Joe & Esther Keim
Greenwich, Ohio
Who We Were – Joe's Story
We were both born and raised in the Old Order Amish Community. From childhood, we were taught that to go to heaven, we had to follow the Amish ordinances. These rules, passed down over 300 years, governed everything from clothing to behavior.
Joe: At 16, a close friend shared Christ with me, and after nearly two years of resisting, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. That night, I cried tears of joy as I invited Him into my life. Esther, who was then my girlfriend, would later be saved too—and eventually become my wife.
Who We Were – Esther's Story
Esther: I was always curious and spiritually hungry. Though I went through the motions of Amish life, I felt deeply lost. I asked God to help me understand His Word. Eventually, when Joe got saved, he brought me to church, where I finally heard the Gospel and found true salvation.
Who We Are Today
We returned to the Amish briefly, but God continued to work in our hearts. Nine months into our marriage, we left the Amish for good—knowing it would mean permanent separation from family and community. We joined Bethel Baptist Church in Savannah, Ohio, where we were baptized by immersion and began to serve in a variety of ministries. From Sunday School and visitation to nursing home services and Bible studies, we let God use the gifts He had placed in us.
We remember the day we laid down our religion and chose to follow Christ instead. If you’ve left the Amish, we understand your struggle—and we’re here to help.
Our Burden
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel [the Amish] is, that they might be saved...
Though missionaries were sent around the world, no one was sent to the Amish. Each morning, Joe sat outside his factory aching for his people who were dying without hearing the Gospel. Their burden soon became a divine call to share Christ with the Amish.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? ...
In 1999, Joe shared his calling with his pastor and, in 2000, presented it to their church and over 50 former Amish. That same year, they began traveling and sharing their vision. Within a year, Joe left his job to begin full-time ministry to the Amish.
Our Calling
Three-Fold Purpose of MAP
- Evangelize and Disciple: Through Bible studies, The Amish Voice, the Bible Club, audio ministry, and counseling for victims of abuse.
- Assist Young Former Amish: With life skills, GED help, driving lessons, job training, social services, and housing support.
- Expand Across North America: Presenting in churches and equipping others to reach Amish communities in the U.S. and Canada.
Current Status
MAP operates from a 3,600 sq. ft. building behind Bethel Baptist Church in Savannah, Ohio. A team of staff and 30 volunteers help carry out the mission. Oversight is provided by a 12-member board made up of pastors, former Amish, and close friends who meet at least eight times per year.
