While I may have been quiet on the website for a long time, God has still been doing some great things in Amish ministry. I will do my best to share a few highlights from the past 3 years. Many times, however, it has just been the mundane tasks. Learning to build relationships and learning how to reach the local people with the gospel.
Taxi Service
In my last post I mentioned that I was able to start a taxi service for the Amish. I loved the job then and I can say that that is still true to this day! I have had many different opportunities to share the gospel with various people over the years. One of the perks is that I have traveled all over the east coast and mid-west. One place took me to the border of Canada. In the backyard of one home I stayed in was New Brunswick, Canada!
As my taxi service grew, I began to cut my time down working at Burkholder’s Country Market. Finally, after 4 years at the store it was time for me to move on. I am so grateful for my time there. Looking back on it now, I can see that it was just a steppingstone for what was next.
In 2022, I began driving for an Amish work crew. I had no idea that I would still be with him to this day! However, I have greatly enjoyed working for him. I have developed friendships with the various crew members and just the other week I attended the wedding of one of those young men. I felt so privileged to be invited considering not many “Englishers” are usually invited. My prayer is that while I am working for this crew, I will be the godly witness I need to be.
Around the time I started driving for the work crew, I began to feel a burden to start a tent meeting for the Amish and former Amish in one of the local valleys. The Amish in that particular area are going through some major changes and many of them are leaving the culture. I saw this need wanted to reach these needy people with the gospel before they left for the world.
Tent Meeting
With the help of a couple other people, one being a former Amish man from that area, we were able to organize a successful tent meeting. We were blessed by the preaching ministry of Joe Smith from Hartville, Ohio and the singing ministry of the Tim Cooley Jr. family. God provided financially in miraculous ways, and we were able to see this new avenue of ministry move forward into the next year. Lord willing, we will be planning to have the 3ed annual tent meeting August 26-28, 2026. If you would like to learn more about it feel free to look up Lamar Tent Meeting on Facebook.
What Happens When You Share the Gospel?
One of the hardest things when sharing the gospel is wondering if you are really making a difference in someone’s life. Now don’t get me wrong. I understand that sharing the gospel is never wasted. Many times, I have prayed that the Lord will take my words and fill them with the Holy Spirit and convict hearts. Only God can do that.
However, a couple months ago I had a friend call me. When the idea of a tent meeting was just that, I asked her and her husband what they thought of a tent meeting for the Amish. They were not in favor. They believed that rather than cause a “splash” just be a quiet godly influence. In response, I asked them what ideas they would suggest. They could not give me an answer.
Fast forward to January 2026 and she called to give one. She told me that my question has plagued her and her husband for the past 4 years since I asked the question. The conversation was an encouragement to me because it reminded me that God can take what we say and use it for his glory. Even when we have no idea what God was doing.
I realize this post is only a tiny snippet of what has been happening. I will do my best to keep this blog more up to date. Just this year another door has swung wide open and I believe the Lord is leading me into another avenue of Amish ministry. However, I will make another post soon about what all is happening. I am excited about it!!