August 2024 MAP Update
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| 575 US Highway 250 | Greenwich, OH 44837 | Office: (419) 962-1515 |
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Sylvia's Testimony The ABC Project Called to Germany An Encouraging Letter
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| Sylvia's Testimony |
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Sylvia’s mother was intrigued by a book title in a catalog. Her reading led to her salvation. In time, Sylvia’s father came to Christ. The family left the Old Order Amish a year ago because they were forbidden to talk about their salvation and they also recognized that keeping the Ordnung was a form of self-righteous-ness. Sylvia and her twin sister came to live at New Beginnings Homestead in April of 2024.
It was my mom who brought me to the point of recognizing my need for salvation. Her influence led me to see the truth about God's nature and my need for a relationship with Him. A particular Bible verse that spoke to me deeply during this time was Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” This verse provided comfort and assurance, guiding me toward a path of faith. After my decision to follow Jesus, I chose to be baptized as a public confession of my commitment. It was a significant step in demonstrating my faith and dedication to living a life in accordance with God's will. As I continue to live for the Lord, my goals include getting to know His heart more intimately, aligning my desires with His, and acting according to His will without fear and selfishness. The people of MAP have shown me a different perspective on living a life devoted to God. Their love for Him and their genuine care for each other is evident and inspiring. It's fulfilling to be part of a community where everyone is willing to support one another. Seeing the girls grow and change within this environment has been particularly rewarding. We have helped each other move beyond our pasts and become something more. It is incredible to witness and be part of this transformation. |
Before I left the Amish community, my life was characterized by fear, confusion, and anxiety. This environment made it impossible for me to live out God’s love and will, as life revolved around the fear of man. Growing up, my view of God was distorted; I saw Him as distant, criticizing, authoritative, very controlling, and ready to react negatively.| Called to Germany |
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The passports have all arrived, and the plane tickets have been bought. We can’t wait to go to Germany. Jonas and Abigail, missionaries to Germany, are heading to Germany next month. Their goal is to get there ahead of us and set up housing and speaking opportunities. The rest of us are leaving for Germany on October 1. We have been praying fervently, asking God to give us courage and opportunities to speak spiritual truth into the lives of the German people. We do not want this 10-day trip to be just another thing we fit into our already busy schedules—God forbid that would happen. We are planning to hold a conference, share our testimonies, and stay in homes. Our goal is to encourage and challenge God’s people and share the gospel. Thus far, we have made and sold 900 pizzas. Later, we will do a car wash. Thanks to all who have contributed financially and supported us along the way. We are humbled and grateful. Follow along with us on Facebook: Facebook.com/groups/2024germany If the Lord impresses you to help with food, lodging, and extra traveling expenses, click on Germany Trip. |
| The ABC Project |
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Ten months ago, we received a generous donation that helped turn a long-time vision into a reality. These funds enabled MAP to send a Plowman’s Academy Bible Study lesson to 40% of our Amish database—32,500 homes! We were hopeful and prayed that many would be intrigued by the idea of searching Scripture for answers instead of relying on centuries of traditions and rules. As we waited in anticipation for lesson answer sheets to be returned to the office, we prayed. In general, the Amish are reluctant to receive Biblical instruction from anyone outside of their local community. They rely heavily on the local Ordnung for rules instead of deeply studying what God says in His Word. Formal education ends at the 8th grade, and the Amish see little reason to study anything beyond this. To date, fifteen individuals have returned lessons. This was not the staggering hundreds that we had hoped for. Even so, each lesson was carefully graded, encouraging remarks were recorded, student concerns were prayed for, and new relationships were formed and nurtured. We are very thankful to each individual who is now studying at the Plowman’s Academy. Besides the Plowman’s Academy, we also run a Bible Club for younger Amish students that grades roughly 96,000 lessons a year. We recently launched an online school called Growing in Christ Academy, which is attracting former Amish. The Amish Voice publication goes out to 15,000 families bi-monthly. We are always looking for more ways to get solid Biblical teaching into Amish homes. Since the mass mailing did not receive a strong response, we are now focusing on friendships. We have launched a promotion for current academy students to invite their friends to study Scripture. For every five names and addresses sent to us, we will send the students a book to encourage them to continue pursuing Christ. The gifts are accumulative. If the student sends in 15 names and addresses, they will receive all four books! 1-5 names = Who is Jesus Christ 6-10 = KJV Study Bible 11-15 = Jesus Came to Save Sinners In addition, we launched a second incentive to encourage students to finish their current course of study. The Plowman’s Academy has nine courses with 84 lessons. We have combined the courses so that the student will receive a book from the Got Questions series for every 15 lessons completed. With both of these new incentive programs, we hope to encourage students to form a habit of studying Scripture to find answers! Please pray with us! |
| An Encouraging Letter |
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“We left the Amish faith around four years ago but still live in the heart of the community. We are shunned. One day, as I was praying and asking God how we could reach this community, He told me to go to the younger generation. I have just started a Bible study for the younger girls. I have two girls that are coming along with my own two girls. I need prayers that God would continue working on these girls' hearts and that He would use me for His work! I am using this Bible study. I was so excited when it came in the mail. This is just what I was looking for! Thank you.” — Freida |
In October 2023, MAP launched the ABC Project. The first lesson in the 
