Allen and Mary, an Amish couple in their mid-30’s who Kit and Priscilla have been studying with have taken a stand for the Truth and are officially being shunned by the Amish this Sunday. Priscilla first called on Allan and I was along for the RV. I remember when we got back in the car I remarked about what a spiritual person he was and so appreciative of what she showed him in the Bible about God’s Kingdom, but how difficult it would be for any of them to ever come into the Truth almost impossible or so it seemed. It would mean not only changing their beliefs but also their whole way of life including what they do for a living. Kit kept calling on Allan even when Allan asked him never to come back he would send him letters. Finally, Allan answered the letters and a study was started that way. After a lot of emotional turmoil they decided to start studying secretly in person. At first they would come in their buggy at night to our house meeting the Labrenz’s here (they live closer to us and there aren’t as many Amish in the area as up at Kit’s). They would hide their buggy & horse behind the trees and bushes on the south side of the pond. They didn’t want to study in the kitchen because we don’t have shades covering the windows. They would give their Bibles and textbook back to Kit until the next week, as they wanted to be able to tell the Bishop that they didn’t have any of our literature in their house (they were asked by them). When they finally got strong enough to keep the literature and study at Kit’s (we missed them coming here) he bought a cell phone, which is against their ordinances, and they started listening to the meetings.
At the beginning of Dec., they started attending the meetings at the Kingdom Hall. The cong. as a whole had no idea that an Amish family was studying, it had to be kept quiet while they were building their spiritual strength. So when they first stepped into the KH you can only imagine how exciting that was for everyone. Allan said he has been looking for this all of his life. He was always frustrated by the lack of spiritual food they received mostly it was all about traditions very much like the Jews. Mary said she would probably have stayed content with what she was except for Allen’s need to keep searching and thankfully, she agreed to go along on the journey. They would read their German Bible together but only understanding a few words here and there. They speak a form of German but really don’t understand the written German. The Amish discourage strongly the reading of an English Bible, it’ll make you go insane, spiritually speaking.
They wanted to sell their home in the heart of Amish country but have not had any real interest; it needed to be sold before their shunning. Now they feel that perhaps Jehovah has something in mind for them. They can be of help to other brave Amish who might be questioning their faith. They still dress as the Amish do; bonnets, long very modest plan clothes for the women and a beard and black suit, etc. for the men. Allen feels if they make a huge change right away the other Amish in the area will think this is all about rebelling against their tradition of dress and old fashion way of living without cars, etc. Therefore, they will stay “plain people” for a while still using their horse and buggy, of course, when they start in service I think they will be encouraged to change that, but we shall see. I mentioned to him it will be interesting to see how the Amish react to all this when we work the territory on Saturday, he asked with a chuckle, “could I come along?” It is nice to know that he is so willing to share what he knows with others.
Last night an announcement was made that they have told the ministers of the Amish that they are studying the Bible with JW’s they will be shunned as of Sunday, they wanted to thank everyone for keeping their studying a secret until they were ready to take a stand. We now can tell others their experience. Everyone clapped and afterward hugged them! Allan said it was the most emotional meeting and he didn’t think he could make a comment, but he did. It was in the part about Cornelius, and the spirit telling Peter to “not doubt at all”, that is all he could say. I think he was thinking about how with Jehovah anything is possible, look at them!
This morning Dad is helping Allen deliver washing machines, about 9 of them that he has fixed to various Amish families and that needs to be done before Sunday when the shunning takes place at the church. Being with them is so spiritually upbuilding to everyone and it shows that we can never under estimate the power of Jehovah’s holy spirit and what people will be willing to do to except the freely worship Jehovah.
Love,
Linda
PS Joann & Eric, they are planning on going to Idaho to visit a sister and her husband of Allan’s who left the Amish a number of years ago and have since been searching but failing to find what they are looking for spiritually. Dave is going to ask him where his sister lives as we would like to direct them to the nearest KH when they are out there and perhaps get in touch with witnesses that could continue to help that family. I will keep you informed.
