[Valerie]

On March 26, 2010 John Esh & 7 other members of his immediate family went to be with the Lord. We had the article on this forum, where they were killed in an auto accident while on their way to a wedding. They had a singing ministry.
Charity Ministries published a letter John had written regarding reaching the Amish, in their Heartbeat of the Remnant publication I just received, which seemed of benefit to post here:

"Dear Friends,

Greetings of love in Jesus name.
I have many regrets. I still love and respect my people (the Amish) even though the system has some flaws and I'm afraid many do not understand the plan of salvation. I encourage those that are still with the Amish to do all they can to help as many of their brothers as possible to true faith in Christ and the cross, with mercy from God and forgiveness of sins. Please Christian Amish, help your brethren to a strong personal commitment, prayer life, family devotions and reading the Bible in a language they can understand. Prevail in prayer for them; do what you can; share your faith. Win their hearts fully to faith in Christ. Don't try to pull them out of the Amish. God can take care of any necessary changes that need to be made, but work to have them born into the family of God. If I can do anything to help, I want to. My heart burns for the salvation of my own people, especially those thare are my flesh and blood.
I appreciate many things abut my upbringing and about Amish church life. The close communities, much interaction, discipline in many ways, learning to work, and the strong teaching on humility. The life-style made it needful to be more self-sufficient large families, making our own clothes, growing our own food, the family table three times a day. Other churches also have these things to a certain extent, more or less, but the Amish are fairly constant with them, more so than most other groups.
It is possible to have all these things, though, and still be proud at heart, without saving faith, and with a heart not knowing how to find perfect peace and rest for the soul. Being "Amish" will not save, but Jesus Christ will, if we give ourselves fully to Him.
Oh, please, please there is a way. We still fail many times, but we know where the door is and where to find mercy. Please have your self-will broken, call on God through Jesus Christ for washing, for cleansing, for love, and forgivenss. Seek to lose confidence in your own ability, but find confidence in Christ. Assure your hearts because of Him. It is the only way. We only have a little time left. God wants to break us; will you allow Him? He wants to get rid of our self-life; will you lay it down? God wants to give us peace thrugh Jesus Christ. Will you receive it? He wants our all or none. He wants our heart, our commitment, our love, our obedience. Are you willing to fully yield? Please do. Where you spend eternity will depend on it.
Oh, how can I, needy as I am, continue to help? How can I show the way and be an example? I need the prayers of those I love. Brethren, pray for me, and encourage me. I want to help. May the Lord be with all those that are concerned."

Thank you brother John, until we rejoice with you at the throne-may your words inspire