How It All Started
Keim Family
Joe and Esther were born and raised in an Old Order Amish sect in Ashland, Ohio. At 17 years of age, both were baptized as members in the Amish Church. Not long after their 18th birthdays, a former Amish man shared the gospel with them; Joe and Esther realized they were sinners in need of a Savior.
Joe and Esther accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, married, and intended to continue living and raising their family within the Amish system. However, they quickly learned that if they wanted to believe their salvation was by faith, grace, and Christ alone, they must be silent about it—or face excommunication and shunning by their family and the Church.
Nine months into their marriage, Joe and Esther made the hardest decision of their young lives: to leave the Amish way of life, their family, and friends forever, so they could live openly for Christ.
Our Burden
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel [the Amish] is, that they might be saved...
As Joe and Esther prayed and fasted for the people so dear to them, they discovered that America’s Bible-believing churches sent missionaries around the world to share the Good News—but no one was sent to the Amish.
Each morning, Joe sat outside his factory job aching for his beloved people who were dying and slipping into an eternal lake of fire without hearing the Good News of salvation. What began as a burden became a divine call: to see every Amish person hear the clear message of salvation.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
In December 1999, Joe met with his pastor, John Bouquet, to share how he and Esther felt God’s leading into full-time missions to the Amish. In February 2000, Joe shared his missionary call with Bethel Baptist Church and more than 50 former Amish. That year, they traveled to churches across the country, inviting believers to join them in prayer and support. Within a year, God provided the means for Joe to leave his job and begin full-time ministry.
Our Calling
Three-fold Purpose of MAP
- Evangelize and Disciple Amish and Former Amish People: Through personal witness, home Bible studies, The Amish Voice newsletter, the Audio Ministry, and spiritual counseling for those who’ve faced abuse.
- Assist older teenagers and young adults who have left the Amish: Offering life skills like driving lessons, cultural training, GED preparation, job application help, housing support, and financial guidance.
- Expand MAP across North America: Sharing the ministry in churches across the U.S. and Canada, inviting others to join the mission of reaching Amish communities everywhere.
Current Status
MAP operates out of a 3,600 sq. ft. facility in Greenwich, Ohio, where a team of staff and over 30 volunteers help carry out the mission. Since MAP is not affiliated with a mission agency, an 8-member board of pastors, former Amish, and close friends provides oversight and meets at least eight times per year.
