October 2024 MAP Update

In This Issue

Amish Connect with MAP Using Smartphones      

More and more Amish people either own a smartphone or have access to one. In some cases, members of the church are allowed to own one. In other cases, only business owners are allowed to have one. Still, many communities do not allow smart-phones, yet many have them hidden away—particularly the younger generation. Therefore, it is not uncommon for us to receive calls, emails, and text messages from people who are still Amish.

In September, the ministry experienced an unusually high volume of calls and emails from individuals seeking assistance. At times, we felt overwhelmed and helpless.

• A young girl, who had already left the Amish, called to ask if we would take her best friend in at New Beginnings.

We asked, “How old is your friend?”

“She’s turning 18 in December.”

“We are sorry but we can only take girls who are 18 and older.”

• An English lady called asking if we could take an Amish mother and five children in. The mother is living in an abusive situation.

“I’m so sorry but MAP is not set up to take a mother and children. We would consider taking the mother in but are not set up to help children.”

After a lengthy conversation, we provided contacts for two other ministries that might be able to help.

• A lady near Ethridge, TN, called asking if we could take an 18-year-old girl in at New Beginnings Homestead (NBH). Mary had left her home in NY and then had someone taxi her to TN, where this family had helped her for a while.

We emailed a copy of our NBH Handbook explaining our program and followed up with a Zoom call.

Four of us participated in the Zoom call and interviewed Mary. We all agreed that Mary would be a great candidate for NBH. On September 28, Mary was taxied to our ministry and moved in with several other young women at NBH.

Our first goal is to sit down with new residents and ensure all their physical needs are met. Secondly, we want to know why they chose NBH and what their expectations are. While at NBH, we spend a great deal of time writing down goals and expectations. Most of the time, residents want to get their driver’s license, a car, and their GED. The young ladies are required to attend a weekly Bible study and three church services a month. We also provide counseling and have just started a mentoring program where the girls read through a book on self-development, write down three points for each chapter, and meet with a mentor weekly to discuss what they are learning.

In Mary’s case, she is confident that God is leading her into nursing school. We have helped others, and will do the same for Mary.

• A young lady from Kansas City, MO emailed the ministry asking if she could serve as an intern with MAP. In time, she sent us her testimony, Bible education, and her work and ministry history. She has spent time on the mission field and has a burden to reach  the Amish.

Earlier this year, Alex, from FL, came to the ministry to serve a 90-day internship. We fell in love with Alex. He fell in love with the ministry, and we both felt led to go further. On September 3^rd, Alex joined our staff full-time and leads various ministries at MAP.

• James Yoder from Maryland emailed us explaining his situation and asking if MAP could help.

Hello, I am called James Yoder. I am 38 years old, and just a little over 30 days ago, I finally left the order. I was able to make my way to Baltimore, and so far, I have gained two new friends. I need to obtain an identity card so I can obtain a Social Security card in order to start working. I am currently staying in a tent close to a McDonalds for internet access. I have nothing. Will you please write a letter on my behalf so I can get an identity card? I have no phone service. Thankfully, I can connect to McDonald’s internet to use email. Please help.

After sharing James’ need on Facebook, we received 15-20 responses from people who wanted to help, including two ministries who were already located in Baltimore.

• An Amish father with ten children and six grandchildren called at 11 pm, explaining that the ministers had just left his house, lecturing him about many things forbidden in the Amish system. He said, “Joe, I’m leaving my family and the Amish system. I can’t take it anymore.” That night, he slept in the open woods. The next day, he headed out toward Columbus, OH, where he knew someone who would take him in.

While he did not want me to know where he was, we discussed the gospel, and he prayed for Jesus to save him.

• On October 7, Sylvia from NY will move into NBH for the second time. Earlier this year, she had stayed at the apartments for several months and worked at Beyond Measure Market. The first time she came, her goal was to learn how to become a mature, stronger, more confident leader. This time, she made a commitment to stay with MAP for two years and train under our staff on how to run her own women’s ministry.

In the picture, Michal and I sat down with Sylvia for about two hours and sketched out a two-year plan. In the coming months, you will hear from Sylvia. We want to get her name out and have encouraged her to train in MI for counseling others while we help develop and prepare her for speaking engagements, fundraising, and becoming a strong, mature, and confident student of God’s Word.

Stay tuned. You will hear more from Sylvia in the coming year. By the way, her twin sister, Sadie, has been staying at NBH this year. Sadie feels called into missions and has served with the Eli and Lea Lee family in Nicaragua.

• During 2024, Esther and I provided premarital counseling for three couples and officiated one marriage.

Emery and I walked together for five years after he left the Schwartzentruber Amish in OH. During that time, Emery grew into a sound and confident young man. He is ready to be a husband.

Esther and I first shared our house with three of Barbara's siblings when they left the Amish. In time, Barbara arrived, along with her parents. One day in my office, Barbara bowed her head and asked Jesus to save her soul. In August, they invited 300 people to come and celebrate their wedding day.

• Esther has been discipling Amelia for about three months. She left the Amish, moved here from Kansas, and has been serving with us at Beyond Measure Market. On March 19, Amelia bowed her head before God and asked Jesus to save her soul. In September, we gathered around her while she shared her testimony and then followed in baptism.

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