The first question that was asked was how many Englisher people join the Old Order Mennonite and Amish. I must be honest and say I don't know. I do know that I am the only Englisher to join the Old Order Mennonite that I know of. There could be others that have joined that I don't know about. Also throughout the country there could be others, but I don't know of any-but I am sure there are some. It's a question that we don't discuss among ourselves. If people asked me if I joined, I say "yes", but it's not a question I am asked very often.
How does someone English who now is 19 years old become Old Order Mennonite? How would one go about this? First I think you should think and pray. To join you would have to give up a great deal: television, radio, computers, and more. Your transportation is going from a car to a horse and buggy. The way you dress would change. Could you do this? Could you give this all up and make these changes? I would try giving up some of these things. Maybe give up the television for a few weeks. Don't use the radio. Stay off the computer-to see how you feel.
It is also not just giving things, but learning new. You must believe in the Lord and read the Bible. Now you pray not just when you want something, but on the good things, bad things, thanking the Lord for what he has done and given you. I also learned what you call " Pennsylvania Dutch" Language. It is really the German Language with a bit of English. Also, you must learn our ways.
I would try to locate Old Order Mennonite and attend their meetings (church services) on Sunday. I would also contact either the ministers, deacon or Bishop and explain that you would like to join. Although I can't say how many have joined, I do know that several people wanted to join, but, after trying, decided not to join. For me, it was easier to join at about your age, than it would be now in my late 30's. But it is not easy, there are changes you must make. Decisions you must make. I am not trying to discourage you, I want you to know what you have to go through. There are very kind people that will help you and encourage you. I joined and I would never change back to the English ways. I went through some hard times, but now as I look back, it was worth it. It is a decision that you must make. I would like to know how you make out so please contact New York State of Mind and let me know how you do.
As I said, Jean is coming back. They are finally moved into Kevin and Bridget's house. I am sure Jean will tell you about the moving. I really enjoyed doing the posts while she was moving. Also, I enjoyed your comments and questions. When they start building and moving into Jean and David's new house, I will be back to do posts until they get moved and settled in that house.
Be With the Lord,
Martha
19 comments:
Next Monday Jean will be coming back so this is Martha's last for a while. I thank Martha for filling in for Jean while she was gone and I really appreciate it. Martha is welcome back with a post anytime.
Marilyn
Thank you Martha. Yes, please come back, do enjoy your posts.
jodie from MO
Good Morning Jodie,
I will pass your message on to Martha. I told her she has to come back-she still has questions from comments that she has to answer. LOL
Marilyn
So very interesting, isn't it?
Good Morning Vickie,
I thought it was interesting, too.
Have a nice day,
Marilyn
I love Martha's cautionary encouragement. Thank you, Martha, for this writing and thank you, Marilyn, for continuing to bring us news from Jean, Martha and friends (and Pierre).
Good Morning Melissa,
I will pass your messages on to Martha. Thank you for the compliments even from Pierre.
Marilyn
Marilyn, I am so thankful (and blessed) to have been able to find you and make the shift from Richard's blog to yours. I continue to review Richard's photo-blog, but would surely have been dissappointed had you and Jean and Martha not continued. As for Martha's post, it is most interesting! And, dare I say, right on the money. My DH and I are conservative Lutherans and have several Old Order couples that we are friends with in Ohio. When we first made friends with them, we had the usual Englisher "glow" about maybe becoming Amish. Over the years however we have come to the realization that they 'uns are like we'uns... human beings with needs, wants and desires and that being Amish isn't just a way of life, it's a way of living with God to level most of us aren't willing to go to. Mary T, my closest OOA friend said to me one day, "Mary, why don't you become a nun"? I thought she was nuts to ask me that, but then we talked about it; the changes, the learnings, the sacrifices... it would all be part and parcel of becoming Amish just as much as becoming a nun - even to the language because a nun needs to know Latin. I think she made her point! Just thought I would throw that out there.... :0 God's Blessings and have a great week!
Hello Michigan Mary,
I am so glad you found us. I really appreciate your comments. They are very interesting and true. I, at one time, thought of being a nun. At the time, you had to learn Latin, which I am not sure if it is today because I was Catholic and they have gone mostly to English today. I did prefer the Latin to the English Mass. I agree with yoour friend, too.
Blessings to you and yours,
Marilyn
Marilyn - please tell Martha how much we enjoy her posts and please, if she has time for regular posts, along with Jean, and Olive - well, that would just make my day. i want you to tell all 3 of them that reading about their way of life, their memories and experiences, anything that they have to share - brings me closer to the Lord and if i start my day reading a post here, i always have a good day, a day where i reflect on the Lord and all of the things that i am grateful for because of Him. these ladies are doing a wonderful and important job here...as are you Marilyn. and i am very thankful for that.
(teehee. i wish that they would post every day...but now i am just being greedy!) a friend to all of you,
kymber
Thank you Kymber and I will pass your comments on. I appreciate and reflect on what they have to say, also. It would be nice to have one a day, but it would be hard to keep it up every day doing a post. Jean, Olive, and I am sure Martha would go along with it-is a short reflection each day in addition to our regulars. We are talking about it. Maybe a bible quote or something just a line or two long. It's all in the talk stage right now. We all thank you for compliments.
God Bless You and Yours,
Marilyn
this was very interesting to read!
Glad you enjoyed, Annie.
Marilyn
Thank you for this detailed post Martha-However much we may dream and crave the simplicity of this way of life - the reality would be too hard for most of us-
Look forward to hearing more from you when you come back
Fionalina
Hi Fionalina,
I will pass your message along to Martha. Someone sent her a comment once asking here that is why she told like she did. She is not tryin g to get anyone to join.
Marilyn
Marilyn I know Martha is not trying to get anyone to join -sorry if what I wrote gave the impression that I thought she was-I do remember someone asking a while back
Fionalina
Okay Fionalina. I just thought maybe you thought she was. She just got a chance to answer that fellow.
Marilyn
I would love to become old order mennonite. The problem is, I don't know how to tell my parents. Any advice?
Hello Anonymous,
Marilyn just found your comment and called me. Again, I think you should pray. Ask the Lord for the wisdom and way to tell your parents. If you are in contact with any Old Order Mennonite Bishop or deacon or minister, I would contact them and ask them for advice. Even if you know someone who is Old Order Mennonite maybe they could lead you to the right person who would help you tell your parents. I know it was hard to tell my parents. They thought that my wanting to be Old Order Mennonite would pass and I would come back to the Englisher world. I think they still hope I will although with my being member of the church for so long and Joseph being Bishop, I think they realize I am not changing back. Telling your parents is one of the hardest things you have to do.
Martha
Post a Comment