November 2023 MAP Update
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| 575 US Highway 250 | Greenwich, OH 44837 | Office: (419) 962-1515 |
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Thank you, Tina Duffield! Miriam! Step out of the Boat Conference Priceless Volunteers
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| Thank you, Tina Duffield! |
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It took me years to fully realize and understand that when God called Esther and me out of the Amish culture in 1987, He had great plans for our lives. It took me even longer to realize that God’s call on donors, prayer warriors, staff, and volunteers was just as great as the one He placed on us. On October 6, 2003, MAP was just a few years old but had grown to the point that Esther, myself, and a few volunteers could no longer keep up with the SonLight Bible Club lessons. We desperately needed to hire our very first staff member. At the time, we barely had enough funds to keep the lessons going, much less pay a staff member. I made an announcement at our home church and placed an ad in the Ministry Update. We prayed and asked God to send us the right person for the position. In September of 2003, I was sitting in my office, and the phone rang. When I picked up, a soft voice said, “Hi, I heard you are looking to hire someone to help with the SonLight Club.” The lady then went on to say that she had tried to work elsewhere, but it did not pan out, and that she would like to apply for the MAP position. We talked for what seemed like 5-10 minutes, and I had no idea who I was talking to—she had not given me her name, and I felt too awkward to ask. I finally gained enough courage to ask for her name. She replied, “My name is Tina.” A few more long minutes played out while I tried my best to think back and remember all the Tinas I knew in this world. I could not remember a single one. I finally asked, “And what is your last name?” “Oh,” she said, “I am Tina Duffield.” Tina had every right to believe that I should know her voice. Not only had we attended the same church for 16 years, but we were both Sunday school teachers and often talked in passing. On Oct 6, 2003, Tina started serving at MAP. She was given a desk and a phone and placed over the SonLight Bible Club. It did not take her long to catch on. The number of students increased rapidly. More volunteers joined the team. We added an awards program, brought in a software tracking program, and began entering the students into a database so we could keep track of their lessons. With Tina in place, the ministry grew in size and began to expand into new states. By the hundreds, students began to write and let us know they placed their faith in Jesus Christ. In all, I would estimate that Tina and her gang of staff and volunteers have mailed out between two and three million Bible lessons, Bibles, newsletters, and awards since that awkward phone conversation in Sept of 2003. Tina, thank you for serving with all your heart for 20 years. While you may have only met a few of your students face to face, you will one day meet the thousands of Amish people who placed their faith in Jesus Christ. You helped change an entire culture and generation for Christ. You can encourage Tina by emailing her at tduffield@mapministry.org. |
In this update, we will take some time to express our deep appreciation and gratitude toward all who have worked so faithfully to help us get the gospel out to our people.| Step Out of the Boat Conference |
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Register today and get the early bird special pricing.
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| Miriam! |
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Near the end of their long stint in Ohio, Miriam and Levi made the difficult decision to move back to Kentucky. We sent them off with happy memories, good food, and a box of gifts they will have to pack for the move. Miriam will be missed. She was hard-working and committed to her volunteer duties at MAP. Miriam worked with the Bible Club program; sorting lessons, matching old lessons to new lessons, and grading. We often quizzed Miriam when we weren’t sure how to respond to a student. Being former Amish, she always seemed to know how to articulate the answer so the student would understand. Miriam was also gifted at recommending Bible passages that fit any given situation. She was wise, and all went to her for advice. Miriam is leaving big shoes that will need to be filled. We recognize that Miriam was a gift to us, and we are grateful! Miriam, you will be missed, and we will never forget you. One day, you will be rewarded for the work you have put in and for the students you have helped. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and God bless you. We love you! Holley Tolliver MAP Office Manager |
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 involved in this ministry. Since that time, Miriam has been faithfully volunteering for two days each week.
