-made standards".
I really appreciate my Amish heritage (my Dad was Amish and left in the late 1930's), and over 1/2 of my close relatives are Amish. I love them dearly, but my honest question is whether I will see them in heaven. I hope and pray so.
I worked with one man who left the English world to go into the Amish world. I can say he was one of the nicest and kindest men I ever met. He met an Amish girl while working with a Clydesdale horse team at the farm of her parents during a local fair. He turned Amish and they got married. Some persons said he was a more devout Amish man than many born and raised in the Amish life.
I am not trying to glamorize the Amish life, as I now meet with many former Amish persons involved with Joe Keim, the founder of the Mission to Amish People (MAP). They have a much different story to tell, one of ostracism and harshness, and as Simon Peter wrote, "man-made standards".
I really appreciate my Amish heritage (my Dad was Amish and left in the late 1930's), and over 1/2 of my close relatives are Amish. I love them dearly, but my honest question is whether I will see them in heaven. I hope and pray so.
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