May 2026
IN THIS ISSUE:
Plans for Expansion in 2026
I want to share something that has been weighing heavily on my heart, on all of our hearts.
Mission to Amish People is supported by 100 churches. Our goal has always been to visit and update each church every four to six years. In some cases, it has been more than 10 years, yet, these churches have continued to faithfully support MAP month after month. We are so very, very grateful.
At the same time, over the past two years, the Lord has called Esther and me to spend more time in Holmes and surrounding counties, coming alongside new churches made up of former Amish. As more Amish people come to Christ and leave their culture, there is a great need for love, teaching, and discipleship.
Our hearts are torn. Very, very torn! We feel the responsibility to visit and update our supporting churches, but we also feel a strong calling to walk closely with these new believers, teaching both adults and children, and helping them grow in Christ.
We simply cannot do both alone. We are asking you to pray. We are also asking for help. We are looking for someone who would be willing to be trained to visit our supporting churches, share updates, and help serve alongside Samuel and Polly. This would allow us to spend more time strengthening these young churches.
We have several urgent staffing needs.
• A GED teacher by this fall
• A bookkeeper who can work on location about three days a week
• Computer and financial teachers
For the past several months, we have been doing the best we can, but these needs are growing. We are asking the Lord to send the right people, possibly someone returning from the mission field, who has a heart to serve in this way.
Also, this year, we are focusing on several ministry goals.
• Increasing the SonLight Club from 5,000 to 8,000 students
• Expanding The Amish Voice from 17,500 to 20,000 copies
• Growing the Plowman’s Academy from 40 to 100 students
These are our goals by the end of the year, and they will require more help.
We are seeking to add at least 8, and hopefully as many as 10, volunteers by the end of the year. There are opportunities for both local volunteers and those who can serve from a distance.
If you have time to spare and a desire to help us reach the Amish culture for Jesus Christ, please call/text (419) 962-1515 or contact us at office@mapministry.org.
We believe the Lord is continuing to bring more Amish people to Himself, and many more may come out in the days ahead. Because of this, we need more workers, people who are grounded in God’s Word and willing to come alongside and disciple those who are stepping into a new life in Christ. The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).
Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matt 9:37).
On another note, we are continuing to seek the Lord for land. We now have a drawing of what we hope to build, but we are still waiting on God to provide the property. So far, the Lord has provided just over $350,000. We will need much more.
Please pray with us for wisdom, direction, and provision.
Techy Bible Study
Each Tuesday morning, I join a group of former Amish believers through the GroupMe app for a live video Bible study. Though we are in different places, we come together around God’s Word and encourage one another in the truth.
This week, we studied Galatians 4:21–31. Paul contrasts Hagar, the bondwoman, with Sarah, the free woman showing the difference between living under the law and living in the promise of grace.
“So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” (Galatians 4:31).
For many of us who have come out of Amish backgrounds, this truth is powerful. We once tried to find acceptance with God through rules, traditions, and outward works. But Scripture makes it clear that salvation is not earned; it is a gift through Jesus Christ.
These Tuesday studies are a steady reminder that we are no longer in bondage but walking in the freedom of Christ. It is a blessing to grow alongside others who understand that journey and to see how God continues to work in each life.
As a family, we are doing well and are thankful for the Lord’s continued guidance. The children are growing quickly, staying busy with school, music, and helping where they can, and Polly and I are grateful for the season God has us in. We continue to see His hand in both ministry and daily life, and we are encouraged by how He faithfully leads, one step at a time.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for our family and for those who are coming out of Amish communities. It is a blessing to be part of what God is doing.
SonLight Bible Club
Greetings from the SonLight Club! If April showers bring May flowers, what do early May showers bring? My hopeful heart says lots of Sonshine and flowers that flourish!
And speaking of flourishing, we here at the SonLight Club are busy as bees! In the first four months of this year, over 20,000 lessons have gone out all over the US and Canada. The SonLight Club is in all 50 states, yes, even Alaska and Hawaii! We have had 107 children state they have been saved through SonLight Club lessons. When we hear that news, the office is not a quiet place! We ring a cowbell! Why a cowbell you ask? Why not? We ring it, Joe Keim whistles and everyone claps and cheers. I’m sure our cheers are nowhere near the volume of the celebration in heaven, but it’s wonderful to be a part of a small celebration here on earth!
We have need for a couple of volunteers to come in once or twice a week to grade student lessons. We provide snacks, fun and fellowship for free! If you feel the Lord is leading you and you have any questions, please give me a call at 419-961-1515, ext. 103. I would love to answer any questions you have! As we grow, we need more volunteers to help us with this beautiful mission God as untrusted us with!