ELMER ANSWERS SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS

One question was asked: In North West Montana an Amish wife took her children and left the Amish community.  Why can't her husband remarry?  We do not believe in divorce.  Ephesians 6:31 "For this cause shall a man leave his Father and Mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."  That is one of many Bible passages that back our beliefs : "Cor. 7:39 "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom the will; only in the Lord." is another passage.  We believe, when we marry, that we are one until one of us passes.

Now I can see this question coming.  What if the husband is mean, beats or abuses his family?  What then?  Of course the deacon will come to speak to him.  Then, Bishop Eli will go speak to him, trying to get him to change his ways.  He can be shunned in the church.  The husband and wife can separate.  This does not happen very often as the husband is needed to support the family, keep the farm going or business going, etc.  Separation does not happen very often, but it  has happened.  Still divorce is not even considered by the Amish.

What if the lady does get divorced and remarried?  We believe she is living in adultery.  Her husband is still alive and she has remarried.  This is a sin in our eyes, in the Bible and the way of the Lord.  One of the Ten Commandment is: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

Another question is: In Lancaster, Pennsylvania is it true gray buggies belong to Amish families and black to Old Order Mennonite families?  Some of the Amish groups in that area have black buggies and so do Old Order Mennonite.  Some Amish groups have grey buggies.  I am trying to think if I can of any Old Order Mennonite that have gray buggies, but off hand, I can't.

Why is it acceptable for some Amish to socialize with non-Amish?  In this modern day world, it is kind of hard to live without coming in contact, doing business, becoming friends and more with the Englishers.  We set up stands in our yards, we set up at Farmer Markets, etc. where we come in contact with Englishers.  We like them to buy our items.  I have put siding on Englishers homes.  Some of our neighbors are Englishers and own farms.

Some Englishers become our friends.  I don't think it says anywhere they we can not socialize with non-Amish.  Only that we are not doing so that will take time from our church, chores, families, or try to change to their ways by electric, driving cars, etc.

Do buggies have heaters?  We have arm strong heaters?  If you don't know what that is ask, Marilyn or I will explain.

Really, some buggies have heater and some don't.  They are battery operated.  Some Amish groups allow them and some don't.  Do we have one in ours?  Yes, we do. I don't think the Swartzentruber Amish are allowed to have them in theirs.

Last, but not least question for today: Does Anna or Jean use their grown pumpkins for pumpkin pie?
Yes, they do.  They also use it for pumpkin butter, pumpkin bread and more.  Jean does sell some in her roadside stand.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer