Last week, I received a third call from the same Amish community in Wisconsin. As I listened to those on the other end, I couldn’t help but believe that God is doing something special there. Pockets of revival seem to be breaking out in Amish communities all over America, as people begin searching the Scriptures for themselves.

In one case, the family was recently excommunicated after challenging their ministers about what the Bible teaches. After a lengthy phone conversation, we mailed them a box of resources to help them make sense of what they are experiencing and what they should expect next.

It is not an easy road. They lose their community, their identity, and many of their closest relationships. This family is now searching for a church community and believes they may have found one in a Black-Car Mennonite Church.

A few days later, I received a call from another man from that same community. Harley has been married for about fifteen years and is the father of nine children. He shared how someone first came along and planted a seed in his life. At the time, Harley rejected what he heard because it did not agree with what he had been taught. Later, the Lord sent others who continued to water that seed. Then, after several years, God gave the increase.

When the truth of the gospel became clear to Harley, he could no longer resist saying yes to Jesus Christ. Since then, life has become very challenging, even confusing. The church leaders learned that Harley’s views on salvation were changing and called him in for a meeting. In Amish culture, ministers are placed on a pedestal and highly respected. They are believed to be chosen by God. Questioning them is unacceptable.

Harley said, “I was shaking.”

The church leaders warned him that he could face church discipline. Before the meeting ended, Harley asked if he could share a few Bible verses. By God’s grace, they allowed him to do so, and he felt the meeting went better than he expected.

The greatest burden on his heart is his wife, Dora. She is frightened by everything that is happening. She wants Harley to put his Bible away, stop asking questions, and continue following the traditions they have always known. With nine children involved, the pressure on their marriage is tremendous.

When Harley asked me what he should do, I encouraged him to read 1 Corinthians 7 as he seeks to understand how to work through the disagreements in his marriage. That chapter gives important direction to believers who are married to an unbelieving spouse. I reminded him not to give up on his marriage, but to continue loving Dora, praying for her, and living out his faith before her with lots of patience and grace.

I also reminded Harley that although the book of Acts does not record every family story, we know these same struggles must have taken place. As thousands came to faith in Christ, many homes would have experienced division. One spouse believed while the other did not. Some children believed while their parents resisted. Jesus made it clear that following Him would divide families, and He has called us to forsake all other relationships, including our own lives, and follow Him.

I have promised Harley that we are going to fight for Dora on our knees. We are going to pray for her. We are going to pray for each one of their nine children and their marriage. We are going to trust that the same God who opened Harley’s eyes can open the eyes of each one of the family.

I promised Harley that I would share this need with you so you could join the rest of us in praying.