2002 November

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We would like to wish you a happy and fun upcoming holiday season. It seems almost impossible that we are approaching the end of 2002. What have we done for the Lord this year? Have we been faithful? Have we taken the time to tell some poor hell-bound soul the salvation story? Romans 14:12, So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Our family has so much to be thankful for as we look back over the past year. God not only protected us as we traveled many miles but He also allowed our family to stay healthy. Our hearts were encouraged again and again as we watched God’s people make the MAP Ministry possible. Some gave postage stamps, one couple gave the money to buy a new cassette duplicator for the tape ministry, others shared their finances, and many tell us that they continue to pray regularly. As of today there are 8 people helping us send out first time Sonlight Club lessons as well as helping us enter addresses into a computer database so that we can get started on our newest ministry, the Evangelistic Mailing, to the Amish people. Several churches loaded their vehicles down with household items and delivered them to the MAP Ministry to distribute to the ones who are looking to get on their feet. Is it not absolutely amazing what God’s people can accomplish when we all work together for the glory of God. Thank you all!

About a year and a half ago, a young man left the Amish and at first he seemed interested in our weekly Bible studies. At one point, we thought he even made a decision for Christ. Well, Satan soon had him running with his crowd and it seemed the more we prayed the bleaker it became. Or did it? About six weeks ago, all of a sudden this young man started coming to church and has not missed one Sunday since then. Not only has he been coming but so have two of his (Former Amish) friends who we have also been trying to reach out to for about two years now. So many of them are struggling and are in need of prayer. James 5:16b …The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Sometimes the best thing we can do is just pray and wait.

Four month ago we mentioned that three Amish families were searching and open to Bible studies. Levi, who is in his 50’s, shared how he was born again and how he was seeing scripture jump out at him like never before. One day he just started crying, and said, “I just wish the Amish people could see the light like I have seen it.” They started to listen to some tapes that Joe was sharing with them and seemed to be coming along so great. The other day Joe stopped in to see them again and was told, “we are not allowed to discuss anything with you.” They went on to say that all of them had to make things right in front of the Amish church for speaking to us. Since we had passed out Bibles and letters throughout the community, the preachers told the church to burn everything that we leave and never to talk to us. We will continue to hang on to an example that happened in the early church…If God could change the heart of the religious Saul; He can change the heart of the religious Amish person. Amen!

The MAP board meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 6. One of the items on the agenda this time will be the housing project. We are looking for a place where our family can move to and also have enough building space to house some of the different ministries. We have found a place that seems to be in a good location but will require some repair work. Most of the board members have looked at the property and now we are just searching the Lord’s will.

Over the past two years we have traveled many miles as we went from church to church sharing our burden and ministering to Amish and former Amish, and it seems the ‘98 Caravan finally needed a break. On a recent trip to New York, we had just left the church where we had presented the ministry day before and had hardly gone ten miles when the transmission gave out. We ended up renting a U-Haul with a car carrier to drag the van home. What made the situation even more difficult; just two days earlier the transmission also went out on our other vehicle. Needless to say, we are now going on our third week using borrowed vehicles. Just this morning Joe took a trip to the body shop to check on how they were coming along and when he got out of the car, three hungry dogs came running at him and one latched on to his leg with his teeth. It seems there is never a dull moment. Philip. 4:19 says…But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

In almost all of our church meetings, we give an invitation to the ones who are with out Christ. In one church, a little boy came forward and got saved. His Sunday school teacher had been bringing him to church for several months and praying that he would get saved. In another meeting, four young teenagers also came forward at the invitation time and asked Jesus to save them. Also, we have been working with a young Amish couple for about four month now and finally last night while having a Bible study in their home they both said that they don’t know for sure that if they died they would go to heaven. A little while later both husband and wife bowed their heads and in unison asked Jesus to save them from their sin and give them the gift of eternal life. Even now it brings tears of joy to our hearts as we think of the few extra souls that will be in heaven some day. John wrote in 1 John 5:12…He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Do you have the Son of God?

The Former Amish Reunion is planned for Saturday, December 7, 2002, at the Ashland Conservation Farm where we live. It is always an encouragement to share the holiday meal with others that aren’t able to eat with their families due to ex-communication. Everyone is welcome to stay for an evening of Southern Gospel music with Jerry & Peggy O’Brien. No tickets required for this, but a love offering will be taken to help their ministry. Refrigerator and stove available; bring an extra dish for the evening meal.

Jonathan and Rachel were excited to hear that a local business owner had a heart for them. He provided them with a four-wheeler to use this fall. They have been busy exploring the woods and fields. Jonathan has been hunting deer the last several weeks, hoping to get a big buck to hang on the wall. Rachel has been working on several different fall sewing projects. Esther has had several opportunities to speak at special women's gatherings in past month’s. Joe and Esther have just completed their final test on the United Kingdom Stage and have begun the next course, which are finances, visitation and soul winning.