Samuel and Polly Girod
Bennington, Indiana
Samuel's Testimony
I was born in 1982 into the Swiss Amish culture. I was an Amish single man, 30-years-old, who had everything any Amish man wanted of what their culture allowed. But often I was unhappy and depressed. I tried not to show it, because I knew it would worry my parents...
...Two days later, on September 24, Joe led me to the Lord after explaining Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
My eyes really opened when we read Col 2:14: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.
Polly's Testimony
I was born in Nunnelly, TN but grew up in a number of states. Our family seemed to move about every five years. When I was seventeen years old, I took instruction classes and joined the Amish church. I enjoyed being with the other young folks, so Sundays were always the highlight of my week...
...Ephesians 2:8-9 have been my favorite verses since then. After I accepted Jesus into my heart, God blessed me with what I had always wished for. On November 10, I began talking on the phone with a man named Samuel. The end of November, on the phone, he asked me to marry him!
Who We Are Today
Three years after we left the Amish, Polly and I decided to join up with MAP Ministry. We now have six children (one has gone on to be with the Lord), and I currently own and operate my own construction company...
Our Calling
- To Evangelize Amish People: To reach the Amish people with the gospel of Jesus Christ... through personal witness, Bible studies, the Bible Club, Amish Voice, and other outreaches.
- To Assist Life Transitions: Helping older teens and young adults learn life skills: driving, job searching, cultural norms, and financial literacy.
- To Expand MAP Across North America: Team members present MAP to churches around the country, spreading the burden to reach Amish communities.
