2010 January

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I desire, first of all, to wish you a Happy New Year. Hopefully you were able to spend some valuable time with your loved ones during the past few weeks. It seems the older I get, the more I realize how precious and important our family times truly are.

There is probably one question that weighs on all our minds, “is this the year for Jesus to come and get me?” If we had proof that it was…

1. Would our schedule change for 2010?
2. Would our passion for evangelizing the lost take greater priority?
3. Would our commitment to God and the church become more obvious?
4. Would we be less concerned about stashing up money, property, and worldly goods?

Without a doubt the answer is Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Every thing about our lifestyle would change and it would change immediately.

Jesus was often very clear in commanding His followers to stay awake and be prepared.

In Mark 13:35-37, He said, Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, ...Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Will you join me in making it our highest priority to stay busy and alert at all times. There are still many lost souls waiting on us to tell them how they can be saved. We cannot afford to stop praying, going, and giving in 2010.

Jesus said in John 9:4, I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

One day, it will forever be over. Oh yes, and than we will, together, rejoice and shout Amen!

The MAP ministry is looking for a part time computer entry person to come and work at our office location. There are also plenty of other ministry opportunities for the right person, such as mentoring and discipling young Christians.

Because of the lack of finances, we are praying that the Lord will provide an already supported missionary. Possibly one who may not have made it to their field or has come back because of hardships.

If you know of someone who fits this description, please let us know?

We appreciate the many volunteers that came and helped the ministry out during 2009. We figured out that, altogether, our volunteers put in close to 800 hours a month.

Some help out with the SonLight Club; others with the Amish Voice; others are involved in mentoring and discipleship, and still others are involved in board positions.

It causes me to marvel whenever I think of how God has so clearly placed specific calls and burdens on each one of us; altogether, we make a perfect team.

During our year-end celebration dinner, the volunteers shared testimonies of various SonLight Club students. More than once, we were all moved to tears.

One volunteer writes...I send this to say thanks for the opportunity to serve at MAP. I had a desire to be a mission pilot but God said keep your wheels on the ground. I always wanted to see a mission field personally. Now I can and have and am going to a mission field; I am in it and didn't have to leave home, well not far. I am thankful for all those that help MAP. Thanks again for making it all possible. —Dallas

Have you ever considered making a lasting investment by adding the MAP Ministry to your will, life insurance, trust, or other financial plan?

About 22 years ago, Esther and I were asked that very same question. We both agreed that it was a great way to give to the Lord’s work and added a ministry of our choice to our living will.

To this day, we are excited at the thought of being part of winning souls to Christ, even long after we are in heaven with Jesus.

If this is something you are interested in knowing more about, please give us a call. I would love to talk to you about it.

Dear Teacher, It is raining here in PA and now I have some spare time so I decided to write you a letter of thanks to what you have done to me in the last month.

After all your lessons, I usually just sat down and did them, reading the stories and then sending them off. But the last month they just made a dent in my pride and I heard God calling me.

I just couldn’t bear it, never heeding His call, and turned around to Him for help. After that, I felt different. Before this I was mean and revengeful. After that I am kinder and forgiving.

So many thanks for what you have done for me. Love, a pupil, Ben

As I think back over the past year, I am amazed at how God works. We don't always work the same way as God does and we don't always think the same way as He does. But He still loves us no matter what.

I started working at MAP one year ago and its been quite an adjustment for me. But, I do believe that submitting to God's will and going into the ministry was the best thing I ever did. I got to know some great people and its kind of ironic, I realized that in many ways, I am the one being ministered to.

My goal for 2010 is to attract the nonbelievers to hang out with the believers, get them involved in activities, and to create a good environment for everyone to come and have a good time.

Also, last year our baseball team did not have one single win, so it would be nice to have one of those this year. It should be a little easier this time around because everyone will have experience.

I have to admit, when the ministry gets behind in finances, I have a very hard time sleeping—and for those who are around me, know that I am putting that mildly.

It is probably safe to say that out of the $199,600 that came through the door in 2009, about 60% was pledged; the rest came in as one time surprise gifts.

At this time, I would like to say thank you so very, very much for your faithful and committed partnership. We are overjoyed to inform you that MAP finished the year out in black. Yes! All the bills are paid in full, and because of year-end gifts, we also have a cushion in the savings account for those lean times which are ahead.
Also, a huge thanks to all who sent our family Christmas cards and gifts. Our hearts are still flowing over with gratitude—you totally over whelmed us.

If you did not get your financial receipt(s) during the year, or you do not get one by the end of January, please call Tina at (419) 962-1515 and she will send you one immediately.

Thanks again partner, for standing with us. We can all say with confidence—2009 did not go down without a fight for the living souls of our beloved Amish people.

The following explains where the ministry’s financial support came from in 2009. Some numbers are approximate:

73 Churches: $73,342
134 Individuals: $84,097
10 Businesses: $39,165
1 Grant Foundation: $3,000

Total for 2009: $199,604

We recently added an Amish Forum and Discussion Board to our web site. This valuable addition will be used as a tool to help people gain a greater understanding of the Amish culture, their beliefs, and how to evangelize them. It will also serve as a center for the ones who have left the Amish church and need spiritual and emotional support by those who have journeyed the same path in life.

As of this writing, over 300 messages have already been posted in the various categories. To find out more, go to www.MapMinistry.org/Forums.

One of my jobs at MAP, and I love it, is to present the need of reaching the Amish to local churches. In 2009, I was able to do that in 48 different locations—from NY to IA and all over in-between.

Sometimes, churches have me do the 2-hr seminar on how to reach their Amish community with the gospel. Other times, I present the ministry in hopes that the church will become prayer support or take the ministry on financially.

During 2009, my Honda Accord carried me a total of 20,500 miles and only once did I have a small accident. It happened in a parking lot, late night, in upstate NY—I backed into someone's van.

In my travels, I get to meet thousands of people; people who come from all walks of life. Some wear the latest fashions, drive cars, and worship in buildings with sound, projectors, and musical instruments, while others wear plain [cookie cutter] clothing, head coverings, drive in buggies, worship in homes, and sing only acapella.

I have had my own mind stretched many times and often refer to (1 Cor 9:19-23) as a reminder of what God has to say about this.

Once, while spending 9 days in Iowa, I had an opportunity to speak with an Amish minister, who told me, “Joe, our community here is not quite like others; we are much more advanced. Matter of fact, he said, our church leaders allow the propane tanks that fuel our lights and heaters. And besides that, the church leadership is thinking about allowing rubber on our buggy wheels.”

When I asked the minister if he was born again, he said, “I surely hope so”, and than went on to tell me that he does not believe anyone can know that for sure until they die and stand in front of God.

So sincere! So honest! And yet, so many are lost!

Dear Joe, I have wanted to let you know for a long time already that I appreciate the Amish Voice. I have been getting it for two years and I just wanted to let you know how much my life has been impacted by the Bible truth you point out.

The church warned everyone in our community that when they get the Amish Voice in the mail, they are to destroy it immediately. This bothered me a lot because I was able to learn so much, so I kept on reading every issue that came.

Not long ago, my wife and I were excommunicated from the church and today we are getting electricity put in our house. We have been looking for a church in our area to go to but haven’t really found anything that suits us. We are thinking about starting a church fellowship in our basement.

One of the Bishops in our community started a Bible study with his family and when the church found out about it, they threatened to excommunicate him. The last I heard, he quit having the Bible studies because of fear. —Ohio

Because of financial hardships, two churches have had to stop sponsoring the Amish Voice in the following areas

State of Kentucky—350 Families
Scottsville, Cadiz, Crofton, Guthrie, Millersburg, and Oak Grove

State of Ohio—200 Families
Burton, Huntsburg, Winsor

Up until now, these areas have been receiving the Amish Voice for 2 and 3 yrs.
Would you consider making a note to pray that God would lead someone to continue the sponsorship of these areas.

The cost per household is $.45 x 6 mailings a year.

For nine years, we have met on Tuesday nights to pray for the MAP ministry, the Amish, and the former Amish. Since than, even more prayer meetings have sprung up.

A couple months ago, I received a call from Willard in Indiana, saying that since they started their prayer meeting, several more prayer groups have popped up around their area.

As we make our way through 2010, it is our passionate prayer that God would burden more people to get involved in prayer groups. Jesus said, when we pray it puts God to work “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest” (Mat 9:38)

If you live in the W Farmington OH area, please join us on Jan 19th for a prayer meeting. Call for the office details. For more info on The Mountain Movers, go to MapMinistry.org/PrayerGroups.

Here are some things that we are praying for on a regular basis. You are invited to join us.

• A spiritual awakening and salvation to come to the Amish culture
• A missionary to the former Amish in Columbia MO
• A self supported missionary to help us in the office as well as other areas of ministry.
• For God to provide prayer warriors, protection, wisdom, and finances in 2010

For Christmas, Esther and I spent two full days making and delivering caramel corn to 48 former Amish guys and gals in our area. We did not nearly cover them all.

In order to qualify for a container of our world famous caramel corn and a personal letter, the person had to be (1) single (2) former Amish (3) living in our area.

As we look at our grand totals for 2009, we give all the glory to God for allowing us to be a part of His great work. According to records, MAP mailed out a total of 112,000 mailings.

1. The SonLight Club mailed out 63,012 Bible lessons and newsletters, as well as 1,506 New Testaments.
2. The Amish Voice mailed out 42,000 issues
3. MAP mailed out 5,300 various other correspondence letters.

One of our 4,500 Bible students reached 12,000 points this year, after being in the club for just over 3 years. That was a first for us and a joy to have one of our students be so faithful. He earned a complete study Bible and a special certificate.

Throughout the year, 175 students wrote to tell us that they had accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, because of their Bible lesson. Many others have written to let us know how much their lessons have helped them grow closer to the Lord.

Just a thought! Can you imagine the powerful impact 175 born again children of God could have on the rest of the Amish culture?

According to Tricia Pursell, from, The Daily Item, some Amish communities are opposing the national health care bill that could mandate that all Americans must carry medical coverage. The bill, if passed, would levy a fine of $750 by 2016 to those who don’t purchase a qualifying health care plan.

An Amish man was quoted as saying, “We try and not depend on the government for any type of insurance. However, if it is going to happen, we are hoping something can be worked out for us.” Many Amish participate in optional insurance coverage through their churches. For families not covered by the Amish insurance plan, or covered and yet still struggling with a large medical bill, the churches may take up a special offering, or conduct a benefit auction or fund-raising event,” said Donald Kraybill, an Elizabethtown College professor. The legislation would require coverage from private or public firms.

There is a loophole that Amish may be able to use, however. “There is a religious exemption in the bill,” said Roseanne Placey, spokeswoman with the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, “which would apply to them, since they believe the religious duty of communities is to provide for one another when they are sick.”

A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D, confirmed the existence of the exemption, which would release an Amish person or Old Order Mennonite from the individual mandate.

“The bill uses the same religious exemption that was used for Medicare, which exempts certain groups if they have religious objections and belong to a recognized religion,” said the spokesman, Josh Drobnyk. “To qualify for the exemption, a person will have to prove he is a member of a qualifying religious group that has been in existence continuously since 1950,” said Drobnyk.

Andrew Wimer, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts-D, from Pennsylvania, said “The details of the bill, such as how to apply for such an exemption, have yet to be determined”. Pitts’ district includes many Amish churches.

Remember Joe from our last update? He is the young fellow that came to our area from New York, about a year ago. Soon after getting a job with Schwartz Construction, he started coming to our Saturday morning Bible study. Since he had a hard time reading, one of the young men in the study came along side of him and helped him do his Bible study book.

In time, Joe opened up and became more and more interested in God’s Word. Finally one day, he placed his complete faith and trust in Jesus alone for salvation. Later, when the guys started putting a missions trip together to go Nicaragua this March, Joe said, “count me in”.

During the year that Joe was living in the English world, his mom kept writing him letter after letter, reminding him how much she wanted him to come back home and be Amish. It finally got the best of him, and about a month ago, he told us that he was planning on going back home, in hopes that he could witness to his parents and family.

Tomorrow, he goes back to his old world. In order to find favor with God again, his parents have told him that he will have to get rid of his car, electricity, running hot water, shower, cell phone, radio, and store bought clothes. We are all sad to see him go, but have put him in God’s hands. Let’s pray that God will keep him strong and use him in a powerful way.