A Luther for the twenty-first century
Posted on: February 19, 2009
- In: america
- 12 Comments
I have just watched Trouble in Amish Paradise, a BBC documentary about two extraordinary men who have been excommunicated from their Old Order Amish church. Both still live according to the Amish rules and among the Amish people. The reason for their excommunication? Meeting to study the bible.
It is amazing to hear Ephraim talk about how, after years of believing that rule-keeping would get him to heaven, he read the bible in English for the first time and realised that all he needed to do was to trust Jesus – like watching the Reformation happening all over again. Through the film we see how his family’s faith is put to the test again and again as they are excommunicated from the church, shunned by family members, and then suffer through a personal tragedy. But Ephraim never stops smiling when he talks about Jesus – and he loves to talk about Jesus! The reason that he chooses to stay living among the Amish people and attending the church from which he has been excommunicated is so that he can share the gospel with them. He knows it would be easier for everyone if his family just left. For his son’s birthday treat, Ephraim takes him to the nearest town to distribute evangelistic leaflets and share the gospel. When his daughter is taken into hospital, Ephraim takes every opportunity to talk to the nurses and doctors about Jesus. It’s wonderful to see his faith as he talks about his prayer that Marie will be healed but his trust that if she isn’t, she’ll be taken up to glory. (The narrator has to explain that he is talking about the possibility of his daughter dying, because Ephraim is still smiling.)
It had never previously occurred to me that there was a need for missionaries to the Amish communities. But now I will be praying for Ephraim and his wife, Amanda, for Jesse, and for others like them, not mentioned in the film, and for revival in this church which bears the name of Christ while knowing nothing of His saving grace.
If you’re in the UK, you can see the film on the BBC iPlayer for the next week.
12 Responses to "A Luther for the twenty-first century"
February 19, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Here’s the interesting thing though: why would the BBC have a documentary that’s so positive about Bible believing Christians? Because their story is set against the backdrop of a community that’s weirder, more backwards, narrower, and more intolerant even than Christians.
February 19, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I expect you’re right, Matthew. But still it was wonderful to see these two men and their families absolutely shining with love for the Lord. And since I had been expecting the ‘trouble’ to be people wanting to rebel against the lifestyle in favour of the trappings of modern society, it was very refreshing to find that was not the story that was being told after all.
February 19, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I agree it was great but even the average Amish were not put in a bad light it is interesting that at the point of the girl’s illness so many of the rules regarding the shunning broke down – it was the Amish who paid the medical bills for one who was not (ludicrously) not considered one of them.
February 19, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Yes, that’s true, Richard. Partly that came across because of the way that Ephraim and Jesse both spoke with such obvious warmth about their family and friends who were still in the church. And I think the documentary makers did well to keep that perspective since, of course, none of the other Amish people took part in the film.
February 20, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I’ve just watched it. How moving to see God’s grace at work in their lives. As you say, his love of talking about Jesus, and his giftedness at doing so are wonderful. And I thought the documentary makers did a superb job.
February 24, 2009 at 4:59 pm
I was looking for comments on this programme and found yours linked from the Ancient Hebrew Poetry blog. Are you here in Dingwall or studying at a distance? I can’t quite work out whether you’re British (lots of stuff about Radio 4) or American (link to church in Pennsylvania).
February 24, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I can see why that would be confusing! I’m in Dingwall right now, but moving away on Saturday. I was in Philadelphia for two years up until last summer.
Are you at HTC too?
February 24, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Oh, and definitely British. ;)
February 24, 2009 at 5:28 pm
No, I’ve never studied at HTC though I can occasionally be spotted visiting for one reason or another, usually with a toddler in tow. We sell second-hand Christian books.
March 10, 2009 at 12:00 am
Hi my name’s Andrew, I directed the documentary, ‘Trouble in Amish Paradise’.
I’m grateful for your kind comments, and I’m sure Ephraim and Jesse would be delighted to know they’ve inspired others who share their faith.
I spoke to Eph earlier this evening, and a friend of his has decided to set up a website for the families, as a way for those who wish to get in touch with them. I think they’re still ironing out a few gremlins, but the URL (when the site goes live – probably tomorrow, he tells me!) is http://www.troubleinamishparadise.com (if that doesn’t work try .org, .net etc…)
If there’s any problems though, please feel free to contact me directly andrew.tait@bbc.co.uk and I can forward any messages to the families, if anyone here would like to get in toch with them.
best
Andrew
April 16, 2009 at 10:04 am
I just saw the documentary which I taped earlier.
I am very moved by it. My thoughts and prayers are with these families.
Betty
Jerusalem,
Israel
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February 19, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Annabel watched it last night. It sounds amazing. I hope to watch it over the weekend.