The Life Book: A tiny, uniquely fun & refreshing read for juniors & seniors!

Image via AS Phillips

Needing a stocking stuffer?

During Christmas, Maumee Church, in Johnson, Indiana gifted a small variety of books to the congregation. I received two and both are excellent. One I reviewed here, if you’d like to see it. When I finished it, I gifted it to a friend, hoping she would enjoy it and find it as enlightening and encouraging as I did.

The second, I’ve been using as a daily Bible study, because of the fascinating way the content is delivered, and especially love its versatility, making it enjoyable as a solo read or in a group.

There are over 10 million of these in print. After getting into it, I can understand why they needed so many! I’m definitely not the only fan! 

The Life Book is essentially a small compilation of the Bible. One of its unique aspects that makes it such a hit is the interaction of additional characters, who go with you through the book, studying the sections and sharing their thoughts about the content via neat, hand-written notes sprinkled throughout the pages.

The readers along for the ride consist of four students and one elder. Their notes give a good insight into their ages and how they process the information. Their inclusion definitely adds some excellent seasoning to the content!

Image via AS Phillips

Tiny book–big impact

For folks who lead small Bible studies, especially with those new to Christianity, I hope you’ll consider giving this book a read. You’ll find a variety of useful inclusions that can be easily incorporated into your ministry. 

If you do, I hope you’ll revisit this post and share your thoughts on it in the comments!

For more information on The Life Book, visit TheLifeBook.com or  The Life Book on Facebook.

The wrap!

Hope you’ll consider checking out this tiny, literary masterpiece for your own library or as a gift to someone else!

Thank you for visiting and hope you'll be back again soon!

‘Til next time,

Shalom

The Amish Rescue Mission: Safety and support for Amish victims of abuse

 

Image via the Amish Rescue Mission

From Amish to English Christian Minister

A while back, I began following Eli Yoder’s YouTube channel. Much of his content is a testimony of his experiences and reasons for leaving the Amish community. He does a sterling job at keeping his videos lighthearted while maintaining a serious side. 

Yoder refers to the Amish as a cult. Although his vids most often include comical anecdotes from his childhood, growing up Amish, some are very clear about the darker aspects of his former community.

Since leaving the Amish, Eli has dedicated himself to Biblical studies and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. He uses his knowledge when counseling others who want to leave, or have left, the Amish, who are struggling with the Amish culture and beliefs, in ways they understand to contradict the Gospel.

Although he is no longer an accepted part of the Amish community, he expresses gratitude for still being permitted to visit his Amish mother, in her home, as long as he abides by her rules. He mustn’t park his “worldly” vehicle on her property, and wear Amish-style clothing when he visits.

I’ve learned much about the Amish since viewing his videos, including being introduced to a not-for-profit organization established to provide protection and support for Amish victims of abuse. It’s called the Amish Rescue Mission, and the reason it exists is heartbreaking.

Image via PublicDomainPictures of Pixabay

Help for Amish victims

The Amish Rescue Mission provides help for a sizeable array of crimes committed against victims that include...

• Bestiality
• Grooming
• Human trafficking
• Incest
• Intimidation
• Kidnapping
• Rape
• Victim blaming
• Mental, physical, spiritual and verbal abuse

What help is currently available to Amish victims includes...

• A listening ear (Hotline 888-621-1985)
• Education
• Finding a counselor
• Healing
• Hope
• Resources
• Safe houses
• Sponsorships

Their site info ensures victims they assist may remain Amish or Plain. When their life becomes safe and stable, they will be returned to their home, if desired. 

Below is a short vid featuring Rachel Hershbeger-Hawley, co-founder of The Amish Rescue Mission, why it was founded and their goals.

Vigilance in being aware and pro-active

Despicable acts are a global threat and certainly not a threat limited to individuals within the Amish. However, for those raised within Gospel-associated communities to step forward, alert, acknowledge, renounce and provide help for victims within these communities, I have to applaud them for not being a part of the coverups that so often happen to prevent backlash and the fallout that often comes along when these types of malicious acts become public knowledge. 

I also appreciate their focus being specifically on Amish victims. Having this common ground gives them insight into the inner workings of the community, including how the victims view and process the abuse they’ve suffered.

⁸Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

⁹Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 

(World Messianic Bible Translation)

The wrap!

Thank you again for visiting today. I hope I've stirred your heart to lift the Amish Rescue Mission, both the staff and those they serve, in prayer.

Although our economy may be in dire straights, God isn't even a little bit limited on funds and His ability to help meet the needs of this wonderful organization and those they strive to help.

Also, thank you for your interest and support of the independent business community, and especially the bloggers and bloggers! It's much appreciated!

'Til next time,

Shalom