Mentoring and Discipleship
So many of the ones who leave the Amish culture find themselves struggling with various issues that range from low self esteem, guilt, rejection, anger, bitterness, forgiveness and hurts from sexual and verbal abuse.
There's also a great need to reach out to those who are in the midst of transitioning from their Amish culture to the outside world. This process can be difficult and is often very challenging for those who try to reach out and help.
It is for these reasons that Mission to Amish People is doing their best to set up support groups in various parts of the country; groups who come together on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Some meet to pray while others meet and go through discipleship materials.
Introduction & History
One of the very first ministries to be birthed in 2000 was the Prayer & Support Ministry. It all started when 5 of us decided to get together on Tuesday nights and pray that God would move among the hearts of Amish communities. Since then, we have seen several more Prayer & Support Ministries get started in other parts of the country. These groups include men, women, and children who have a burden and passion to see Amish and former Amish people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Who We Are
The Mountain Movers are a group of men and women who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, for their salvation. Some members are still living in the Amish culture; others have left the culture; others are from the English culture.
The Mountain Movers believe that God hears and answers prayer! They stand on Mathew 18:18-19: Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Why We Exist
The Mountain Movers are groups of individuals who share a common burden: We want more than anything else to see the Amish and former Amish find their way to the foot of the cross. And it is for this reason that we come together every week...
- To pray that God would remove the religious blinders from the eyes of the Amish people and pour out His saving grace upon all those who have not yet received His free gift of salvation.
- To pray that God would break the hard hearts of those who have left the Amish and have not yet acknowledged God or His Word as truth.
- To pray for more Christian workers to answer the call to ministry.
- To pray for revival.
- To pray for and encourage one another.
- To pray that God would empower the outreach ministries of Mission to Amish People by giving strength, courage, and protection to the ones who serve in the ministry.
How We Are Structured
The Mountain Movers meet in homes: This is so that we can reach out to the ones who are unfamiliar and uncomfortable in participating in a larger group atmosphere.
The Mountain Movers meet on a weekly basis: This normally works out to be on a Tuesday or Thursday evening so that we do not interfere with the schedules and activities of our local churches.
The Mountain Movers provide drinks and snacks: This allows for a time of sharing and caring for one another, as well as build each other up in the faith.
What Our Goals Are
The Mountain Movers have a deep longing and desire to see God multiply the Prayer & Support groups, repeatedly. We are asking our Amish friends to put their prayer books aside and get real before God.
The Mountain Movers are committed to inviting others such as you, to join us. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us, if you are interested in joining, leading and/or opening a home to pray for Amish people in your area. You could be our next answer to prayer.
Our Heart's Desire
Our desire as servants of God is to preach the gospel to all people whom we meet. However, when an Amish person or family does come to the place of trusting only in Christ for salvation, they are often given an option: either renounce your "new belief" or be excommunicated and shunned by the church.
Our desire is to be a support base for individuals who are being shunned by the Amish church and need assistance in making adjustments that affect them on a day to day basis-both culturally and spiritually.
Our desire is to provide short term housing, assist with employment, driving lessons, financial management, educational needs, etc.
Our desire is to provide discipleship training and assist individuals in locating a solid Bible preaching church in their own area so they may continue to be built up in the faith.
Our desire is to connect individuals and families through the Adopt-a-Person program. This ministry can be one of the most important ones because oftentimes when a member leaves the Amish church and joins a more progressive one, they loose the support that they once knew and depended upon. Many times they are no longer welcome to return home to family activities such as special holidays, weddings, or funerals.