January 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
Bible Club Year in Review
Happy New Year! In 2023, the Bible Club sent out 96,562 lessons and recorded 245 salvation decisions. Praise the Lord! Following are two short testimonies from students:
“I felt as if Jesus was knocking at my door, so I fell on my knees.” —Marie Eberly
“Thank you so much for sending me lessons. I found it very helpful to read that Jesus is my special best friend. And He is! About a month ago, I found Jesus as my Savior. Even though I still sometimes slip, Jesus helps me up again. Thank you so much! Love your pupil.” —Heidi Ann
When I saw this year’s numbers, I thought we did great—until I realized that we were down compared to last year. My mind went to negative thoughts. Why were we down? What did I change that the students didn’t like? Did I not push hard enough? Was it the increase in postage? These thoughts stayed with me for a couple of days.
One day, while I was praying, something came to me. Why was I worried? Why was I focused so much on numbers? I had lost sight of the blessing of 245 students who had come to know the Lord. I had forgotten the powerful testimonies we received. I had forgotten the questions students were beginning to ask, and most importantly, I had forgotten that the first thing I should have done was praise God for what He had done.
God has a way of reminding us that He is present, listening, and watching over us. He removed the concerns that troubled me and encouraged me to focus on what was gained instead of what was lacking. I felt ashamed that I had lost sight of what He had done for both me and our students.
Looking back at 2023, I challenge you to focus on what God has done. Praise Him for the big things, the small things, and the accomplishments made throughout the year. Praise Him for what He has done in your life. Praise God for what He has done for the Bible Club.
Amish Voice
The Amish Voice is a 16-page bi-monthly publication. Last year, 81,437 copies were mailed to Amish addresses across the United States. The publication consistently emphasizes comparing religious beliefs with Scripture as the ultimate authority.
We often receive requests to cancel subscriptions along with notes calling us “wolves in sheep’s clothing” or saying that our publication does not align with long-held Amish beliefs. However, we also receive encouraging messages from individuals who are eager to grow in their understanding of Scripture.
One former Amish family shared that they had been removed from their church for attending Bible studies but felt compelled to continue sharing the truth, even if it meant rejection. Through their children’s participation in Bible Club lessons, they began to recognize inconsistencies in their beliefs and have now enrolled in adult Bible study courses as well.
Another testimony came from individuals who left the Swartzentruber Amish group and expressed gratitude for the journey God has them on. They shared their appreciation for the opportunity to study Scripture more deeply and for the encouragement they have received.
MAP, Indiana
Greetings to you in the name of our Savior!
In October, we met a woman and her adult daughter at a church in Wisconsin. Twenty years earlier, her husband had left her with eight children to raise on her own. Ten years later, she left the Amish. She now supports herself by raising black chickens for the Hmong community.
We also met a woman who had witnessed to a dying Amish lady several years ago. After she passed, the husband asked what had been said to his wife because, in her final moments, she told him and their children that they needed to believe in Jesus. She passed into eternity in peace, with a smile on her face.
You never know who you may have the opportunity to witness to.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Blessings,
Samuel Girod and Family
GED Program
The year 2023 started slowly with just one student but quickly gained momentum as the seasons changed. We had twelve students participate in our GED program, and to date, eight have graduated. On average, it takes about three months for students to prepare for and complete all four sections of the GED exam.
We have had students studying both in the classroom and online as they worked toward completing their tests.
Over the past ten years, I have seen many students come through the program. I truly enjoy meeting new individuals and helping them reach their goals. I am thankful that God has allowed me to continue teaching and supporting students in their educational journeys.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who has prayed for me and for the students. Your support means so much and makes a real difference.