February, 2026
Step out of the Boat, Join the Journey
As of mid-February, just over 200 people have registered for the Step Out of the Boat Conference. We are seeing more Amish individuals and families attending than ever before, which is a direct answer to many years of prayer. We believe this increase comes from two very clear reasons. First, God is moving in powerful ways among Amish communities across America. Second, we stepped out in faith and made the decision to offer the conference free of charge this year. Most families are quite large and simply could not afford registration fees while also managing travel and lodging expenses.
We are so thankful for the individuals and churches who have partnered with us by opening their homes for lodging and giving financially to help make this possible. Making the conference free was a real step of faith, but we believe it was exactly what God was leading us to do. The primary expenses total approximately $15,000 and include food, a church building rental, and travel needs for several preachers coming from Arkansas and Georgia, including several nights of motel lodging, meals, and gas assistance.
Every sermon delivered, testimony shared, children’s ministry activity, and all sound, live video streaming, food preparation, setup, and teardown are carried out by some of this world’s finest volunteers.
Step out of the boat with us. If you have not yet prayed, given, or registered and believe God may be leading you to attend, we invite you to register today. Bring your family. There will be preaching, about 15 testimonies, homemade 3-course meals, fellowship, displays, and long-lasting ministry connections.Date: March 18-21
Cost: FREE
Classes: Adults, Children, and Childcare
Location: Savannah, OH
To register for the conference and watch short 2-minute video invitations from each one of our speakers, please visit:
If you desire and feel led of God to join others and help with the conference expenses, we would be forever grateful. Click HERE to Support the Conference.
Verse by Verse, Heart to Heart
Back in the middle of 2025, we began receiving an increasing number of calls from Amish individuals across the country who were seeking deeper biblical teaching and fellowship. In response, we felt the Lord leading us to begin a weekly Zoom Bible study. Since then, it has been a powerful encouragement to see Amish and former Amish participants faithfully gathering, in the early hours of the morning as we walk verse by verse through the book of Galatians. The genuine hunger for God’s Word, the openness of hearts, and the spiritual conversations each week are clear reminders that God is actively drawing people to Himself and continuing His work among Amish communities.
Rooted in Prayer, Guided by the Holy Spirit
At the same time, we sensed the Lord leading us into a more intentional focus on prayer. A small group now meets over Zoom each Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. to seek God together, lifting up the ministry, specific needs, our donors and prayer partners, and our staff before the Lord. We also faithfully pray for the 5,000 Sonlight Club students and the 17,500 Amish Voice recipients, asking God to continue working in hearts through these outreaches. Prayer remains the foundation of everything we do, and we are grateful to see God’s faithful hand guiding and sustaining the work.
If you have a desire to join the Tuesday morning Bible study and/or Wednesday morning prayer meeting, email Rachel at map@ministry.org.
Confirmed by the Word, Anchored in Christ Jesus
Over the past year, we have been thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside David and Esther Raber through a virtual Bible study using the ABC for Christian Growth workbook. What began as simple weekly conversations turned into a faithful time of searching the Scriptures, asking honest questions, and growing in understanding of the gospel. Watching the Lord bring clarity, assurance, and spiritual growth through His Word has been a great encouragement to us. Below is Esther’s testimony, shared in her own words, of how God used this time of Bible study to confirm their salvation and deepen their walk with Christ.– Samuel Girod
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My name is Esther, and I am married to David Raber. In May of 2023, we made the difficult decision to leave the Amish community. We knew in our hearts that we could not remain Amish and fully follow Jesus. During that time, I felt as though I might be born again, but I struggled with doubts and uncertainty about my salvation. In December of 2024, we spent a night at Samuel and Polly Girod’s home. That evening, Samuel shared the gospel with us in a way I had never understood before. His explanation brought clarity and helped me see the truth more deeply. About three weeks after we returned home, Samuel asked if we would be interested in doing a Bible study called The ABCs for Christian Growth. Shortly after we began, I remember asking him how a person can truly know if they are born again. As we continued the study, the Lord gave me assurance, and I became confident that I truly am born again. We continued the Bible study for about twelve months, and we always looked forward to it. It has helped us understand the Bible much better and grow in our walk with Christ. We praise God for Samuel Girod, representative of MAP Ministry.
– Esther Raber
A New Season, A Growing Vision
This past January marked the end of an important season as we moved our office out of the building we had called home for the last 20 years. While this transition brought many changes, we believe it is also part of God leading us into a new chapter. We are now operating out of Apartment A, using the first and second floors, the garage, and the commons room for office work, Bible studies, classes, and gatherings. Though the space is tight, we are grateful for God’s provision and continue to faithfully use what He has placed in our hands.
At the same time, the Lord is stirring a larger vision for the future. We are prayerfully seeking 10 acres of land where we hope to build a 6,000-square-foot ministry center. The plans include office space, several apartments, and a full basement designed to serve as a place for GED classes, computer and financial training, Bible studies, and small community events. Our desire is to create a welcoming environment where lives can be equipped, strengthened, and transformed through practical help and the truth of God’s Word.
This is a step of faith, and we humbly invite you to join us in prayer. Please pray that God would provide the right piece of land and the financial resources needed to move forward. Our goal is to transition into a new facility within the next two years, trusting that the same God who has faithfully led us for decades will continue to guide and provide.
Thank you for standing with us and being part of this journey. Your prayers, encouragement, and faithful giving are part of what God is using to open doors and change lives.