November 2023
IN THIS ISSUE:
Thank you, Tina Duffield
In this update, we want to take time to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to all who have faithfully helped us share the gospel.
It took me years to fully understand that when God called Esther and me out of the Amish culture in 1987, He had great plans for our lives. It took even longer to realize that God’s calling on donors, prayer warriors, staff, and volunteers is just as significant as the one He placed on us.
In October 2003, MAP was still a young ministry but had grown to the point where Esther, myself, and a few volunteers could no longer keep up with the SonLight Bible Club lessons. We desperately needed to hire our first staff member, even though we barely had the funds to support that step.
After announcing the need and praying for God to provide the right person, I received a phone call from a woman who said she had heard we were hiring and wanted to apply. We talked for several minutes before I realized I didn’t even know who I was speaking with. When I finally asked her name, she said, “Tina Duffield.”
Tina had every reason to expect I would recognize her voice. We had attended the same church for 16 years, were both Sunday school teachers, and had spoken many times in passing.
On October 6, 2003, Tina officially joined MAP and was placed in charge of the SonLight Bible Club. It didn’t take long for her to grow into the role. The number of students increased rapidly, more volunteers joined, and systems were developed to track lessons and manage the growing workload.
With Tina’s leadership, the ministry expanded into new states, and hundreds of students began writing to tell us they had placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Over the years, Tina and the team of staff and volunteers have mailed out millions of Bible lessons, Bibles, newsletters, and awards.
Tina, thank you for faithfully serving for 20 years. While you may have only met a few of your students in person, one day you will meet the many lives that were changed through your work. You have helped impact an entire culture and generation for Christ.
Priceless Volunteers
In 2006, MAP moved from two rooms behind the baptistry in Bethel Baptist Church to the building we now call the MAP Office. That same year, God provided two faithful groups of volunteers who continue to serve with us today.
The “Young at Heart” Sunday School class from Portage Community Church in Ravenna, Ohio, comes every two months to label between 12,000 and 14,000 Amish Voice publications. At times, they have even taped them shut when our tabbing machine wasn’t working. Over the years, some members have gone home to be with the Lord, but others have stepped in to continue the work. Their faithfulness and joy have been a tremendous blessing to our ministry.
Another group from Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Smithville, Ohio, comes every two weeks to prepare 3,400 to 4,500 envelopes for the Bible Club. They have never missed a mailing, even during the winter. When they are short-handed, they simply stay until the work is finished.
There was a time when finances were tight, and we were unsure if we could send out the Bible lessons. Joe asked this group to pray for God to provide the needed funds. As they prayed, wallets and checkbooks came out, and enough was given that very day to send the mailing.
We are incredibly grateful for these faithful volunteers and many others like them. Their dedication has been a vital part of this ministry, and we praise God for each of them.
Miriam
This week, we held a going-away party for our dear friend Miriam Yoder. Eighteen years ago, she and her husband moved from Kentucky to Ohio to be part of this ministry. Since then, Miriam has faithfully volunteered two days each week.
As they prepare to move back to Kentucky, we reflect on the many years of service she has given. Miriam worked closely with the Bible Club program, sorting lessons, matching old lessons to new ones, and grading. Whenever we were unsure how to respond to a student, we often turned to her for wisdom. Being formerly Amish, she had a unique ability to explain things in a way students could clearly understand.
Miriam also had a gift for recommending Scripture that spoke directly to each situation. She was wise, dependable, and deeply valued by everyone here.
She leaves behind big shoes to fill, and we recognize what a gift she has been to this ministry. Miriam, you will be greatly missed. One day, you will be rewarded for the work you have done and the many lives you have impacted.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you and pray God’s blessing on your next chapter.