Issue 9 Spring 2 0 1 8

Be ye doers of
the Word and
not hearers
only...
James 1:22

Championing a Faith that Works

In This Issue:
“ Overcoming Evil with Good” - Peter Hoover
“ Goals for Anabaptist Family Life” - Steven Brubaker
“ Life in a Hutterite Colony” - Staff Report
“An Anabaptist Weight-Control Plan” - Menno Knight
“ On the War Front: In Bolivia” - Rachel Yoder
 Letter from the Editor
In this issue, we again champion putting faith into practice. It is not possible to separate
faith and works or love and obedience. Those who try separating these ideas wind up
with a weak “sugar-water” gospel that may be as popular as Coca Cola, while those who
actually put their faith and love into practice face a difficult climb and an oftentimes
lonely struggle.
Let’s face it. Putting our love and faith into practice is not popular, but it is a great
challenge Christ has called us to.
Let me share a legend that bears some truth but has been modified to make a good story.
A certain executive in a large company had been fantastically successful for thirteen
years (1970-1983). In the early days of computers he considered changing companies.
He interviewed at three different companies.
The first company told him, “We offer a great working environment, a huge salary,
extensive perks, and large retirement benefits.”
He went on to interview with a second company. That company told him, “We are a
great company. We have a fantastic product and this company is set to grow exponentially.
Our stock will soar into the stratosphere and we will give you stock options so you can
grow with the company. Your opportunity with this company is unlimited.”
The third company at which he interviewed was Apple Computers in its infancy. The
legendary Steve Jobs told the man, “We are going to change the world. Do you want to
come with Apple and change the world, or do you want to spend the rest of your life
selling sugar water?”
The man was John Sculley, president of Pepsi Cola. In 1983, this man who had so
much, accepted the challenge to change the world and joined Apple Computers.
Brothers and Sisters, Christ has commissioned us to change the world. To do this we
must be His obedient servants, living out the true gospel, putting it into practice, and
calling others to full repentance from all sin. Will we spend the rest of our lives selling
the sugar water of a social gospel—salvation by faith alone, income equality, saving the
environment, health and wealth, limiting immigration, just war, nationalism, political
lobbying for “righteous causes”—or will we stick with the world-changing gospel of
“repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 24:47)?
Join us as we seek to change the world by putting Christ’s everlasting Gospel into
practice; championing a faith that works!

Peace,

James G. Landis

Send all responses, articles and questions to: Send donations and/or subscription info to:
AV Editor AV Production Team
5282 Highway 56 South 3287 Hwy. 201
Waynesboro, GA 30830 Due West, SC 29639
editor@anabaptistvoice.com subscriptions@anabaptistvoice.com
www.anabaptistvoice.com www.anabaptistvoice.com
2 | Letter from the Editor
 Table of Contents
The symbol indicates a recurring feature in Anabaptist Voice.

Letter from the Editor......................................................................... 2

About Anabaptist Voice....................................................................... 4
Our Readers Write............................................................................... 5
Our Councilors Speak......................................................................... 8
Dead To The Law............................................................................... 10
Overcoming Evil with Good............................................................ 13
The Scriptures Jesus Quoted............................................................ 14
Rubies & Diamonds........................................................................... 16
Things Yet Unseen............................................................................. 17
Only One Category............................................................................ 21
Undermining the Anabaptist Way.................................................. 21
Brevity of Life..................................................................................... 22
Life In A Hutterite Colony................................................................ 23
Proverbs Illustrated........................................................................... 28
On the War Front: In Bolivia............................................................ 29
On the War Front: In North Dakota................................................ 32
The Lone Ranger................................................................................ 32
Goals for Anabaptist Family Life..................................................... 33
An Anabaptist Weight-Control Plan............................................... 34
The Practical Side.............................................................................. 36
The Practical Side: The Rest of the Story.................................... 36
The Practical Side: Reader Responses......................................... 37
The Practical Side: New Stories................................................... 40
The 2018 Anabaptist Identity Conference...................................... 42
Upcoming Events............................................................................... 43
Circulation & Financial Statements................................................ 43
Statement of Copyrights & Credits
Anabaptist Voice is not copyrighted, let no one do so. It is to be used in any way that builds the Kingdom of Christ. If any material
is reprinted, recognition should be given to Anabaptist Voice and the writer or artist.
All images & drawings contained herein are labeled for unrestricted use, free of copyrights under Creative Commons CC0 or
used with permission from the creator.
Listed below are credits to various Bible translations used in producing this issue of Anabaptist Voice.
AVU — Authorized Version Update, public domain
CEV — Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995 by American Bible Society.
GW — God’s Word Translation, Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations.
ICB — International Children’s Bible, Copyright 2015 by Tommy Nelson.
KJV — King James Version, public domain.
NASB — New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1968. New Century Version of NASB, Copyright 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
NIRV — New International Reader’s Version, Copyright 2014 by Biblica, Inc.
NKJV — New King James Version, Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
NLT — New Living Translation, Copyright 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.
NLV — New Life Version, Copyright 1969 by Christian Literature International.
WEB — World English Bible, public domain.
LXX— Brenton Septuagint, public domain.

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Table of Contents | 3

 About Anabaptist Voice
Our Mission Statement: Our Finances:
We want Anabaptist Voice to be a servant to the churches There is no set subscription price for Anabaptist Voice. We
of Jesus Christ. We choose the name “Anabaptist” as a fitting appreciate donations from those who wish to support the work.
term to describe an obedient people of God in our generation. To assure an informed supporter base, each issue will
We follow the example of the historic Anabaptists who sought contain a statement giving the number of copies printed and
to obey the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, but we do not distributed, the total costs for the previous issue, and the
idolize Anabaptists nor historic Anabaptism. We follow Christ. amount of donations received.

Our Purpose: Our Organization:

To interpret Scripture in a simple childlike way, and to apply The AV Editor is responsible for assuring that Anabaptist
Bible teaching to the lives of living saints. Voice adheres to the stated purpose, securing writers, and
proper copyediting. The AV Production Team is responsible for
design, layout, printing, subscriptions, and all financial matters.
Our Tone:
At present, Anabaptist Voice is choosing to be free of
The tone of the magazine shall be positive in that:
government regulations and control as much as possible. We
• it presents the right way when it decries the wrong way.
are not registered with any federal or state government body.
• it presents the truth when it warns of the untruth.
We are not a 501(c)3 organization; individual contributions
Our motto shall be words from Isaiah 30:21. are not tax deductible. Those who give to Anabaptist Voice
Whenever you turn to the right hand through the local church or through Shalom Ministries may
Or whenever you turn to the left, obtain a tax deduction (see page 43 for details).
You shall hear a voice behind you, saying,
“This is the way, walk in it.”
Our Audience:
Our primary target audience is anyone associated with an
Our Bible Translation Policy: Anabaptist church. We define an Anabaptist church as one
All Scriptures quoted will be in either the KJV or the NKJV that practices a follower-of-Jesus baptism, maintains actual
translations unless otherwise specified. applications of Bible truths, and where a close-knit, disciplined
We respect the specific preference of a writer who wishes brotherhood exists among the believers.
to use other translations for his article. Our secondary target audience is those not familiar with
Anabaptist churches but who are searching the Scriptures for
truth.

Some Historic Tenets of Anabaptism:

In order to provide clarity about who we are, Anabaptist Voice lists historic Anabaptist beliefs and practices we believe are
still valid today.
1. God accepted Jesus’ death on the cross as an atonement for the sins of the whole world. Thus the blood of Jesus enables each
person to be acceptable to God when he repents of his sin and surrenders himself to King Jesus. This initial commitment
is followed by obedience to the commands of Christ which gives the disciple assurance of his right standing before God.
“Salvation” is not just a one-time event but a life-long experience.
2. Adult believer’s baptism signifies a commitment to follow Christ as His disciple in His kingdom.
3. The teachings of Christ and the Apostles in the New Testament are to be interpreted and put into practice. The Sermon
on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain are the heart of Christ’s kingdom teaching for his disciples.
4. Anabaptists recognize the church as Christ’s kingdom on the earth.
5. Faithful obedience to the commands of Christ often brings persecution upon us.
6. The world (all who do not obey God) is evil and under the sway of Satan.
7. Our earthly conduct determines our eternal destiny. True faith must result in obedience that will be rewarded in heaven.
Evil works prove a lack of faith in God and will result in eternal punishment.
8. Kingdom disciples do not participate in the civil government or “serve” in the military.

4 | About Anabaptist Voice

 Our Readers Write
Policy Note: Email letters to Anabaptist Voice are encouraged. All letters must be accompanied by the
writer’s full name and physical address (not a PO Box). If the letter is printed in the magazine, only the
writer’s initials and state will be attached to the comments. If you send AV a letter, we assume the right to
use any part of the letter we deem of interest to our readers. AV will try to be courteous in acknowledging
all letters. - AV Editor

A Godsend Practical, Empathetic Encouragement

A while ago I had been praying for some kind of I have been enjoying your magazine with its many
newsletter in which the vision of the first church could profitable articles. I want to especially express appreciation
be revived (as in Acts 2, 4). If we aren’t reminded, for what appears to be a trend away from punching
encouraged, and refreshed, it’s easy to go along with the Protestant straw-men and lambasting “the hands that
flow of the mainstream [around us] without even noticing hang down and the feeble knees.” Keep up the good work.
[what we are doing]. That’s why I think your newsletter I would rather read a single page of practical, empathetic
is a Godsend. encouragement on how I can become more like Jesus,
The more we are of one mind and the more we work than a dozen-page diatribe on the size of the beam in my
toward a common goal, the better we will be able to hold brother’s eye or a satire of the deceived heretic. I know
together. For He says of those end times that are coming, that Scripture is profitable for rebuke and correction as
“And unless those days had been cut short, no life would well as doctrine and instruction “but the wisdom that is
have been saved, but for the sake of the elect those days from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy
shall be cut short” (Matthew 24:22). to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
M.H. | Manitoba partiality, and without hypocrisy.” I’m looking forward
to more of it.

Moral Integrity S.N. | Oregon

I take this opportunity to express appreciation for

your efforts to help us treasure and promote moral Need More
integrity. God bless you. I am happy to be able to make Please double the amount of copies that you send me
a contribution to your efforts. for our church. There are not enough to reach around
Let me also say that I am eagerly looking forward to anymore and I like to give some out as well. I don’t
seeing what Romans 11:23 says God is able to do—graft remember if I was getting 20 or 25 copies every time.
the sons of Abraham back into the “good olive tree.” Also, I want to subscribe for our son-in-law who is on
“And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will an Indian reservation in Ontario, Canada.
be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.”
Is this also when Zechariah 8:23 will be fulfilled? F.Y. | Montana
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from
every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Zeal For The Gospel
Jewish man, saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard
that God is with you.’ ” Thank you for the opportunity to write to you.
Faith that works! I also like the account of the Gadarene demoniac in
Luke 8 where Jesus told the cleansed man to return to his
J.M. | Pennsylvania own house and tell what great things God had done for
him. I think we need to have the same zeal to spread the
Anabaptist Voice: We Gentiles are truly blessed to gospel as those who went before us, and we should not
have been grafted into the natural olive tree because get complacent about it in our modern culture.
of our belief in Jesus. And Romans 10:12-13 tells us, Having a publication such as this is a grave
“There is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the responsibility and could have far-reaching influence. I
same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For will pray for you and others for the leading of the Holy
whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Spirit.
And the same path to salvation is open to the Jew “if they Lord bless. Grow in His grace.
do not continue in unbelief … for God is able to graft
them in again” (Romans 11:23). J.G. | Nebraska

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Our Readers Write | 5

Our Readers Write

Star Wonders A Note Of Encouragement

I am writing to say I appreciate much of what I’ve read We, as Anabaptist people, call ourselves Christians,
in Anabaptist Voice, especially the emphasis on practical as do many others. Can we also say we are followers of
Christian living. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, Christ’s teaching? If so, how can some of these responses
the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked be so unkind and critical? Right is right and wrong is
and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in wrong.
the world” (Philippians 2:15). This verse describes your God did not ask us to see eye to eye. Don’t lose heart,
mission well. writers; there will always be negative and critical people
I disagree with the article on “light” by Menno Knight. out there (sad). Perhaps if people read only to find fault,
It is true that in the above verse, as in many other verses, they should not receive this magazine.
the Christian and Jesus are described as light. Keep up the good work.
I am thankful to live in a place with very little light N.Y. | Iowa
pollution. On warm summer nights, I can stand outside
and speak with God like a friend. I can ponder life and Anabaptist Voice: We are glad for all letters, even the
I can ponder faith as I look at the same stars Abraham ones that are critical of different thoughts. They help
looked at, as he talked with God. The stars and the moon keep us on the narrow way in pursuit of truth. Jesus said,
speak a universally-understood language which speaks “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did
of God and creation (see Psalm 19:1-3). I believe the their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26). And the
“poorest” parts of the earth are those where the people harsh critics might even be blessed by something they
cannot appreciate God’s creation because it is obscured read in AV.
by man’s creation. I suspect many people have never had
the opportunity to see the stars or hear them speak of
God’s greatness and infinite wisdom. Old Covenant
I do not believe Christians should become politically I’d like to thank you all for this publication. I can see
involved over “light pollution”; however, if we can do our it is a lot of work to put this writing together; may God
part to help maintain God’s time of rest and enjoy His bless you all richly.
beautiful creation, we should be encouraged to do so. I do have a question regarding the content of the article
T.C.S. | Michigan about the Old Covenant [AV07 page 21]. The writer said
that the covenant with Abraham and his descendants has
Anabaptist Voice: It is great that you enjoy the wonder ended and that it ended when the temple veil was rent.
of the stars that God created. And it is also great that I’m not aware of any Scripture that teaches such a thing.
we can journey to many places where the heavens are Personally, I feel that this covenant promise to Abraham
visible at night. in light of subsequent events has a tremendous lesson to
all people and nations everywhere: that God always keeps
His promises. That provides a solid foundation for our
personal relationship with Him.
Romans 11:28-29 says, “As concerning the gospel, they
are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election,
Hospital Witness they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and
Recently while in a hospital waiting room, I saw a copy calling of God are without repentance.”
of a magazine entitled something like “Anabaptist Vision.” J.M. | California
I am a minister/bishop in a conservative Mennonite
church and from what I saw in the magazine, it would Anabaptist Voice: The exact quote in question from
be of interest to me. AV07 is: “This divine rending of the veil signified the
If you could send me a sample copy and subscription passing of the Old Covenant with the descendants of
information it would be greatly appreciated. Abraham and the inauguration of the New Covenant
P.E. | Manitoba with the people of God.” This is not a direct quote from
Scripture and it might have been better to spell out what
Anabaptist Voice: We encourage using AV as an the rent veil signified rather than lumping all things
outreach tool in hospitals and are blessed that you found together as “the passing of the Old Covenant.”
the sample copy interesting! We agree that God always kept His promises in the
past and always will.

6 | Our Readers Write

 Only One Everlasting Kingdom Much Encouragement
I’m far from an authority on future things, but I, for I appreciate the tenor of the AV thus far and hope
one, am not worried about the criticism you’re getting it can go on. We are now getting them delivered to our
on this subject—at least if I’m understanding it correctly. church in bundles. So discontinue sending mine to my
I’m more concerned about those whose view of prophecy home address.
and the nation of Israel contradicts a true nonresistant A.G. | Ohio
position. Praise God that all those who place their faith
in the Lord Jesus are the true seed of Abraham, the true Thanks so much for providing thought-provoking
Israel. I do not know how, or in what degree, the nation articles from an Anabaptist perspective. I enjoy reading
of Israel factors in prophecy, but I do know that ALL the it.
kingdoms of this world will perish. Only one kingdom J.G. | Kentucky
is an everlasting kingdom, and what a privilege it is to be
a part of it, whether Jew or Gentile!
I appreciate the work/effort you put into this
R.M. | Ohio publication. I would not want to see the work end
because of lack of funds. Here is a small donation.
Thank You F.Y. | Kansas
Grace and peace be unto you. Thank the Lord, and
you, for your efforts in bringing the Anabaptist Voice Thank you for a magazine that provokes me to seek
together to further the Kingdom of God. May God richly God in a deeper way. I wish you God’s blessing as you,
bless you. writers, and supporters press on.
W.S. | Ohio W.B. | Ohio

Outside The Box

I look forward to each issue! Your magazine has been
I hope maybe my email will encourage others to think a blessing and an inspiration to me. Keep it up!
outside the box of traditional American Anabaptism and K.Z. | Pennsylvania
only rural settings. People with souls are in all locations.
As one who grew up not a Christian, much less an
Anabaptist, I never knew of “such things” until eleven I love getting your magazine. I’m an Anabaptist and
years ago when I moved to Buckingham, Virginia in a love some of your very insightful articles.
rural setting. Maybe that’s why I am passionate about J.M. | North Dakota
moving to the city and a community area. I am excited
about bringing a “third way” so to speak, and a challenge Yes, I want to receive the Anabaptist Voice. I read it
to Protestantism. It is a challenge I believe to be biblical from cover to cover. The articles are refreshing to my
and true. soul.
We had been discussing moving to another location E.C. | Michigan
for some time. When God allowed our house to burn
and we lost everything in a house fire, we decided to We have been thoroughly blessed reading these
move forward. articles! God bless you as you continue this work.
In the past three weeks we moved from a rural farm D.D. | Ontario
to the city of Richmond, Virginia. This city completely
lacks any conservative Anabaptist witness. I believe your
magazine would be a great resource and conversation I appreciate the unapologetic message of the truth of
starter to give to seekers who know nothing of the God’s Holy Word. We must never be ashamed of holiness.
Anabaptist Way or the Kingdom of God. L.P. | Oklahoma
I truly appreciate your magazine. I would like to look
at the ongoing cost of getting several copies in the near We appreciate the work you are doing. As a small
future in order to hand out. house church fellowship, the extra insight from other
God has worked amazing things in our life since the Anabaptists is encouraging.
fire, and now we want to be a light and a testimony for L.G. | Ohio
God in the city of Richmond, Virginia.
D.L. | Virginia

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Our Readers Write | 7

 Our Councilors Speak
Policy Note: This section is dedicated to the input of our Councilors. They provide direction to this project as
well as correction and suggestions on the content. This is their platform. - AV Editor

Did Jesus Pay Our Debt on the Cross? Q: Jesus died for us. Didn’t He then take our
punishment?
We have seen a number of friends from an evangelical
background come to our congregation and leave again. A: Christ died for us, but that is different from
They have various reasons for leaving, but some have saying He took our punishment. Sin brings death as a
listed our understanding of the Gospel as one major consequence; sin separates the sinner from God, the
reason. One such visitor said, “If you don’t believe that Source of Life. Jesus didn’t change that. He gave His life
Jesus paid my debt and took the punishment for my as a ransom for us (Matthew 20:28). When He released
sins on the cross, that scares me. You remove the very His spirit from His body, His body died (Mark 15:37-39);
foundation of my Christian faith.” the eternal Son of God did not die. His death reconciles
us to God; His unending life saves us (Romans 5:10).
Scripture reveals many facets of Christ’s redemptive
work, and we should believe everything that Scripture
says. But we should avoid making Scripture say what it Q: But didn’t God deliver Jesus to the cross to
does not say. appease His own anger?
Some say that Christ took the punishment for our sin A. The Father gave the Son, the Lamb of God, as a
and endured the anger of His Father against sin. If that sacrifice for us. The Old Testament priests did not vent
is what is meant when it’s said that He paid our debt on their anger on the lambs they offered, nor does the Bible
the cross, I object. Let me explain by using a series of ever say that the Father vented His anger on His Son. We
questions and answers. understand that it is evil to punish a good man unjustly.
God cannot do that (James 1:13). Satan entered into
Q: Did Jesus die for us, shedding His blood for the heart of Judas (Luke 22:3), filled the Jewish leaders
the remission of our sins? with envy and anger, and pushed Pilate to condemn
Jesus to death. Satan devised the shame, suffering, and
A: Absolutely! “Without shedding of blood there is
humiliation of the cross in a vain attempt to defeat and
no remission” (Hebrews 9:22).
destroy Christ. But God the Father perceived Jesus’ death
as a “sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:2).
Q: Did He pay the price of our redemption?
A: Yes! A high price indeed! We are “redeemed with Q: Why would Satan plot Jesus’ death when
the precious blood of Christ” (I Peter 1:18-19). through it God accomplished His redemptive work?
A: Satan is not only the great deceiver, he is also
Q: Did He bear our sins in his body? deceived! “None of the rulers of this age” understood
A: Certainly! He “bore our sins in His own body on God’s hidden wisdom in the work of redemption, “for
the tree” (I Peter 2:24). had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord
of glory” (I Corinthians 2:7-8).
Q: Doesn’t that mean that our sins were imputed
(transferred to His account) to Him? Q: Did God have to punish Jesus so He could
forgive us?
A: Many suppose that our sins were imputed to
Him, and infer that He paid for our sins by taking the A: I can’t find this idea in Scripture. In Matthew
punishment for them. I can’t find this idea in Scripture. 18:21-35, where Jesus taught about forgiveness, who was
punished so the servant could be forgiven? No one. The
king simply forgave him because of his goodness and
Q: What is the punishment for sin?
mercy. Our King calls us to forgive one another just as He
A: God told Adam, “If you eat (sin, disobey Me), has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness is releasing
you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17). Paul writes, “The the debtor. When we forgive, no one is punished.
wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

8 | Our Councilors Speak

 The Bigger Picture: the Kingdom of God The Bread & Body, Wine & Blood
As important as our personal salvation is, Jesus’ Introduction: The following is written in response
message centered on His Kingdom. Jesus came not only to this note from Benjamin Haldeman of Greencastle,
to redeem the individual sinner, but also to crush the Pennsylvania: “I recently was asked, ‘Why don’t we accept
Serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15), to defeat that deceptive transubstantiation?’ (John 6:53-56). This is a basic Catholic
tyrant who held us captive. He came to rescue us from doctrine, but that alone isn’t a good enough reason to reject
the kingdom of darkness and transfer us into His own it.”
Kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
Definition: Transubstantiation means that the bread
and wine of the communion are literally and mystically
Q: From a Kingdom perspective, why did Jesus changed in substance into the actual body and blood of
die on the cross? the Lord.
A: Beginning with righteous Abel, Satan took every One of the strongest arguments for a symbolic meaning
departed soul into the abode of the dead (Hades). When of the bread and the wine is that Jesus was sitting right
Jesus died, He entered into Satan’s stronghold of death there in flesh and blood when he made the statement,
(Acts 2:27) to wrest the keys of death and Hades from “Take, eat; this is my body ... Drink from it ... for this is
the Prince of Death. Hear His triumphant words: “I my blood” (Matthew 26:26-29). And Jesus also said when
am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive he was physically present, “Do this in remembrance of
forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and me” (Luke 22:19).
of Death” (Revelation 1:18). He took on flesh and blood
James Landis | Waynesboro, Georgia
“that through death He might destroy him who had the
power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14).
I was raised in a very strong Catholic environment
and spent many years there until the Lord called us out
Q: Does this help explain how He gave His life a into his marvelous light.
ransom for us?
It was always a puzzle to me how Catholic theology
A: As long as Hades was under Satan’s power, there could be so adamant that the communion bread and wine
could be no release or hope of resurrection. But when the turned into actual human flesh and blood through the
Son of Man gave His life (Matthew 20:28), He entered words of the priest. It never looked or tasted any different.
into Hades, right into the house of the “strong man” to I met priests who had a different take on this; they saw
bind him and deliver the captives held there (Matthew the communion emblems as something sacred after a
12:29). Jesus made a public spectacle of the powers of blessing was pronounced over them and they treated
darkness, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). John them with respect. I believe we should do the same; for
adds, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, example, we would not toss them on the floor in our
that He might destroy the works of the devil” (I John communion services.
3:8). Death held all its victims in its prison, but “our
Savior Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life Joseph van Loon | Deloraine, Tasmania
and immortality to light through the gospel” (II Timothy
1:10). Praise God! Death is defeated and cannot hold us Whereas Catholic and Protestant theology have
(I Corinthians 12:26). focused on what happens to the elements in communion,
Anabaptist theology focuses on the presence of Christ in
Ernest Strubhar | Perkins, Oklahoma His people gathered for communion. I greatly appreciate
the Anabaptist emphasis on the gathered and united
people of God, and the communion service which
reinforces, symbolizes, and makes this visible.
Andrew V. Ste. Marie | Manchester, Michigan

“ “Who, being the brightness of his glory, and the express image
of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power,
when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right
hand of the Majesty on high.” — Hebrews 1:3

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Our Councilors Speak | 9

 Dead To The Law
an interview with Shannon Newswanger

Introduction: Shannon originally submitted this Are we forbidden to kindle a fire on the Sabbath? Must
material as a response to the challenge question in AV08: we consider it a moral issue to flip a light switch or strike
Explain what you think Jesus meant in Matthew 5:17 a match on the Sabbath? Remember, if we should break
when He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the one commandment we break them all. What about the
Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy [them] command for enforcing the law? It is here included with
but to fulfill them.” the command to keep the law. If I am under covenant to
We would welcome other responses to any of the keep the Sabbath holy, am I not also commanded by the
questions in the interview. The responses need not same to put to death all who do not? The book of Exodus
agree with the position taken in the interview, but is filled with such examples. Any distinction between
should carefully explain your own understanding and the Ten Commandments and the rest was certainly not
the reasons for it. We want to build each other up in our expressed in the giving or administrating of them!
understanding of this important Bible teaching: “Are The Ten Commandments are given first, in the hearing
the Ten Commandments different than the rest of the of all the people, while the rest of the laws were given
Mosaic Law?” privately to Moses. This was not because of God’s plan,
but by the people’s request.
AV Question — Menno Knight stated in AV08, page “So it was, when you heard the voice from the midst
9 that the Ten Commandments and the laws Moses gave of the darkness…that you came near to me…And you
are different. You stated in a letter that at one time you said: ‘…if we hear the voice of the LORD our God
also believed this. Why did you change your mind? anymore, then we shall die…You go near and hear all
Newswanger: I was challenged with the question, that the LORD our God may say, and tell us all that the
“If the Ten Commandments are God’s eternal, universal LORD our God says to you, and we will hear and do it’”
law, why do you not observe the Sabbath on the seventh (Deuteronomy 5:23-27).
day as they specify?” I had always been taught that Jesus “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and
changed this to the first day of the week for Christians, keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to
but I found no scriptural basis for this and I knew that Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you
would refute the idea that the Ten Commandments shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
were eternal and universal. I needed an answer for my These are the words which you shall speak to the children
conscience so I began to study. of Israel” (Exodus 19:5-6).
I found that the Ten Commandments were inextricably This was God’s preamble to the Ten Commandments.
connected to the other Mosaic Laws. They are frequently They were part of a larger covenant–a two-sided,
restated throughout God’s continued instruction to conditional agreement. In Moses’ review of the event in
Moses as the basis for a long list of related instructions, Deuteronomy 5, he clearly states that this covenant was
which seem to come as an extension of the original established on Mt. Sinai between God and those who
commandment. Many of these laws are not ceremonies, heard it. It was also to pass on to their children forever.
but applications of the Ten Commandments.
“For as many as have sinned without law will also
AV Question — Can you give an example? perish without law” (Romans 2:12).
Newswanger: How do we distinguish between the There evidently were, and still are, those who are
command to keep the Sabbath holy and the command without law, that is, an authoritative written code of
of how to keep it holy? ethics.
“These are the words which the LORD has commanded AV Question — How did Christ fulfill the command,
you to do: ‘Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh “Thou shat not steal?”
day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the
LORD. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to Newswanger: He of course obeyed it, but He fulfilled
death. You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings (brought to completion the task of) the entire law of
on the Sabbath day’ ” (Exodus 35:1-3). which it is a part.

10 | Dead To The Law

 “But before faith came, we were kept under guard But “[Jesus] takes away the first that He may establish
by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be the second” (Hebrews 10:9), so that today, “we have been
revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ
Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith once for all…For by one offering He has perfected forever
has come, we are no longer under a tutor” (Galatians those who are being sanctified…Therefore, brethren,
3:23-25). having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
“...Which [the OT Laws] are a shadow of things to by a new and living way which He consecrated for us,
come, but the substance is of Christ” (Colossians 2:17). through the veil, that is, His flesh…let us draw near with
a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:10-22).
Paul compares it to the veil put over Moses’ face to
hide what was only a reflection of God’s glory and already AV Question — What does the word “replete” mean
fading away, yet too bright for man to see. The Law was and how does it apply to this subject?
only a veiled (partial) revelation of God’s full glory and Newswanger: Webster’s defines replete as “fully or
holiness. “Thou shalt not steal” did not forbid pillaging abundantly provided or filled; having much or plenty of
heathen neighbors or taking your brother’s goods by something; pleasantly full.”
lawsuit, but Jesus revealed that God’s holiness is also
above this. Where once there was an insufficiency of blood
to cleanse and power to save there is now an infinite
The same is true for legal divorce, polygamy, killing abundance. Where once the high priests died and had
in warfare, vengeance, judgment, and many other things. to be replaced, Jesus lives forever.
But “in [Jesus] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead
bodily” (Colossians 2:9). He brought an end to the partial “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost
revelation by coming in His fullness (bodily) and being those who come to God through Him, since He always
the perfect human example of God’s holiness, therefore lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
removing the veil. AV Question — If for one who stands upon Jesus
AV Question — Explain the analogy of Christ filling Christ, the Old Testament Law no longer exists, does it
a hole which the law could not fill. exist for the heathen?
Newswanger: “Now we know that whatever the law Newswanger: Every man is devoid of God’s holiness
says, it says to those who are under the law, that every through the sin of Adam. Its curse of death is the basis
mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become of the need for blood atonement. This applies to all men.
guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no But the Old Testament law as a way to redemption and
flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the communion with God is no longer valid for anyone.
knowledge of sin…For there is no difference; for all have It was proven insufficient and replaced with the New
sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:19- Covenant.
23).
“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment
All have sinned, but before the Law man did not fully came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so
understand the huge gap between his character and God’s through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to
holiness “without which no one will see the Lord.” The all men, resulting in justification of life” (Romans 5:18).
Law’s enormous demands occupied much of a Jew’s life
with sacrifices, ceremonial feasts, pilgrimages, etc., which AV Question — How do you interpret Mathew 5:19?
did not provide a clear conscience. This proved to the “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these
world that even those who devoted their whole energies commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least
to approaching God could not be justified by the Law, in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches
without Christ. them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

“ “The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord
did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those
who are here today, all of us who are alive. — Deuteronomy 5:2-3

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Dead To The Law | 11

 Newswanger: Jesus was about to expose the weakness “Reputation is what people say I am;
of the Law and replace it with His commandments as the character is what I really am.”
Son of God. He is saying in verse 18 that the Law will not
overlook one mistake until it is fulfilled: which is exactly – Eugene Sommers, at Hartville, OH
what He had just announced He was going to do.
Jesus is not talking about the Law in verse 19 or He
“A blacksmith was once slandered and
would be contradicting His point about its mercilessness.
abused. He was urged to have recourse to
Jesus is talking about the commandments He was about
law, but he said, No! I can go into my shop
to replace the Law with. I think He was showing that
and hammer out a better character than
compared to the Law, they were not the standard of
any twelve men in a jury box can give me.”
judgment, but commands by which His followers would
be effective or not effective in building the Father’s – Tunker Brethren Paper, 1909
kingdom.
As followers of Jesus we serve God because we love
Him and want to build our Father’s kingdom not because “When I went out to find a friend, I
if we make one tiny mistake we will be condemned. couldn’t find one there. But when I went to
Immediately following these verses He begins a series BE a friend, I found them everywhere.”
of, “You have heard that it has been said...but I say unto – Lois Wenger, Port Hen-Ry Weekly,
you...” Port Henry, NY

AV Question — What are the practical results of your

belief that all the Old Testament Law has been replaced “Just as one is, so suspects he of another.”
by the commandments of Christ?
This quote taught me that my faults
Newswanger: Our incentive for practical Christian and shortcomings reflect on my
living still falls into one of these two categories: (1) thinking of others. If I’m a compulsive
obeying and serving God in an effort to be right with complainer, then I suspect others
Him, become acceptable as sons, and earn an entrance of always complaining. If I’m not
to heaven, or (2) obeying and serving God because we thankful, I suspect others of being
have been made right with Him and adopted as His holy unthankful. On the other hand, if
sons through the atonement and redemption of his only I’m doing good and right, then I have
begotten Son and are heirs with Him of the Kingdom higher expectations of others to do
of light. The first still leads to failure, despondency, and the same.
death and the second still leads to powerful victory,
blessed hope, and eternal life! – Victoria Wipf, Lakeside
Hutterian Brethren, OR
S. N. | Ontario, Oregon

NEW Writing Challenge!

Pick one and expound on your answer.

1. What is the significance of Genesis 2:3?

2. What is the significance of Genesis 2:24?

3. How did Noah know the difference between

clean and unclean animals?

12 | Dead To The Law

 Overcoming Evil with Good
by Peter Hoover

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with money rather than counterfeits, will help us infinitely
good” (Romans 12:21). more than anything else. Nothing other than knowing
the Lord Jesus and knowing the truth will guard us from
Thirty years ago a number of correspondence teachers, the designs of the Evil One.
including me, working at Lamp and Light Publishers in So if you are worried that evil spirits may haunt your
Farmington, New Mexico, became involved in studying house, that you will be ensnared by evil medical practices,
evil. It started when some of us became concerned about or that you may be led into evil things unknowingly, study
unsafe medical practices touched by the occult. Too many the truth.
of our brothers and sisters in the church, it seemed, had
become far too involved and even gullible to spiritually God’s Word tells us plainly many things that are
unsafe practices marketed amongst us as alternative evil—sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;
medicine. How should one know what practice to choose idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of
or which one should firmly be rejected? rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;
drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
We started by studying kinesiology, iridology,
holistic therapy, supernatural energies, unscientific and Literally, get rid of the things you know are evil. Throw
unscriptural belief systems, the connection between them in the dumpster and don’t mess with them anymore.
herbs and spiritually unsafe practices amongst tribal If you aren’t sure whether a practice is evil, cast it
groups, and much more. The further we dug into what aside and crowd your life full with things you know are
was clearly wrong, the more vividly we realized the vast good—patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and
extent of evil. Even in the nearby town of Farmington, self-control.
New Mexico, we discovered a “church of Satan,” people Worship God. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God
offering goat sacrifices in the nearby mountains, along and he will come near to you.” Prove that you love God
with horrible practices and truly fearful rites. by loving and serving your fellowman. I John 4:12 says,
One Saturday, when I had a bit of time to work on “If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love
our study of evil, I entered my office. Something seemed has been perfected in us.”
wrong—sinister, foreign. I knelt to pray and even though Always do good. In this way you will be so busy doing
I attempted to connect with God, everything seemed what is right and good that you will have no time to study
strange and disconnected. This brought fear to my heart. and pursue evil things. By so doing you will overcome
I wondered and cast about to find the reason until a clear evil with good.
answer came to me. “Your books about evil practices,
your writings, your focus on evil; get rid of it all!” I will most likely never write much about the Evil One
and what he plans for us. But, to learn more about Jesus,
I stood up, grabbed all my stuff about evil things, what He wants of me today, and what He has in mind for
carried it out and dropped the lot into the dumpster. Then, His followers worldwide, until He comes again, I simply
after I returned to my office, I could pray marvelously cannot hear, absorb, and grasp enough.
well, picking up safe and spiritually profitable work for
the Lord again. May our close relationship with God, through His Son,
Jesus, be our Light and Way until we stand before Him,
Studying righteousness and focusing on Christ Jesus face to face in peace!
(Hebrews 12:1-2), like bank workers who study real
P.H. | Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

“To be full of self-confidence is to be empty “A legacy is the imprint we leave on the

of God’s power.” future.”
– Elmer Z. Yoder, at Hartville, OH – Art Nolt, at Great Lakes
Mennonite Church, MI

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Overcoming Evil with Good | 13

 The Scriptures Jesus Quoted
by Andrew V. Ste. Marie

“Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” “In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David
(Luke 4:21). that is fallen, and will rebuild the ruins of it, and will set
The New Testament was written in Koiné Greek, the up the parts thereof that have been broken down, and
common language of the Mediterranean world in Jesus’ will build it up as in the ancient days: that the remnant
day. As recorded in the New Testament, He and the of men, and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is
Apostles quoted the Old Testament Scriptures in Greek called, may earnestly seek me, saith the Lord who does
although they were originally written in Hebrew, not in all these things.”
Greek. For instance, in Acts 15:15 the Apostle James So what is the Septuagint and where did it come from?
quoted from the prophet Amos: The Egyptian king Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-246
“And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it BC) helped build the great and world-famous library
is written, After this I will return, and will build again at Alexandria, which became a center of learning. It is
the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will believed that he sponsored a translation of the Pentateuch
build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That (the first five books of the Old Testament) into Greek.
the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Tradition says that 72 translators did the work, and the
Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, round number (70) gives us both the name Septuagint
who doeth all these things” (Acts 15:15-17 KJV, quoting (septuaginta is Latin for 70) and the common abbreviation
Amos 9:11-12). for the translation, the Roman numeral LXX (70). The
“In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David rest of the Old Testament books were later translated
that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I into Greek as well. This all took place around 250 years
will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of before Christ was born.
old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of As the Jewish people had been scattered throughout
all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the the world following the Babylonian captivity (598 B.C.),
LORD that doeth this” (Amos 9:11-12). they welcomed the translation into Greek, a language they
In many cases, what Jesus or the Apostles quoted does were more familiar with than Hebrew. Even in Judaea,
not match with the Old Testament reference as found many Jews by the time of Jesus were more familiar with
in our translations of the Old Testament. Did you ever Greek than with Hebrew. Thus, the Septuagint filled a
read an Old Testament quotation by a New Testament crucial role in keeping knowledge of the Scriptures alive
writer, then look up the reference in the Old Testament among Jews who would not have been able to understand
only to find that the two did not match? Did that make the Hebrew Scriptures.
you shake your head in bewilderment over how such a The Hebrew Old Testament preserved today, and which
thing could be possible? modern Old Testament translations are based upon, is
If so, you are not the only one, and this phenomenon known as the Masoretic Text, which came into its final
is not limited to one or two instances. Dozens of New form in the Middle Ages. There are several differences
Testament quotations from the Old Testament do not between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint. Scholars
match the prophecy found in our Old Testaments. used to think that these differences indicated that the
Septuagint was a sloppy translation of the Hebrew
Take the above example. James the Apostle quotes Masoretic Text, but study of the Dead Sea Scrolls has
from the Prophet Amos to convince the Jerusalem laid that misconception to rest. Some of the Hebrew
Council that God had foretold the conversion of the manuscripts discovered at the Dead Sea match with the
Gentiles. Yet the book of Amos in our Bibles says no Septuagint and not the Masoretic Text; this indicates that
such thing; he rather seems to prophesy that the Jews the Septuagint was translated from a different family of
will possess the land formerly owned by Edom and other Hebrew manuscripts than the manuscripts which became
heathen nations. Where did James get his version of the the basis of the Masoretic Text.
prophecy?
It is not hard to study the topic of which Old
The answer is to be found in an Old Testament version Testament text Jesus and the Apostles quoted from. All
you may never have heard of: the Septuagint. In the you need is a translation of the Septuagint, an English
Septuagint, Amos 9:11-12 reads:

14 | The Scriptures Jesus Quoted

 New Testament and an English Old Testament translated When you read the Septuagint, you realize that its
from the Masoretic Text (which essentially all Bibles are). influence on the New Testament goes far beyond the
(It would be best to use a fairly literal translation, like the quotations of prophecies which many New Testament
KJV, NKJV, or NASB.) The project is made much easier readers know about. In addition, many familiar New
if your New Testament sets off Old Testament quotations Testament Scriptures are actually quotations from the
in a different font and has a cross-reference to the place in Septuagint, and the New Testament author does not notify
the Old Testament where that statement is found. Read us that he is actually quoting from the Old Testament.
the quotation from the New Testament, then look it up For example:
in your Old Testament. Note similarities and differences. “Be ye angry, and sin not” (Ephesians 4:26a).
Then look up the same Scripture in the Septuagint; again,
note similarities and differences. “Be ye angry, and sin not” (Psalm 4:4 LXX).
Many quotations will be essentially the same in both “Stand in awe, and sin not” (Psalm 4:4 Masoretic).
the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint. Where they *****
are different, the New Testament almost always agrees
with the Septuagint instead of the Masoretic Text. In “Provide things honest in the sight of all men”
a few cases, it agrees with the Masoretic against the (Romans 12:17b).
Septuagint. Jesus and the Apostles generally quote from “And do thou provide things honest in the sight of the
the Septuagint text family. Lord, and of men” (Proverbs 3:4b LXX).
For example, Jesus asked the chief priests and scribes, “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding
“Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:4 Masoretic).
sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” (Matthew 21:16),
quoting from Psalm 8:2a, which says in the Masoretic *****
Text, “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the
ordained strength.” The Septuagint reads, “Out of the humble” (I Peter 5:5b).
mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise.” “The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the
In the earliest centuries of the church, the Septuagint humble” (Proverbs 3:34 LXX).
was used as the Old Testament of the church. Christians “Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace
continued to use the Greek Septuagint until Jerome used unto the lowly” (Proverbs 3:34 Masoretic).
the Hebrew Masoretic Text instead of the Septuagint as the
basis for his translation into Latin (the Vulgate). Thus his *****
translation, based on the Hebrew, effectively switched the
I invite you to partake of the blessings of reading a
Western, Latin-speaking church to a Hebrew-based Old
translation of the same Old Testament which Jesus, the
Testament text and divorced it from the Septuagint. The
Apostles, and the early church quoted from. You may
Eastern, Greek-speaking church retained the Septuagint,
be surprised at how the New Testament illuminates the
and it is to this day the official Old Testament text of the
prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Eastern Orthodox Church.
A.V. S. | Manchester, Michigan

The following Septuagint translations are available from Sermon on the

Mount Publishing. To order, use contact info at right.

Brenton Septuagint Sermon on the Mount Publishing

This edition has the Septuagint with Apocrypha in both English and Greek in P.O. Box 246
parallel columns. It is translated in King James-style English, giving it a familiar
Manchester, MI 48158
sound to KJV readers and making comparisons with that version easy. It has the
disadvantage of having very small English type. Cost: $57.00 postpaid
(734) 428–0488
www.kingdomreading.com
A New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS)
Compared to Brenton, this translation is based on a much better base of manuscript
evidence. It is written in a more modern, yet quite sophisticated, English. Font
size is larger than Brenton. Includes the Apocrypha. Cost: $45.50 postpaid

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 The Scriptures Jesus Quoted | 15

 Rubies & Diamonds
Memorable quotes that speak to the heart.

“What is truth? It is that which agrees with final reality!”

– Jason Miller at Peniel Church, OH

“Do your giving while you’re living, then you’re knowing where it’s going.”
– Jim Myer at White Oak Church of the Brethren, PA

“Guilt is to the soul what pain is to the body.”

– Dave Lapp at West Haven Amish Mennonite Church, PA

“It is easier to stay busy than to stay vibrant in our walk with God.”
– Calvin Yoder at Southern Mennonite Fellowship Meetings, GA

“If we come to see boundaries in our lives as restrictions rather than as safeguards, we have already
conceded our freedom.”
– Gerald Sensenig at Little Mountain Mennonite Church, PA

“A house may look good on the outside but the future of the house depends on its foundation.”
– Jonas Landis at Burkland Mennonite Church, GA

“Our children are wax to impress and diamonds to retain.”

– John Risser at Hartville, OH

“We carry tradition; conviction carries us.”

– Eugene Sommers at Hartville, OH

“The death shroud has no pockets.”

- Urie Sharp at Hartville, OH

“Loving our brethren testifies of our love to God. Brotherly love stays true through thick and thin.
Love is the greatest commandment.”
– Martin Yoder at Lyndonville Amish Church, NY

Share your rubies and diamonds with AV readers. Send in the quote followed by the name of the speaker and the
name of the congregation or church where it was given. Just for our records, we would like to have the name and address
of the person sending in the quote.

16 | Rubies & Diamonds

 Things Yet Unseen
by James Landis

Introduction: The following story is purely imaginary, A Calling from God

albeit possibly prophetic. Our prayer is that God might use “So Daniel,” John asked, “what do you think we should
it to enlarge your own vision of the future. do about this terrible evil going on in Satan’s kingdom?
It all began in 2018 when two young Mennonite men Should we join the anti-war movement and march on
had been fasting and praying for two days. Then Daniel Washington, write Senators and Congressmen, quit
said to John, “I feel like we Mennonites are not clear about paying taxes?”
the two-kingdom concept—the kingdoms of this world, “John, I don’t think that marching in Satan’s kingdom
and the Kingdom of our Lord and Christ. I sometimes and using the weapons of this world—guns, bombs,
hear believers talk about our country, our government, drones, and laws; force and violence—is part of the
and our President. We are US citizens of this earthly peaceable Kingdom of Christ. Jesus said His followers
kingdom with all its rights and privileges; we register for should not use the sword. We should use words that He
the draft, and yet we are joyfully silent about the great will give us in our hour of need. By the power of His
evil of the military as long as we are able to perform an Spirit those words can tear down Satan’s kingdom. For
alternate service for the country. Do we really believe Jesus told us, ‘Greater is He that is in you than he that is
there are two kingdoms engaged in a battle to the death?” in the world.’”
“I know,” John replied, “it is true that Mennonites have “Brother John, let me tell you a true story that shows
often given a testimony of peace by aiding the suffering what a faithful witness can do to destroy militarism. I
during and after wars. This is good and is what Jesus read it in Tomahawks to Peace.”
wants His followers to do. But is that all we, as followers
of Jesus, should do to attack this great evil of Satan? In the late 1670’s, two Quakers, Friend Edmundson
and Friend Briggs, felt their spirits drawn to the
“Daniel, listen to this. The New American magazine Caribbean Island of Nevis. They arranged private
reported last month: passage from Antigua in the Caribbean to Nevis.
The US military has heartlessly destroyed Iraq, When they arrived in the port at Nevis, the English
occupied Afghanistan the past 17 years, bombed Syria governor of the island, Governor Wheeler, sent officers
into oblivion, overthrew the governments in Egypt and and soldiers aboard the ship and forbade anyone to
Libya, launched drone and missile attacks against other go ashore. Neither could any of their Quaker Friends
countries, etc. Furthermore, the US is adding massive from the island board the ship to visit them. They also
new outlays to the current budget for a far-flung War forced the captain of the ship to post a bond of 1,000
on Terror that has already consumed 5.6 trillion dollars pounds sterling guaranteeing that he would carry his
in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Syria. These costs passengers straight back to Antigua.
do not include the huge sums expended in over 70-plus When Friend Edmundson inquired of the “hard
countries where the War on Terror is ongoing. These usage” they were receiving as Englishmen on an
figures say nothing about all the people killed and the English Island, the officer answered them, “Yes,
terrible suffering of millions more. you should be allowed to go ashore, but the reason
“John,” Daniel answered, “everyone knows war is you cannot is this: Since you Quakers came to the
terrible. It causes horrible suffering. It bankrupts the Caribbean, 700 of our militia have turned Quakers,
destroyer and the destroyed. Common sense should and Quakers will not fight. We are surrounded by
tell mankind to stop the fighting. The reason warfare enemies and we have need of soldiers. That is the
does not end is because many people in banking and the very reason Governor Wheeler will not let you come
defense industry profit from war and do not want it to ashore.”
stop. But John, the senselessness of war is not the reason “That’s the answer,” John exclaimed. “Those Quakers
we oppose it. We oppose warfare because Christ said His converted the soldiers and showed them the way of peace.
followers should do good and not evil; we should put our Furthermore, they did it without swords and bows and
swords away. War proves the military is the work of Satan the carnal weapons of the world; they used only the sword
in the kingdoms of this world and not the work of God.” of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Things Yet Unseen | 17

 “Certainly there must be thousands of soldiers involved took him directly over a military base. Anti-aircraft fire
in these terrible wars who suffer from a guilty conscience brought him down.
and who would desire peace. Let us invade the kingdom At the funeral the preacher prayed, “Thy kingdom
of Satan with the Word of God. If you and I each convert come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Many
five soldiers that would be ten soldiers. And if each of shed tears of love for Daniel, but no one thought of giving
those converted soldiers brought two more soldiers out up the fight. Daniel would not have wanted that.
of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light,
that would be 32 souls fighting in God’s kingdom. God And so, like a great swelling tide the numbers grew
is calling us to do this.” and multiplied. The attackers prayed for boldness and a
lack of fear. And the Lord gave it to them. So with great
Daniel raised his hand, palm outward. “Wait a minute, power the saints attacked the military strongholds of
Brother John. You forget about the Anabaptist churches Satan, casting down every argument and bringing every
who practice peace and do not fight in the military. What thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. And
if many disciples from these peace churches—Amish, great grace was upon them all.
Brethren, Mennonites, Hutterites, Apostolic Christians—
caught the vision and became active instead of passive—
conquering instead of defending, advancing instead of
yielding? Why, we could soon have 3,000 other followers
of Jesus joined in the Lord’s battle. It wouldn’t be long
2019
until we could have 10,000 ex-military men on the Lord’s
side and maybe several hundred thousand called out of
the defense industry into peace jobs where they would 6
grow and produce useful things instead of manufacturing
the destructive weapons of war.”
Now John raised his hand, palm outward. “Daniel,
2026
you’re carried away. Such numbers will never happen in
our time. Maybe a few will come but I don’t even know The Secret Conference
any soldiers. It’s impossible.”
In mid-July 2026, a gaunt scar-faced brother limped
“It’s true,” Daniel answered. “With men it is impossible, up to the basement entrance of a burned-out church.
but with God, all things are possible. Pray that the Lord of His good black eye shone with an intensity of purpose
the harvest will send forth His laborers. Lift up your eyes while skin closed over the hollow spot where his other
and see that the fields are white and ready for harvest.” eye should have been. A gray-haired guard, leaning on
a cane, stood in front of a heavy blanket where the door
Taking the Offensive
used to swing.
Daniel and John were serious. By the end of 2018,
“Say brother, what is the password for this night?” he
twenty soldiers had repented of their sins, were baptized
queried.
and had left the military. Those new converts eagerly
joined the battle and spread the good news of deliverance “Now how do you expect me to remember that?” the
from their sins and peace among their former friends. limper asked. He smiled thoughtfully while the old guard
Other believers from the peace churches rallied to the shone a small pocket light on the weathered face. He laid
battle and started calling men and women to repentance a kindly hand on the man’s shoulder. “Brother, I have
among the defense industry workers. heard much of you. Try ‘Unseen.’”
Before the end of 2019 strange things took place. “Unseen,” the limper replied.
John was traveling to an army base with a van load of The old guard greeted the limper with a holy kiss,
ex-soldiers when he lost control of the van and crashed then stepped aside. “The brethren are waiting for you.
head-on into a trailer-truck. John and four ex-soldiers Be blessed.”
died in the fiery crash. The cause of the wreck could not
be determined. The Prayer Session
Not long afterward Daniel was flying cross-country Only two LED flashlights pointed toward the corners
to meet a speaking engagement near an aircraft plant of the large dark room. None could see clearly the faces of
making fighter jets. The weather was good. For some the men seated in the great circle. The newcomer limped
unexplained reason his plane veered off-course and to a chair in the dimly lit circle and fell to his knees.
Immediately all the rest of the men fell to their knees.
18 | Things Yet Unseen
 “Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth,” the many Mennonites ver deceived in the great vars and
limper’s powerful voice began. He continued, “You are left your kingdom and peaceful vays and followed after
the One who holds Pleiades in your hand and calls the mere men like Hindenburg and Hitler. They took up
billions of stars by name. We are but dust of the earth and guns, submarines, machine guns, bombs, and planes and
we surrender our way and our wills into your powerful choined in the vicked carnal varfare and hateful vays
hands. of evil men. Lord, vee know you want us to love our
“Lord, you enlisted us in this war against your enemies fellowman and not to murder him.
that at times seem so powerful and threatening. It’s your “Your vurd teaches us that ven everything is going
war and we are but your servants. Show us what to do good and people feel like they don’t need you anymore,
that your kingdom might advance and that many more that’s ven they want to deny you. So Lord, don’t stop this
soldiers in the carnal armies of Satan might surrender persecution, but let your enemies see vhat you can do to
to you. We know many are blind and wretched now, but transform and empower your soldiers. Go vith us into
they can come to know your peace. And then, we pray battle that vee may overthrow Satan’s strongholds and
these forgiven soldiers might leave the bullets, the bombs, tear down his fortresses. The enemy is afraid of your
the screaming jets, the poison gas, and the other weapons power. The demons know that you can turn the hearts
of terror and join us in building your kingdom of peace. of millions of soldiers avay from destruction and murder
“We pray that millions more who are employed in and make them builders and peacemakers.”
manufacturing and distributing the evil weapons needed The next ex-soldier who prayed had the accent of a
for the killing fields of the world might repent. Forgive black man from the Deep South. “Lawd, have mercy.
them, Lord, when they cry out to you. May the blood of You know all the killin’s I have already dun, a hatin’ my
your son Jesus cleanse them of their sin. Then Lord, we enemies. An’ I thinks abou’ aw those soldyers ou’ there
pray these distressed souls might leave their sinful past a doin’ it still. An’ maybe dey doin know no betta. Lawd
behind, give up their jobs and join us in the great battle hep us ta ge’ yow message to ‘um.
we are fighting. “Lawd, fawgive us. An’ doe be pleased to fawgive
“Lord all powerful, show yourself strong in this battle us as we fawgive dem dat trespass agin’ us. Lawd, righ’
with Satan’s forces so your great name might be upheld, now we speakin’ abou’ dem dat burnt dis here church an’
that even the heathen might fall on their faces and tremble killed our dear brothas and sistas. You know who dey is
at your might and power. an’ wha’ was in der harts. Lawd, take dat bitterness and
“Lord at this late night hour, we bow before you as the hatred out’n dey harts an’ wash ‘em clean and give ‘em
one who can cast both body and soul into the fires of hell. white robes to put on. An’ like yah tole us, Lawd bless
And we declare we are unafraid of those who even call ‘em really g-o-o-d.
us children of Beelzebub and threaten to kill our bodies. “An’ Lawd, we thank you that you brought these dear
You told us that if they called you Beelzebub they would brothas from the fah conahs of the earth here safely unda’
call us the same. yo’ protectin’ arms and gave us this here place o’ quiet
“Lord you know all about water-boarding and singed repose to meet in. An’ now we ask that you’d be with
flesh and broken bones and disfigured faces. You know the prophet as he leads us in the wah we up agains’ with
about straight jackets and the loneliness of solitary Satan and aw his debils and ‘aw the eebils he can thunk up.
confinement and the hunger pains and fierce dogs they “An’ las’ of aw, Lawd, we pray you’d put aw these dea’
set upon us and all the other evils Satan sends against us. brothas neath yo’ everlastin’ arms an’ cradle ‘em all safely
Lord, we can only rejoice that we are counted worthy to home.
suffer for the name of your holy servant Jesus. “In the name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.”
“Now, Lord, look on their threats and tortures and
grant to your servants that with all boldness we may speak Fighting the War God’s Way
your Word to all those involved in the terror wars.” All remained quiet as each brother continued his own
Brother Limper paused and another brother took up prayers for a time. Then the prophet slowly raised himself
the prayer. His voice carried a German accent and he had to his chair and began to preach.
trouble switching his “v’s” and “w’s” around. “Brethren, it is fitting that all of us know who we are
“Lord, vee don’t pray that you take this persecution up against in the war.
avay from us, chust make us strong and keep us from “It is not the US government with whom we war. Even
being deceived by the viles of the devil. You know how though their agents issue decrees against the Anabaptists

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Things Yet Unseen | 19

 because they are causing thousands of soldiers to desert “We are attacking Satan’s stronghold and the results
the army, and millions more to eschew the riches of the are predictable. Hundreds of men and women are in
defense industry and seek peaceful constructive work; we prison. In prison they preach and pray and gain more
do not fight the government. Even though they confiscate believers. Their homes and farms are confiscated. Their
all our goods, lock us in prison, torture us, exile us, or bank accounts have been plundered. But they suffer
steal our wives and children or even kill us it is not them joyfully the despoiling of their goods and they move from
with whom we war. We war against Satan himself. place to place, meeting in secret. God is with them. In
“When Satan went with Jesus out into the wilderness the cities and towns where they settle, new believers join
to tempt Him, one of the temptations was to take Jesus up them and the Lord prospers everything they do with
into a very high mountain where the devil showed Jesus peace.”
all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Then the
devil told Jesus, ‘If you will fall down and worship me, I The Attack
will give you all these kingdoms.’ Suddenly three taps on the wall interrupted the
“Well, Jesus did not fall down and worship Satan, stillness. The lights went out at once and complete silence
praise God, and Satan did not give Jesus the kingdoms and thick darkness enveloped the men. All fell to their
of the world. God has allowed Satan to be in charge of knees and waited. Shouts sounded and many heavy boots
them to this day. So we war with Satan. tramped on the floor above them.

“All the evils in war and governments that God is An officer pulled the curtain back and shone his bright
against—lying, murder, stealing, rape, destruction, light around the room for a minute. “There’s no one here,”
starvation—come from Satan. There is no such thing as the officer shouted. “They must be hiding in the swamp.”
a holy government or a holy war. Let it be clear to all that “Let’s get ’em,” a soldier shouted. “With our night-
we war against Satan himself, and without God’s power vision equipment we can run ‘em down.”
with us, we — shall — miserably — fail.” “Not worth it,” the officer countered. “By the time you
Now another voice spoke from the circle. dodge the snakes and the alligators and fight your way
“Brother prophet, we are fully persuaded that we war through the briers, the men will already be scattered in
against the Evil One and that we need God’s power to do the city on the other of side the swamp.”
it. But tell us how we attack and destroy the enemy. Or “I see,” said the soldier. “Well, it’s time to teach the
should we change our strategy and go on the defensive?” traitors and religious nuts a lesson. Let’s do some target
“No, brother, we have the right strategy of calling practice on the cars.” Rounds of bullets tore the night
soldiers and enlisted men to repentance and enlisting air as the soldiers emptied their guns. Then the praying
them in God’s army.” A great chorus of ayes filled the men heard the doors slam and a heavy military truck
room. “Thank God, He brought me out of the military lumbered out the driveway.
and set my feet on the rock. I want to attack the enemy.”
The God of Peace Goes with You
Brother prophet waited patiently till the chorus
When all was quiet once more, the brethren rose to
subsided. Then he went on. “The Apostle Paul told the
their feet. The prophet spoke: “Jesus told His disciples
Corinthians, ‘Though we are in the flesh, we do not use
that if they reject them in one city they should flee to
the guns and bullets of this world to attack our enemies.
another. Let us do the same. Go in peace and the God
But the weapons we use are mighty words from God that
of peace be with you.”
cast down every high thing that exalts itself against God
and brings every thought into obedience to Christ.’ And
Practical Questions:
God is ready to punish all disobedience.
1. Is targeting military personnel and defense
“This truly works with the military and defense
industry workers with the Gospel any different
personnel.” Again a chorus of “ayes” rang out.
than targeting the Muslims or some unreached
When it had cleared, Brother prophet continued. people group in Asia? What is the difference?
“Our attack strategy is working and God has given us
2. What will almost certainly follow if any number
Holy Spirit power. We do not keep records of baptisms as
of people repent and leave the military and the
we are now an underground church, but we think several
defense industry? What would be the results in
thousand men have left the US army and are now either
the Kingdom of God?
in hiding or in prison. Many thousands have left the
defense industry and gotten other jobs. 3. Is the above story possible? Is it desirable?

20 | Things Yet Unseen

 Only One Category
by Paul Emerson
Some people add a third category—namely, application
Many have attempted to separate an understanding of of biblical principles. Those who do this typically make
the Word of God into two categories. In the first category obedience to these things optional. Obedience to the
are the very most important teachings such as salvation, application of Scripture cannot be optional.
the Scriptures, and evangelism. The second category We may not all agree on how to apply a specific
includes everything the Bible clearly teaches that they did scriptural principle but once an application is agreed
not put into the first category. This enables them to say upon in the local setting, it must be required. A truth
that the first category represents “salvation issues” while that is not practiced is not received truth. We would say
the second category does not. that evangelicals who speak truth but do not practice it,
This dichotomy is really a false human invention. do not really believe that truth.
When God uses the word “all” in II Timothy 3:16-17, “All Those who make these artificial categories are paving
Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” who are we to the way for disobedience to God’s principles. The actual
say that one thing in the Word of God is more important practice of a principle is the certification of belief. No
than another thing? Who are we to say that some things works (fruit), no faith.
are “salvation issues” and some are not? It is all equally
God’s truth. It is a form of apostasy to categorize it into – The substance of this essay was taken from
various levels of importance. the FCM Informer. Used with permission.

Commentary on “Only One Category” of men and women disappears, brothers go to court,
wedding bands come in while purity goes out, military
by James Landis
service is a decision for the individual believer, big-time
sports lead one to the arena, and on-and-on.
“Teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you.” – Matthew 28:20 Brother Emerson has it right. It’s a package deal.
When people consciously cross out just one of the “all
“OBSERVE” in this verse does not catch the full force
things” commanded by Scripture, it undermines “all” the
of what Jesus was telling his disciples they should teach.
commands of Scripture. Suddenly all God’s commands
DO and OBEY are much stronger. In these last words
are vulnerable to the whims of the individual or church.
of Jesus here on earth, Jesus is calling His followers to
This is nothing new. In my short lifetime, I have seen it
teach their converts to DO and to OBEY “all things I
happen over and over again. That is the way it works.
have commanded you.”
People can retain the name of Amish, Brethren,
Doing and obeying the all things Jesus commanded us
Mennonite, or they can tack fellowship, conservative,
to do are the heart of the Anabaptist Way. The emphasis
community, or even Christian to the name of their
on putting into practice all the things Jesus commanded
church. But if the believers who are part of that church
distinguishes Anabaptists from many others who also
do not put into practice the teachings of Christ and the
claim to be followers of Jesus, but only talk about the “all
apostles, the name is meaningless.
things” or just ignore them completely.
Let us be careful to put into practice all the commands
Maybe some so-called Anabaptists do not put into
of Scripture in spirit and in visible deeds. Let our practice
practice “all” the things Jesus commanded, but that is
of obedience to the Scripture be seen by all and not a
the commitment of all true followers of Jesus. Believers
caricature of the truth so that it invites the mockery and
unwilling to surrender their own will to Jesus do so at
ridicule of those who say and do not.
the risk of their eternal salvation.
Jesus said, “He who hears and does the things I say is
So today, some Anabaptist believers tire of putting
like the man who built his house upon a rock.” And in
the “all things” Jesus commanded into practice and start
Revelation 1:3, the angel told John, “Blessed is he who
shucking off the undesirable things with the intent of
reads, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy, for
keeping the really good practices. Veilings for the women
the time is near.”
disappear, the holy kiss is no longer practiced, modesty

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Only One Category | 21

 Brevity of Life
by Fred W. Miller

Having just passed my 84th birthday, I have been musing

on the brevity of life. The patriarch Moses spent extended
periods of time alone with God. He recorded God’s
perspective of man’s life span in Psalm 90 where he speaks
of octogenarians who have lived fourscore years. “Yet is
their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and
we fly away.”

In contrast to God’s eternal existence, man’s earthly sojourn

rarely spans more than 80 years, at best. Mortal man’s
transient life is portrayed as flourishing in the morning,
then hastily cut down and withered by evening.

Since death and judgment are certain, we must heed verse

12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our
hearts unto wisdom.” The force of the German rendering
is, “Teach us to remember that we must die, that we may
live wisely.”

Psalm 90 ends with beseeching God’s benediction on the

work He has assigned to us and our children (verses 16, 17).

May God enable us to invest faithfully the short time that

remains, to fulfill His will for our lives. At the end of our
days, may we be able to say as Jesus said to His Heavenly
Father. “I have glorified you on the earth. I have finished
the work which you have given me to do” (John 17:4).

These sobering words of a hymn writer express the urgency

of NOW.

And now, my soul, another year

Of thy short life is past;
I cannot long continue here,
And this may be my last.
- S. Browne

F.W.M. | Cabins, West Virginia

22 | Brevity of Life
 Life In A Hutterite Colony
an AV Staff Report

“God is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). the man exclaimed, “Now I know how such a life as this
If we want to know God and how He would have us is possible.”
live in this world, we need only look around because Acts
17:24 tells us, “God made the world and everything in Kleineschul
it.” Romans 1:20 confirms that ever since the creation So we will begin our tour of life in a Hutterite colony
of the world God is clearly seen and understood by the in the kleineschul.
things that He made. At the tender age of three, all children on the day of
So life in a Hutterite colony is patterned after the order their birthday head off to the kleineschul. The teachers
and harmony and beauty that we see in God’s created in this school are 3-5 ladies over the age of fifty. As
world all around us—its detailed structure and rotation, soon as a woman turns fifty, she is done cooking and
the constellations, and the wonders of plant and animal promoted to be a teacher in the kleineschul. Their main
life. interest now is to teach
When we look around these young ones how to
at God’s handiwork we eat together, sing and pray
can find many examples together, play together and
that God had community have nap time together—
living in mind for us all, of course, in unity
humans when He created and no fighting! Rules
this earth—the ant hill, vary but most students
the beehive, the flock of in this group must be in
sheep, the birds of one attendance by 7:00 am
feather flocking together, for breakfast, with final
the flying V of geese, the studies over by 2:30 pm,
pride of lions, the cattle after naptime.
herd, the flowers which When the children
bloom in bunches—all turn six, they will graduate
show us a pattern of Bird’s Eye View of Hutterite Colony from the kleineschul. By
togetherness. Hutterites that time their knowledge
believe that is also how God planned for man to live will include a variety of Bible stories. They will know
together in a colony. many German songs by heart and the letters of the
Hutterites get many visitors who come to their alphabet, both in German and English.
communities to see if they can discover the secret of how At age six, children will move on to grade school where
they live together in such glorious harmony. Their secret they advance in both German and English studies. Now
is explained in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I they will place themselves under the rule and regulation
give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, of the German school teacher and his wife. In most cases,
that you also love one another. By this all will know that they are also in charge of growing and caring for the
you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” garden which gives the German school teacher a perfect
Like many visitors who take a tour and catch a glimpse opportunity to harness the energy of the youth.
of the way a Hutterite colony functions, one gentleman Only with their parents and each other do the children
in particular was amazed at the working system of spend more time than they do with these two individuals.
the colony. As he went from one place to another he They have one-half hour to 45 minutes of German school
remained unable to grasp the possibilities of living and in the morning, six hours of English school, and then one
working together until he ventured into the last place on hour of German school in the evening from 4:00 to 5:00
the tour—the kleineschul, or kindergarten. After a few pm. Many colonies have beautiful schoolhouses with
minutes of explanation inside this little school-world, nice playgrounds. Most have an English teacher using

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Life In A Hutterite Colony | 23

 a public school curriculum who comes to teach from English school. They may think, “freedom at last.” Oh,
outside the colony. but what a surprise!
At 5:00PM the children head straight to their separate The order which has been implanted in these young
dining room for supper. Their meal will be overseen by lives is there to stay. Breakfast is at 7:00AM, lunch
the German school teacher and his wife. Here, too, they at 11:30AM, gebet (prayer) at 5:30PM and supper at
sit according to age with boys at one table and girls at 6:00PM. They are expected to attend. Sunday school
the other. After supper they will be expected to be in is still attended by these young adults until baptism
attendance at the evening prayer meeting; babysitting is and they will still be disciplined by their beloved school
the only duty that will excuse them from attending the teacher if they miss one too many breakfasts or are not
evening gathering. regularly at evening prayer meetings.
These tender hearts get firmly established and rooted Young men are implemented into the work force
in their Hutterian way of life. This molding of the child’s under the guidance of their father, an uncle, or the field
life is like planting a young tree with a stake going down boss. By this time the young adults are not strangers to
two feet on the right and one on the left with a rope from work. While working with the German school teacher in
the little tree to each stake. This keeps the young tree the garden, they plucked many miles of weeds in the last
from being blown over by each wind which comes along. ten years. Summertime may find many a 12 to 15-year-
Hutterites have a very democratic system with a check old helping out in state-of-the-art pig barns, dairy barns,
and balance at each post along the way. If the parents chicken barns, slaughter plants, riding horses and to
are slack in the rooting and grounding of the young trail cows. Hard workers are praised and slothfulness is
one, the kindergarten teachers and the German school regarded as sin.
teacher will get the job done. All in the colony strive for Young girls find themselves wielding measuring
perfection, but few attain it; though strive for it they do. spoons, knives, and rags. Cooking three meals each
day for 120 people of all ages is no small undertaking.
Coming of Age Helping to peel 50 pounds of carrots each week is an
Once these children turn 15, they are expected to honor for a six-year-old girl.
act like adults. Becoming 15 is one of the most exciting When these young ladies are not in the kitchen, they
events in their young lives. They may say, “Tomorrow is can be found cleaning various spaces in the colony. They
my birthday!” Some can hardly sleep, for on awakening may be called upon to make goodies for the men folks
tomorrow, they will get to eat with the adults. working on a housing project, or to babysit for a mother
Everybody will have moved one notch over to make with three little ones for the afternoon. Free time is
room for this youngster. His place will be at the last table scarce.
at the last place with the rest of his comrades. There will For two years they have shared in the women’s vast
be no more German school in the morning and evening work load with their many rules and rotations. At first,
with that daily verse to recite. There will be no more it seems like a jungle maze they will never be able to

Lehrstuben (Teaching House) Improvement Project

24 | Life In A Hutterite Colony

 navigate. But now they have gotten a good grip on how
everything falls into place, when to do what, where, and
with whom.
– Springtime sees them weeding and hoeing.
– Summer finds them picking and canning. Early
morning sees them heading to the bake house to bake
for farmer’s markets and, later in the day, selling their
produce.
– Fall brings more canning and butchering of ducks,
geese, chickens and turkeys, and of course, winter sausage.
–Winter finds blessed respite to sit down to one’s
sewing machine and enjoy those long winter evenings
reading the Word of God and singing (not that it gets
neglected in those busy days of autumn). Wheat Crop Irrigated from the River
Now when girls turn 17, they get a turn cooking
and baking. They will be guided along by their mother, the crowd. From the kindergarten ladies to the field
a helper, and the head cook who is usually, but not boss and German school teacher, they have memories
necessarily, the financial administrator’s wife. The head of how they helped this group along the way. Family
cook is voted to the job by the baptized male members and friends rejoice with these new Christians. As they
of the colony. All the other women from ages 17 to pledge their vows, there is a rekindling in the rest of the
retirement from cooking at age fifty, take turns in the members’ hearts. The baptism is an outward sign of death
kitchen, but the head cook spends up to 5 hours in the to self and a new life in Christ and obedience to His will.
kitchen every day. These cooking duties will challenge Hutterites understand from God’s written Word and all
any young girl. of creation and nature, that this means surrendering one
to another for the good of the whole. It is gelassenheit,
And there is always the washing of clothes to be done.
that elusive word with a hard definition.
Every colony has a community wash house at a central
location, oftentimes built on to the kitchen. Inside is If life goes on as usual, young men will become experts
the homiest laundromat with five heavy-duty washing at their jobs, growing in wisdom and knowledge. Young
machines, two dryers, and our homemade soap (its recipe ladies will gain great knowledge in being a homemaker
stemming out of Russia). Ladies are expected to clean and caretaker, both of the young and elderly.
up when they are done, but Monday after everybody is Courtship and Marriage
done washing, the one whose turn it is to clean, will do
a thorough job. As is the nature of man and as God so wisely planned
in his great love for us, He has ordained that these young
Baptism ones will also get married. There are many opportunities
for courtships to be started. Funerals and weddings can
Baptism is the next step in the young fledgling’s life. bring together up to 500 people. These are great moments
They have made quite the track from kindergarten to to spend time getting to know other young people while
public confession of their faith. Each person’s road takes they work together at these big functions.
a different path. Some learn from other people’s mistakes
and become young godly people as easily as a young bird Many times young men will go to other colonies to
learns to fly. Others must learn from their own mistakes; help out with a building project or just for the day to
their road can be a lot more difficult. help butcher 1000 ducks. Girls get great opportunities to
help out in the same way. Hutterites make all their own
With today’s many temptations, one wonders that so furniture and it is the women who sand and varnish it.
many are retained. But are the wiles and temptations of Evenings of visiting, walking, and singing follow when
the devil worse today than they were since the beginning young ladies go to another colony for a work-related
of time? Not really. It is all about a choice. Every single outing.
youth has received the cultivation to bear fruit. So as they
stand before the ministers and the whole congregation Marriage follows soon after a courtship begins. A year
to recite their learned confession (with trembling knees or two is the normal waiting period. As in all cultures,
and quaking hearts) there is many a joyful member in there are many variations.

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Life In A Hutterite Colony | 25

 Weddings are exciting events in young people’s lives course, getting to know and build new relationships with
and for the whole colony. Every member joins in the about 100 other people.
preparation for the celebration. Once the parents’ After living 13 weeks at her new colony, the bride will
permission has been granted, a young couple can start take her first turn at cooking. The young husband will
making wedding plans. The bride will move to the take on a new responsibility of getting up at 5:00AM with
groom’s colony unless she marries a man in the colony his wife to go help her start the morning routine of getting
where she lives. breakfast on the table by 7:00AM. She needs him more
The young man will for moral support than
tell the minister of his anything else.
marriage plans and ask In the dining room,
for a place to live with his men sit on one side and
future bride. Many times women on the other side
he will move in with his according to age. As a
parents or remodel an new bride, it is a blessing
empty unit or do some to walk into the dining
touch-up work in a trailer. room and be able to take
A mighty motivation is her place without trying to
pushing him. He must figure out where she will
work hard with other sit. She will be grateful
fellow members to get his for the things which never
home ready in time for the change. She will sit with
wedding. three other ladies her age,
Soon he will be going Meal Time some of them as much
to get the bride. Through a newcomer as herself.
letters, phone calls, and a few visits they have come to an They are bound to have something in common; the start
agreement when to get married. The bride is also busy of new friendships begin right there in the dining room.
with preparations. There will be a two-day celebration Going to eat meals three times a day brings everybody
prior to the wedding called the hulba at her colony. Then together to share their joys and sorrows. If troubles and
the wedding, which lasts 2 to 3 days, will be at the groom’s trials arise, opportunity for reconciliation presents itself
colony. three times a day. Members are not to be avoided.
One of the most difficult things to do is getting the In the colony there are many opportunities to serve
bride’s heart ready to leave home. Not only does she others or take advantage of this “out-of-this-world”
have to bid her family farewell, but also all the colony wonderful system. One can have the attitude of, “What
members with whom she has formed close relationships. can I do for my colony?” Or one can say, “What can my
It is like leaving your whole world behind. But here also colony do for me?” With a servant’s heart, one’s duties
is great inspiration and motivation to move along in the turn into a delight.
right direction. If she will keep her heart focused on
the bridegroom and the joy that awaits her, she can see Growing Family
through leaving her home and colony behind and starting More delight! A baby is coming and so the work load
a new life in her groom’s colony. grows. The sewing machines will be oiled and cleaned
All believers really have a grand allegory of the bride and baby garments will soon be made. Yardages of goods
waiting for the bridegroom and leaving everything else will be carried into the mother-to-be’s house before the
behind to live with him. One can imagine how it should baby’s first breath. After the baby is born, the maternal
be with us waiting on our heavenly groom to come and grandmother will be ushered in like a queen for the first
claim His own. four weeks of special home care this mother receives. For
For a bride, settling in at a new colony is like being eight weeks, the new mother is released from all work
15 all over again. Changes and challenges have parked duties in the colony.
themselves comfortably at her front door. Not only does When the baby turns 13 weeks old, mom again starts
she have to adjust to married life but she has to learn the cooking and baking and helping with the work load.
routine and rotations of this group of women and, of

26 | Life In A Hutterite Colony

 There are always willing hands to help out which makes Sunset Years
life easier. With grown daughters of her own who can run the
Life goes on for the happy couple. There are trials home, the mother is now able to go to her parental home
which come along, but never must they carry a burden and care for her parents when the time comes. She will
on their shoulders alone. Their greatest care is to instill be released from all duties at her colony. Her sister,
in their children the fear and knowledge of God and love daughters, nieces, and maybe even a cousin or two will
for their fellowmen. This they can practice by dutiful take turns filling in for her. Because they share the work,
service of reaching out wherever there is an opportunity. such burdens turn into joyful get-a-ways.
Traveling is limited. Ladies will go home to visit their Going home to take care of mom and dad for four
parents two or three times a year and stay for two to three weeks is an honor. Food is prepared for them in the
weeks each time. While they are gone, they will have a colony kitchen three times a day. All the daughter has
friend or sister-in-law wash dishes for them. Such little to do is go and bring the food to the house. Sewing,
details cannot be neglected. These details are what makes cleaning, and laundry will be her duties in her free time.
colony life bloom and blossom. She will use the wagon she used as a single girl in their
Just as a body has many major functions, it is a home to take her load of laundry to the wash house each
malfunctioning body when even the smallest nerve does Monday and Thursday morning.
not work correctly. One sees the eye blink but who can Taking care of the elderly seems an unwanted task or
take note of the many muscles it takes to make it blink? a heavy burden to many people. But when it is shared
So it is with colony life. There is food on the table, but no like this, it actually becomes a real pleasure. When one
one takes note of the diligent gardener with his group of thinks about getting old and feeble themselves, one can
school boys and girls who weeded the crop all summer enjoy taking care of others.
long? The Hutterites truly have a wonderful way of life where
So it is with every little thing we do. In colony life one is cared for from the cradle to the grave. In this
everyone takes turns cleaning and rotating on the jobs. system there is love, harmony, order and security. When
That way nobody gets bored. Nobody thinks they have the Holy Spirit moves people to live for the good of others
a less or more important job. Everybody learns how to according to God’s plan, one will find an environment
live in community. It is all done much better and is seen which resembles the front porch of heaven—“On earth
to be more beautiful when everyone realizes the reason as it is in heaven!”
for living together in community.

Hutterites share a common ancestry with the

Mennonites and Amish and as would logically
follow, share many of the same beliefs and doctrine.
Hutterites differ in one major aspect: they believe
in sharing their possessions in common as
demonstrated by Christ and His Apostles and as
later further refined and described in the Book of Acts.
Christ commanded us to love one another,
and Hutterites believe that living together is a
wonderful and unique expression of love for their
fellow man.
What’s the history of these unfamiliar, unique
people living throughout the prairies in southern
Canada and the northern states in the USA? If
you’re looking for answers to these and other
questions, visit www.hutterites.org
Picture & text from www.hutterites.org.

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Life In A Hutterite Colony | 27

 Proverbs Illustrated
The book of Proverbs teaches many memorable lessons with word pictures. Anabaptist Voice would like to include
in “Proverbs Illustrated” your original sketch illustrating some of the great truths found in this book of wisdom.
Your ideas are best; but if you want a starter, try Proverbs 28:13. I see a man with a freshly dug hole throwing his
sins in while he’s looking behind him to see that nobody is watching. And somebody could be peeping at him from
behind a tree.

The name of the Lord is a strong

tower: the righteous runneth
into it, and is safe.
- Provers 18:10

Sketch by Vicente Huber, 11 yrs.

28 | Proverbs Illustrated
 On the War Front: In Bolivia
the story of Don Elvio Ruíz, as told by Rachel Yoder

I, Don Elvio, was born on the Candelaria Ranch near father; she was like a second mother to me. Her son had
Concepción, Bolivia. My mom worked on the ranch a hardware store where I would work. They were very,
which was owned by my father’s brother. I was born May very Catholic and trained me in the Catholic ways which
24, 1953 and lived on the ranch till I was eight years old. I accepted. I was baptized into the Catholic religion and
In 1961 the government passed a law to liberate confirmed when I was 30 years old.
the slaves; they then had to leave the ranches. The While working at the hardware store, I met Sonya. She
government gave each family some property which is had come to live with a neighbor lady. In 1978 we were
how the community of Candelaria got started. married in a civil wedding.
At 10 years old, I went to Cochabamba to work. The In 1979, Sonya and I went to visit my mother. We
communities that had just been liberated and given this already had our first son Elvio, Jr. Times were very hard
land had to work very hard. They had to plant chacos, in the city so we stayed in Concepción. After Melca was
yucca, and bananas. A lot of these people did not have a born, I wanted to baptize both children into the Catholic
whole lot to eat so my mom sent me to Cochabamba to religion but I was not allowed to have them baptized until
work for a lady who had been through the village looking I was married by their church. So we were then married
for people to work for her, almost like slaves. by the Catholic Church.
I did not like it there because the climate was very In 1981, I started working in the Catholic Church
different. Also the food was more spicy and there were as a helper to the sawmill operator but I wanted other
more vegetables which I was not used to. I liked just plain work, so I started studying carpentry under the Catholic
rice with maybe a little onion. schools. One teacher was a German who had come
When I was 11, I came back to Santa Cruz to work as a volunteer and the other one was the architect of
for the mother of the lady who had employed me in the church building. This was when they started the
Cochabamba and was there until I was 19. These people restoration of the cathedral.
raised me and paid for my schooling. They lived right in On August 15, 1984, they had the dedication of the
the center of the city, about a block and a half from the restored church. All the labor volunteers then went back
plaza. The lady, Ramona, was a Bolivian with a German to their own countries and the Catholic students became

Don Elvio Ruíz in front of his picture while working Bell & Clock Tower at restored cathedral.
on cathedral renovations.

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 On the War Front: In Bolivia | 29

On The War Front: In Bolivia

the master carpenters. At this point, I started reaching I said, “That is good,” but not much more. One day
further into the communities surrounding Concepción she asked me to go along to church but I said, “No one is
for work. I worked on carvings for doors and windows going to obligate me to go to church.”
of Catholic churches. The church provided housing for That went on for a couple months. One Sunday
me in town. They also helped me educate my children. morning I got up and got ready like I used to get ready
I worked about 33 years for the Catholics. Sonya was a for Mass. Sonya asked me where I was going and I said
cook for the boarding school. I was going to church. I went that Sunday and everyone
The Catholic priests now knew that Sonya and I were gave me a good welcome. I paid attention to what they
seeking God elsewhere and they gave their blessing to us. were saying and what they were reading from the Word.
We were having a lot of trouble with our son, Mario, Phil became my friend and he always encouraged me. He
with drug addiction and alcoholism. So Sonya wanted said, “I hope you do not mind if I call you ‘Dad.’ Dad,
to get out of town. Nelson and others from Iglesia Biblica you need to receive the Lord. You need to accept Christ
Christiana invited him to attend their church. Mario as your Savior.”
would go but would always return home without a change I told him, “I appreciate it. I do not mind if you call
of heart. me Dad, but I do not feel it is time yet.”
One Thursday he left with one of the motos loaded It just so happened that over that time Phil’s father-
with plantains and was gone all weekend. When he in-law came to visit and came for lunch.
showed up, his face was all bloodied. I spoke to Mario I stepped outside and
and told him, “You are not asked Phil and Ed to
going anywhere. Maybe come with me. I had just
these (Christian) people read the passage of the
actually want to help you.” Ethiopian eunuch and I
But he would not do asked Brother Ed, “What
it. I told him, “You have do I need to do to be
to admit your addictions accepted?”
and reach out to get help. He asked me, “Do you
You have to recognize believe in Jesus Christ?”
what you actually are. You
need to work if you want I said, “Yes.” Then we
something to eat.” That prayed and I received
happened on a Tuesday Christ. I began to make
so I told him, “Those Bird’s-eye view of cathedral. changes in my life and
people have church on in my attitudes. Before,
Wednesday. I want you to go. I think maybe they can I liked the parties and I
help you.” liked to drink. After I gave my heart to Jesus, I was not
so attached to drink and cigars; I kept walking away from
He left and was gone for a long time. We were worried them.
when it got late. After a long time, Nelson came by with
the truck and Mario got off. He was very content and We still had our struggles and Mario still had a lot of
gave me a hug. Mario asked forgiveness from me and struggles and at times he would fall. But now we had the
his mother. He told me, “I received the Lord. I received Word of God; we had something to offer him. We had a
Jesus.” way to reach out to him and try to lift him up. But Mario
was still a weight on us.
He cried and hugged me. I told him, “I forgive you
and I expect you to be a different man now. There were Mario went to another place and got a lot of good help
times when I failed you as a father and I want to ask your and made a lot of improvements. But we still pray for
forgiveness.” him a lot because he could still fall and go back to things
he had been doing.
He kept going to the church services. One Sunday
Sonya went with him. She said she wanted to hear When I was still working at the Catholic Church, a
the Word. A while later she came home and told me, lady who worked there gave me a hard time. For a while
“I received the Lord with the help of Tía Becky” (Jewel I was not sure they were going to allow me to retire and
Landis). receive all my pay. Sonya and I decided we were going to

30 | On The War Front: In Bolivia

 leave it in God’s hands. It is God who has to see justice not know what to say. The current bishop and priests
through, who is right and who is wrong. I do not need to are more open to talking about Jesus than some of the
get into a fight with them to make them do what is right. previous ones had been.
Thanks to the Catholics, I had a house all those years in Catholics in general are free to talk about the Bible.
which to raise my family and was able to give the children But their talk and the way they live does not connect. This
an education. Even today, many of those Catholic people is a big problem with the Catholics. We used to go to Mass
are still my friends. and then come away and go directly to a party where we
In the end, God worked it out. They allowed me to did things Jesus would not want us to do. I do not go
retire and also paid me what they owed me. Today I am out of my way to confront others, but my friendship with
still learning new things and want to be around people them has changed. It seems as if something is holding
who know the Word of God. them back from a commitment to God. But I let them
We asked Mario, “How did people know you had with God; I do not try to judge them.
become a Christian?” Catholics do some good things—they help people
Mario answered, “People see what you do.” Christians in need with housing, education, water pumps in the
are a light when they are around other people. You are communities, etc. We have learned to be patient because
not really a light when you are just out here where there God does not always answer us right away. But in the end,
are trees and cows! People see the change in your life. He gives us exactly what we need.

They would make fun of me and say, “Ah, he is an I struggled for a long time with getting baptized as a
evangelical now.” One nun said to me, “So you changed believer, since I did remember my baptism as a boy and
religions, huh? How is this?” the promises I made to the church then. Finally, I did
decide to get baptized upon my confession of faith in
So I told her, “Mother, I have a question for you, ‘Is Jesus Christ.
Jesus religion’? ” He is not a religion. I am following
Him and no one else. So I do not see it as a change of R.Y. | East Dublin, GA
religion. I have just taken another step and I am now
more a follower of Him!
Some say, “You now have flipped and gone to a
different religion.”
I say, “Who says Jesus Christ is a religion? ” That
always brings the discussion to an end. Catholics do

Chacaltaya, Bolivia
17,785 ft

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 On The War Front: In Bolivia | 31

 On the War Front: In North Dakota
by Carrie Vandal

I was born in 1967 and raised in Berlin, Germany. God answered my prayer and touched my life. In His
My parents were an American army officer and a unfathomable mercy, God pulled me out of the miry pit
German lady, both atheists. My mother embraced the and placed my feet upon the Rock. I received His gift of
teachings of the hippie and feminist movements. This faith and was saved. Hallelujah! How good it felt to be
led to my parents’ divorce when I was 11 years old. My washed clean and forgiven!
dad returned to the US. It left me with much pain and The Lord used what I had been through by placing
grief to cope with. During my high school years I found me into a home for troubled girls. I was employed there
numerous ways to escape the hardness of life. Drugs and for five years and was able to heal, learn and encourage
partying provided a ready escape from those feelings of others.
hurt, hopelessness and fear.
In 2002 I married Matthew Vandal. We live in rural
During those difficult years I contemplated why I even North Dakota now and I am a keeper at home. We home-
existed and what might be the point of my life. It’s hard to school our three children.
answer those questions when you believe humans have
evolved by chance. I continued to make poor choices for A trend towards nationalism developed in our circle
myself. In 1994 I moved from Berlin to Colorado in order of friends. Many were ready to arm themselves in order
to attend college, but I dropped out a year later. to fight for their rights. We found ourselves at odds with
them. We could not reconcile this fear, patriotism, and
I moved to Spokane, Washington, to be employed on willingness to kill another with the teachings of our Lord.
a horse farm. Here I first met some people who believed While we were searching for like-minded believers, the
that Jesus is Lord. I was invited to attend Friday night Lord brought about an invitation to a Mennonite church.
meetings for young adults. This was at a Protestant
Evangelical church. The acceptance and love of this In 2013 we started visiting this Mennonite church and
group were a stronger draw towards Christ than any of felt welcomed and accepted there. In studying books from
the sermons. I could see these people had something real Mennonite and Anabaptist circles, my eyes were opened
in their lives. They had the joy and peace and hope that to the reality of the two kingdoms. I feel that at this point I
I was starving for. became a true follower of Christ. We relocated to be part
of this Mennonite community in Mylo, North Dakota.
My first ever prayer was this: “God, if you are really
out there, please show me. I am scared and I need to know
if you are real.” At the time I was considering suicide. C.V. | Mylo, North Dakota

The Lone Ranger

adapted from a sermon by Austin Hege

A follower of Jesus who does not meet with other — an author without readers.
believers is like:
— a football player without a team.
— a student who will not go to school.
— a politician who is a hermit.
— a soldier who will not join the army.
— a scientist who does not share his findings.
— a citizen who has no country.
— a bee without a hive.
— a salesman who has no customers.
— a doctor without any patients.
— a seaman on a ship without a crew.
Such is the man that claims to be a Christian but will
— a businessman on a deserted island. not attend church. – Author unknown

32 | On the War Front: In North Dakota

 Goals for Anabaptist Family Life
by Steven Brubaker

Since Steven and Cynthia Brubaker’s children have grown up, Steven and Cynthia sat down and consciously made
a list of things they would like to see for their grandchildren. AV thinks these things are worthy of consideration for
any God-fearing family who wants to “train up a child in the way he should go.”

What We Want for Our Grandchildren • Periodic attendance as a family at museums, parks,
• For them to be read to regularly and broadly (Bible concerts, cultural events, and broader church
to Bruchko) events

• Toys that inspire creativity and imagination (Lego, • A school with a positive Christian culture
blocks, race tracks, doll babies, kites, rockets) • Opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument
• Opportunities and resources for creative play • A wide range (number and type) of teachers,
(spaces, time, stuff – sandbox, chalkboard) ministers, youth leaders, and mentors that invest
• Unquestioned attendance at (all) church gatherings in their lives

• Daily meal times as an entire family (at least once • Adult quality learning equipment (sewing machines,
a day) potter’s wheel, welder, woodworking, telescope,
microscope, etc).
• Daily times of prayer, Bible reading, and reflection
• Cross-cultural immersion experiences
• Lots of conversation
• Meaningful and positive friendships, a best friend
• Memorable times as an extended family at or so (not parents)
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays
• Tightly controlled and limited use of computers,
• Family service projects including interaction with video players, and Internet
neighbors
As outlined by Steven Brubaker at the
• Authentic ministry involvement (e.g., children’s 2018 Men’s Seminar, Hartwell, Georgia.
clubs, prisons, inner city, soup kitchen)
• Regular chores (real work, not contrived)

According to the Kaiser Fam-

ily Foundation citing a report
from the CDC, children ages
8-10 spend almost 6 hrs. per
day in front of a screen using
entertainment media.
This young fellow is engaged
in the real world around him,
exploring chemical reactions
in a home grown “lab”.

Explore . Learn . Grow

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Goals for Anabaptist Family Life | 33

 An Anabaptist Weight-Control Plan
by Menno Knight

“I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” warnings about the practical effects of overeating. “Put
– I Corinthians 9:27 a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite”
(Proverbs 23:2). Now this proverb is not advocating
Obesity is a big problem in America. Skipping all the suicide, but it is encouraging one to control how much
nice verbiage that masks the real condition of an excess he eats.
of superfluous weight, we are talking about fat people. The solution to the problem of obesity is simple. Stop
One can go to town on a hot summer day with his eyes overeating. This takes self-discipline. Stop frequenting
half closed and the problem is obvious. Many people all-you-can-eat buffets where you feel obligated to “get
are overweight. your money’s worth” or you feel free to indulge. Stop
Obesity is not only in the hedonistic world around snacking between meals. Eat slowly; chew your food
us. I had a close friend who was short and stocky by well instead of “wolfing it down.” Do not take seconds.
nature … and overweight. I talked to him about it and Skip a meal. Fast occasionally for a day.
he confided to me that he would feel better if he lost This brings us to the
some weight, but he never next aspect of God’s
did. One day he fell over sure-fire weight-control
dead with a massive heart plan. It’s cost-effective.
attack. You don’t need to buy
Now I think the expensive books. You
people of God should be don’t need to see a doctor.
concerned about more You don’t need to purchase
than just falling over any expensive machines or
dead with a heart attack set up a work room. You
and the practical effects of don’t need to purchase
overeating—related health costly health foods. None
problems, sluggishness, of that. All you need is
p ove r t y, an d p o or a good bathroom scale
appearance. They should and use it every day. If it
be concerned about what electronically records the
God thinks of a fat person. “Get Your Money’s Worth” weight for the day, that is
Being overweight should not be a problem for the helpful.
people of God because the Bible provides a sure-fire way If you want to commit to a weight-control plan that
to control your weight. It is simple, cost-effective, and does it God’s way, here is the next step. Weigh yourself
God-pleasing. It works. every day at the same time, preferably first thing in the
One does not need to go to the university or read morning. When one goes to the doctor’s office, the nurse’s
books about the cause of getting fat. You do not need aid weighs you first thing. So it should be no big deal
to study which foods may cause a premature death ten to weigh yourself in your private closet and it won’t cost
years from now or to attend seminars and health clubs on you anything.
how to lose weight. Common sense should tell us that it Now it gets a little harder. Write down your weight
is not only what one eats that makes people fat; it is also every day. If you are overweight for your height and
how much one eats that does the trick. build—there are charts available for guidance—set
People do not get fat on well water. When Anabaptists yourself a goal of five to ten pounds less than your present
went to prison and the jailers put them on bread and weight. Then begin cutting back on how much you eat.
water, they became weak and thin. Some starved to death. When you have maintained your new weight goal for a
week, drop the weight goal again by five or ten pounds
People get fat because they eat more food than the and keep it there for a week. Keep doing this until you
body needs. When one habitually eats more food than have reached a body weight that is pleasing to God, your
he needs, the Bible calls it gluttony. Proverbs gives stern fellowman, and yourself.

34 | An Anabaptist Weight-Control Plan

 Eat meals with a variety of wholesome foods. Eat The scales will tell you if you are eating more than your
some asparagus, some spinach, some collard greens, some body needs.
onions, and some radishes, some eggs, some dairy, and So if you are determined to control your weight in
some meat—do not eat the whole chicken in one meal. order to please God, you have guidance in the Scripture.
Proverbs 23:20-21 gives this advice: “Hear my son … Paul wrote in I Corinthians 6:20, “For you were bought
Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and
of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to in your spirit, which are God’s.” Again he wrote in
poverty.” I Corinthians 9:25-27, “Everyone who competes for the
Do not eat too much of any one thing. Eat a little of prize is temperate in all things … . I run thus: not with
many different kinds of food. You do not need to worry uncertainty. I fight not as one who beats the air. But I
about the effects of eating small amounts of most any food. discipline my body and bring it into subjection.”
I Timothy 4:3-5 gives some guidance on this: “[Some Is God pleased with your body weight? Do you glorify
people command] one to abstain from foods which God God in your body and in your spirit? Romans 13:14 tells
created to be received with thanksgiving by those who us to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and not
believe and know the truth. For every creature of God to think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with
thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and What do the scales tell you? There is a way for the
prayer.” But if you discover, by trial and error, that a scales to go down and it lies in your self-control.
small amount of one food, such as ice cream, makes you Now I am sure there will be some naysayers to God’s
sick, do not insist on eating ice cream. Generally, small weight-control program who will argue that they are
amounts of most foods will not make you sick. genetically programmed to be fat. Others believe they
On the other side of the balance scales, eating too are medically destined to be overweight. Other “excuses”
much of most anything can make you sick, including may surface for why some do not bring their bodies into
sugar, salt, and honey. Proverbs 25:27 tells us: “It is not subjection.
good to eat much honey.” The principle involved is that A few cases for Christians being fat may be valid.
too much of even a good thing is not good for your body. If so, they will need to work that out with God and
Again, one should come back to how much food His Word. But the majority of fat people are without
one is eating rather than only considering what one is excuse. However, there is a way out of their uncontrolled
eating. Everyone should know that a car that travels overeating. If they see the error of their way and repent,
100 miles takes more fuel than a car that travels only God can give them a new heart and a new body—a body
10 miles. Likewise, a person who does a lot of physical that is in subjection to their will so that when the last
work outdoors on a cold day demands more oatmeal and trumpet sounds and they leave this earthly body, they will
eggs than a person who stays indoors and works at his not be disqualified from the prize of winning a heavenly
desk. If you would do things God’s way, a person should body (I Corinthians 9:27).
adjust how much he eats to match his physical activity.

A report released in October 2017 by the CDC

indicates that almost 40 percent of American
adults and nearly 20 percent of adolescents are
obese. Obesity is medically defined as having a
body mass index of more than 30.
One in five adolescents, ages 12–19; one in five
children, ages 6–11, and one in ten preschoolers,
ages 2–5 are considered obese, not just overweight.
These are the highest rates ever recorded for
the United States.
-from an NBC News report by Dr. Gussone

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 An Anabaptist Weight-Control Plan | 35

 The Practical Side: The Rest of the Story

The Practical Side

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
— Colossians 3:17
This recurring feature in Anabaptist Voice consists of three parts.
1. Reader Response—feedback on previous stories
2. The Rest of the Story—what actually happened
3. New Stories—situations met by today’s Anabaptists
Here is your chance to help others live out the Gospel of Jesus
Christ “right in the corner where they are.” This section is not for
some idealistic future kingdom posing complicated theological
questions with no good answers—for example, the woman who
had seven brothers as husbands (Matthew 22:24-28).
Remember the words of Jesus when He told the packed-out
house, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s Word The Practical Side: Work Boots Required
and put it into practice” (Luke 8:21).

The Practical Side: The Rest of the Story

What really happened in conclusion to stories from previous issues.

Swear Not her son. I told her, “I was really glad your son took care
by Kenny C. Clearly of the deer and put it out of its misery. It was so sad that
someone shot it in the first place, but I can understand
The points made by Lee Gal
why the man hadn’t stuck around because of all the
Assistant and Amoot Point (AV08
hunting violations.”
page 39) hinge on the definition of
perjury. In older dictionaries perjury The attendant replied, “There are a lot of hunters in
was “lying under oath.” Today it this part of the state who carry loaded guns in their trucks
seems to have a broader meaning. all the time.”
The main point in our discussion is what Jesus said in I thought her comment a little odd, but didn’t think
Matthew 5:37. “Just say, ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Anything else you say more about it until a few days later. That’s when I learned
comes from evil.” Perjury, swearing, even affirming goes that the man who had initially shot the deer was her son!
beyond this. I have been a witness and also a defendant
in court. When asked to swear, I said, “I affirm with ‘yes.’ Time Wasted
I will speak the truth.” by Always Rezonable
This was the clincher that ended
the controversy over the value of
Roadkill
going to church.
by A. Bie Stander
“I’ve been married for thirty
I was in the doctor’s office for
years. In that time my wife has
a blood test. I mentioned to the
cooked some 32,000 meals. But
attendant that I thought I’d seen
for the life of me, I cannot recall
her cross the bridge near my home.
the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I
She said, “Oh, so you’re the one who
do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the
moved in there!”
strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not
We talked a bit more and I given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
learned that the fellow who had shot
“Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment,
the deer with the pistol and put it out of its misery was
I would be spiritually dead today!”

36 | The Practical Side: The Rest of the Story

 Down On Christ Mass old-fashioned, and it may not make sense to us, but it
works!
by Up von Conshuns
Now there is much to remember about the birth of
I am trying to sort through
Christ. In the words of the angels to the shepherds keeping
the practical implications of not
watch over their flocks by night (not mid-winter), “Glory
“keeping Christmas” in a world that
to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to
does. How should I respond when
men.”
someone greets me with a cheery,
“Merry Christmas?” Or, “Did you Or in the words of Zachariah,
have a good Christmas?” “[That we] might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him
I think I am muddling through a proper response to
all the days of our life.” (Luke 1:74).
such questions as much as anyone. I pray for wisdom
and the courage to speak when there is openness and Or in the words of Simeon,
opportunity; the Holy Spirit can bring conviction as “For my eyes have seen Your salvation
He chooses. There is plenty of ‘religion’ wherever we Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
look these days—but there are people seeking truth and A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
authenticity. They know enough of the Bible, and are And the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).
exposed to enough information that they suspect that But Simeon didn’t stop there. He went on to utter an
a lot of what is called ‘Christianity’ today is not the real ominous warning to Mary which is not exactly a call to
deal. wild celebration and joy by which to remember the birth
Some people fear that if we [Anabaptists] are not of the Christ-child. “Behold, this Child is destined for
‘culturally relevant’ and are too ‘different’ and ‘out-of- the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which
sync,’ seekers will avoid us. I find the opposite to be true. will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through
Those who are hungering for truth have little patience for your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts
compromise or leaven. The more authentic and set apart may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).
we are, the more they are drawn to us. God’s way works, Let us then be constant in remembering the birth of
although it may seem ‘foolishness’ to us. the Christ-child in light of both the suffering and joy He
Instead of trying to market the Gospel to people brought to the world. Let us not mix that remembrance
through new and innovative ideas, let’s just aim for 100% with the carnal and evil celebrations of the world at the
obedience to what He has outlined for us. It may seem winter solstice.

The Practical Side: Reader Responses

Reader responses to stories from previous issues.

No Humility Second, mentioning a perceived lack of “non-

resistance” in another person while reneging on a
by Manny Doubts
promise, critiquing clothing, and acting hostile is not
There were a few things that wise nor Christ-like.
immediately jumped into my mind
as I read “Pay Me” in AV 08, page 41. Third, why does the debtor ask the question, “What
is the biblical way of collecting debt from people? ”
First, a debtor never dictates Collecting debt is not the debtor’s responsibility at the
terms to a creditor. Saying, “I’ll pay moment. That is a question for the creditor to address
you as soon as I can” is dictating should he be pricked by the Holy Spirit.
terms. A better response would be, “I am unable to pay
you according to our initial agreement. What would you Fourth, I find the overall lack of humility from the
like me to do about it?” writer of this article a bit unsettling.

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 The Practical Side: Reader Responses | 37

The Practical Side: Reader Responses

Apologies Needed
by Recon Cider
“Pay Me” by Wen I. Cann has The proper response for Mr. Cann is to go and
several problems (AV08 page 41). apologize for not paying as originally agreed. He can
First, he “beholdest not the explain his hardship and tell of his plan to prevent it from
beam that is in his own eye” (Luke happening again. Romans 13:8 says, “Owe no man any
6:41-42). Apparently the debtor thing, but to love one another: for he who loves another
did talk to his creditor, but gave no hath fulfilled the law.” Afterward, Mr. Plain Mennonite
indication as to how or when he would pay him. should apologize for being impatient and wrongfully
using the debit card. Salvation by grace means that we
Second, he didn’t follow the procedure of Matthew go the second mile (Matthew 5:41).
18:16 which tells the offended one to take witnesses along
when he brings the matter before the offender. Instead, The biblical way of collecting a debt may be to consider
the debtor skipped that step and made it public. it the price of tuition in the school of hard knocks. Can
we sincerely pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
Third, he made an agreement and didn’t fulfill his part. our debtors” (Matthew 6:12)?
Regardless if the agreement is a signed legal document or
a verbal agreement, an honest person will honor it. His My granddad said, “If people beat you one time, it is
word should be as good as his bond. [If he is unable to their fault. If they beat you a second time, it is your fault.”
pay his debt, he should make every effort to satisfy his I questioned that statement until I realized that it wasn’t
creditor by coming to a satisfactory plan for payment.] about forgiveness. It was about trust!

Fourth, when Mr. Cann’s work slowed down, the My mother taught me that “An ounce of prevention is
rented equipment should have been returned. [This worth a pound of cure.” In business dealings, remember,
may not have been an option if the agreement covered a “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
fixed time period.] The statutes of God teach that when wicked: who can know it” (Jeremiah 17:9)?
borrowing something the borrower is to leave a ‘pledge.’
It is a token and reminder to the owner of who borrowed
the item and an incentive for the borrower to quickly
return the item. (My dad loaned out equipment at no cost
and it sometimes came back broken or he had to go get
the item if he remembered who borrowed it.)
Fifth, Mr. Cann said he would pay as soon as he had
the funds. The debit card removed money from his
account. He must know that a debit card does not prevent
over-withdrawals and like a credit card they must be paid. The Great Atonement
There also may be penalties for over-withdrawals. Mr.
Cann should establish lines of credit with the institution by X. Forey Given
if he is going to do business in this way. In AV06, page 40, I.M.Troubled
raised questions about some of the
Sixth, everyone needs to understand that outward
lyrics of our songs and hymns. I
appearance can be a testimony for Christ or against
agree that some hymn lyrics are not
Christ. Man looks on the outward appearance and makes
scriptural. However, I’m concerned
judgments by that (I Samuel 16:7). The LORD knows the
that I. M. and all of us Anabaptists
heart. There is a difference between being religious and
do not minimize the atonement that
being righteous. The greatest opposition to Christ Jesus
was accomplished by the death of Christ on the cross.
came from the religious people of His day.
I whole-heartedly agree with I.M. when he says,
On the other hand, the “bitter, angry, malicious
“Wouldn’t have done a bit of good for me to die on
person” accusation may be true, but it can be self-
Calvary.” However, we should be forever grateful that
condemning. Jesus said, “Judge not, and ye shall not be
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin [a sin offering]
judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned:
for us, that we might become the righteousness of God
forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Remember,
in Him” (II Corinthians 5:21), and that “Your sins are
Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).
forgiven you for His name’s sake” (I John 2:12).

38 | The Practical Side: Reader Responses

 Up On Christmas Color Symbols
by Sue Z. Sure by May Nee Figures
In “Down On Christ Mass” In an effort to show the
(AV08 page 40) by Up von wrongness of wearing red, it seems
Conshuns, the writer indicates that that L.E. of Wisconsin has exploited
one should not celebrate Christmas Scripture (AV08 page 7). Some of
because it is of pagan origin and is the referenced scriptures do not
still celebrated in ungodly ways. mention color, much less the color
I look at it differently and ask myself, “How can I not red. One colorful verse was Isaiah
celebrate Christ’s birth?” 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the
LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as
The details of the coming of the Messiah were white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they
prophesied hundreds of years before His birth from shall be as wool.”
Numbers through Malachi. Then there seemed to be
silence from heaven to the Jews for about 400 years until: It seems that the main point of the verse is cleansing
from sin for those who are “willing and obedient” (verse
• The angel spoke to Zacharias. 19). Applying it to clothing is a stretch.
• Elizabeth became pregnant with John. If any color is more holy than others, it must be white.
• Six months later the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary Revelation 3:4 says, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis
telling her she would bear a son... “the son of the which have not defiled their garments; and they shall
Highest...and he will reign over the house of Jacob walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” Those whose
forever.” names are in the book of life will be clothed in white.
• Mary traveled to Elizabeth. Whereupon baby John Revelation 3:5 says, “He that overcometh, the same shall
“leaped in her womb” and Elizabeth prophesied. be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his
name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name
• Mary praised and magnified the Lord. before my Father, and before his angels.” The Pope always
• At John’s birth Zacharias prophesied. wears white, but those who visit him wear black, never
• An angel told Joseph to marry Mary and not to put white. Why?
her away, “for that which is conceived in her is of If any color should be avoided, it would be black since
the Holy Spirit.” it is associated with darkness and evil. “And this is the
• God had Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem for condemnation, that light is come into the world, and
Jesus’ birth because it was prophesied hundreds of men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds
years before that the King of the Jews would be born were evil” (John 3:19). Proverbs 7:9-10 records, “In the
in “Bethlehem of Judea.” twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And,
behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an
• A multitude of heavenly hosts praised God before harlot, and subtil of heart.”
the shepherds.
Regardless of the color, clothing should cover the body
What’s more, there was a special star which wise men and indicate the gender of the wearer (Deuteronomy
from another country saw and followed to Jerusalem. 22:5).
They came asking, “Where is He who has been born King
of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and We, like Lester Showalter, have seen some wild hair
have come to worship him.” (Over 600 years prior to this, colors. However, some people in Anabaptist circles have
Daniel had lived in their country and taught the wise men also been coloring their hair for years. When gray hair
of that former age.) starts showing, it is pulled or colored a youthful color.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:36, “Neither shalt thou swear by
So how can I not celebrate the fulfillment of hundreds thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or
of years of prophesy? black.” Is dying hair an act of defiance? Jesus said, “Thou
How can I not celebrate such a great event when there canst not make one hair white or black” and people say,
was so much celebration and orchestration in heaven “Oh, yes we can” and then do it.
over His birth?

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 The Practical Side: Reader Responses | 39

 Hating Evil Don’t be ignorant. Both TV and Internet have some
by Will Denier good, but much more evil. Satan knows he can’t get sincere
Christians aboard an evil ship without sufficient good
Two previous stories, “Taking the to draw them. But once they are aboard, temptations
Bait” (AV03 page 38) and “Hidden abound. Both are enticing and very dangerous.
Perils” (AV05 page 42), brought out
a real battlefield today that most If we think the Internet is needed for business, perhaps
professing Christians are in. Many, our business is too big! Jesus teaches self-denial: “Then
I believe, are already spiritually Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come
killed. I’m glad these readers saw after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
the dangers and made sacrifices for the safety of souls. follow Me’” (Matthew 16:24). In Luke Jesus made His
claim on us stronger yet: “So likewise, whoever of you
I truly believe many souls are at stake, even of plain does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple”
Anabaptist groups. Most Anabaptist groups have seen (Luke 14:33).
the dangers of TV, but today we see many Old Order
groups falling for the Internet. Watch out! I fear for I’m thankful our brethren had foresight not to accept
your souls. Satan is a mastermind. Paul says, “We are self-propelled vehicles, telephones, electricity, and
not ignorant of his devices” (II Cor. 2:11). computers. It saves us from many snares. What are
we willing to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God and His
righteousness?

The Practical Side: New Stories

Real world situations met by today’s Anabaptists.

Comfortable The correction/chastisement that I received as I learned

by Wel Kohming how to walk more closely with God has been tempered
by their love. Yes, it has been difficult at times, but what
When I first met the members makes the correction palatable is that I know they are
of what has become my Mennonite doing this out of concern for my spiritual welfare.
church, I was struck by their love for
one another, their gentleness, and I was raised Roman Catholic and became a member
sincere kindness. I saw these acts of a religious order for the laity. I served in that order for
of love as the embodiment of God’s fifteen years. But that was not enough; I wanted a deeper
love for me—this stranger who had faith! But unless you’ve been raised in the Catholic
welcomed them into her tiny home for a cottage meeting. Church, it may be difficult to understand how entrenched
the practices become. I never, ever felt judged because
I was especially impressed with the teens in the group. I was Catholic.
They answered my questions, did not shy away from an
inquisitive 58-year-old woman, and desired to serve God As someone still new in the faith, it saddens me to
by sacrificing their evening to sing for me. read letters that seem to be so judgmental of other faith
traditions. I was drawn to the sweetness of my church’s
“My church family”—that is how I see them, that is brotherhood. I could feel it the moment I walked in
how they make me feel—has loved me through all sorts the door and I WANTED to be part of that. The love of
of humorous incidents while I learned the Mennonite Christ was present.
culture. They prayed for me, loved me, and drove hours
to visit me while I was hospitalized after an accidental Our church makes no apologies for its adherence
drug overdose. to Bible teachings, but our members are quick to make
newcomers feel at home. My son is a US Army officer. He
I have never felt judged by those in my church. When wasn’t sure how he would be received when he visited at
I made mistakes, they were patiently pointed out to me. Christmas, but I told him he had nothing to worry about.

40 | The Practical Side: New Stories

 He was eagerly greeted and then engaged in discussion Other inaccurate information concerning Easter is the
after church. On the way home, he made the comment, timing between Good Friday and Sunday morning. In
“They were so NICE!” He’ll be back. And it is my prayer Matthew 12:38-40 Jesus said, “As Jonah was three days
that one day, he will make the same decision I made. and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so shall the
I view my son, all the members of our armed forces, Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart
and in fact, anyone outside the Anabaptist fold as potential of the earth.” Three days and three nights taken literally
converts. We never know what seeds we are planting or would be 72 hours. Friday evening to Sunday morning
how long it will take for them to germinate. But if we is about 36 hours.
sow bitterness and judgment in with those seeds, they will In Exodus 12:14-16, Leviticus 23:6-8, and Numbers
never, ever grow. Those seeds stand a much better chance 28:16-18 we read that the day after the Passover was a
of growing roots when fertilized with strong Christian Sabbath or a “high day.” In John 19:31 it says that those
principles and the love of Christ. bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath. In
this same verse, John specifically mentioned that it was a
Practical Questions: “high day” or the annual [special] Sabbath. In Mark 16:1,
1. What happens when a visitor comes to your church Mark tells us when the Sabbath was past (this would have
for the first time? been the special Sabbath), the women bought spices to
anoint him. Mark 16:2 says the women went to the tomb
2. Is it possible to “learn the culture” and join your
“very early in the morning on the first day of the week,”
church?
just after sunrise. This would have been the morning after
3. Must a person prove his sincerity before baptism? the weekly Sabbath as it was very unlikely they bought
4. How long does it take to bring an applicant to spices before sunrise.
baptism? So if the Passover (Last Supper) was on Tuesday
evening and Jesus was crucified on Wednesday morning
we could have the following sequence. Jesus was put in
the grave on Wednesday before sunset, Thursday is the
Easter Amiss annual Sabbath, Friday morning the women go to buy
by Kenny C. Clearly spices to anoint Jesus, Saturday was the weekly Sabbath,
and the next morning, the first day of the week, the
I appreciated “Down on Christ women found that Jesus had risen. So if we have Jesus
Mass” by “Up von Conshuns” put in the grave Wednesday evening—he probably was
(AV08, page 40). I feel it is good to not in the grave Saturday night—that has him in the grave
be aware of historical facts on issues 72 hours or three days and three nights exactly as he told
like this so we can, as individuals the Jews he would be in Matthew 12:38-40.
and brotherhoods, steer clear of
pagan practices. Yet we need to So where should we be in this picture? If the New
be very careful how we handle this so that what we do Testament made a commandment of keeping holidays,
to avoid celebrating Christmas is not worse than the it would seem like an important point to celebrate the
original problem. In Galatians 5:20 we find two words resurrection, but since it does not give us a specific
(dissensions, factions) that mean separating ourselves command, we feel it is good to have a day to reflect
into small groups. I feel it is important to address on the birth of Christ or his crucifixion, resurrection,
issues like paganism in our celebrations, but we must ascension, or Pentecost, and it can be any day of the year.
be considerate of one another so we do not cause a split. Hopefully, this historical information can help us that we
can more and more reflect on Christ and steer clear of
In that spirit, I would like to point out that Easter, as pagan practices.
well as Christmas, began as a pagan celebration.
“Easter” existed hundreds of years before Christ. Practical Questions:
Sunrise services, bunnies, eggs, and other things were 1. Why could not the high day in John’s gospel have
used to worship the fertility goddess Eastre. Debauchery been the one referred to in Exodus 12:14-16;
and immorality went with these festivals. Everything Leviticus 23:6-7; and Numbers 28:16-18?
in the festival signified new life, including celebrating it
close to the first day of spring. These pagan rites made 2. How many “high days” were in a Jewish year?
it very convenient to bring Christ into this picture since 3. What do you celebrate at your church when you
He also depicts new life. get together on the first day of every week?

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 The Practical Side: New Stories | 41

 The 2018 Anabaptist Identity Conference
AV Staff Report

The 13th Anabaptist Identity Conference was held Where are we going?
March 15-17, 2018 at the Mt. Hope Sale Barn near – “Christendom’s Sword and the Ideal Resistance: An
Millersburg, Ohio. Offensive Strategy” by John D. Martin
The front page of the program states the purpose – “The Mark of the Beast: What to Be Watching For”
of the yearly conference. “The birth of the Anabaptist by David Bercot
Identity Conference was to awaken the conscience and
arrest the alarming desertion of our people from radical – “What You Need to Know About Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Christianity.” The front page of the program also raises From Kingdom Halls to Pennsylvania Dutch” by David
three questions: Who are we? Where have we come Bercot
from? Where are we going? – “The Mystery of the Mark: Off-grid ponderings,
We will attempt to classify the different talks at the Ezekiel Nine, and Hedge Preachers” by Peter Hoover
conference as answering one of these three questions. – “The Mystery of the Mark: The Excitement, Cost,
This is an arbitrary classification as the talks branched Triumph, and Reward of Tau” by Peter Hoover
out in many directions and some speakers strayed from Each presentation was followed by a ten to fifteen-
their assigned topics. minute question-and-answer period. Several times
the discussion period had to be shut down so the next
Who are we? presentation could happen. In addition, a panel made
up of the conference speakers answered written questions
– “The Apocrypha: Separating Fact from Myth” by submitted by the audience.
David Bercot
Over 600 people attended the 2018 conference,
– “The Value of Community: Jesus is Coming Soon” representing twenty-seven different states as well as
by Jerry D. Miller Canada and Australia. One of the unique features of the
– “Quest for Piety and Obedience: Contending for conference is the varied identities of the attendees and the
the Faith in our Day” by Donnie Brechbill opportunity to meet face-to-face. All kinds of different
– “Experiences of Non-Resistant Christians in the conservative Anabaptist people attend, including the
American Revolution” by John L. Ruth German Baptist people and Old Order Amish. On the
other side of the spectrum some more liberal Mennonite
– “Why Do Most Anabaptists Not Allow Divorce and academics regularly attend, including a reporter for the
Remarriage?” by John D. Martin Mennonite World Review.
The conference hosted a number of book tables by
Where have we come from? various individuals. Books referred to by the conference
– “Quest for Piety and Obedience: The History of the speakers, as well as many other Anabaptist resources,
River Brethren” by Donnie Brechbill could be purchased on-site. In addition, various CD’s
and recordings of the conference were available for
–“The Northern Anabaptist Experience in Civil War” order or purchase. Anyone interested can still order the
by Andrew Ste. Marie conference recordings through Victory Music Services.
– “The Southern Anabaptist Experience in Civil War” Simply call Laverne Yoder at 443-480-1489.
by Andrew Ste. Marie
– “The Anabaptist Voting Block: Mennonites, the
Polls, and the Civil War” by Andrew Ste. Marie
– “Anabaptists in World War I: Setting the Stage in a
War to End all Wars” by Chester Weaver
– “Anabaptists in World War I: Weathering the Lord willing, next year’s conference is planned for the
Storm’s Ferocity” by Chester Weaver Centerville, Michigan area (southern Michigan). Hope
to see you there.

42 | The 2018 Anabaptist Identity Conference

 Upcoming Events
If you know of any meetings or events that would benefit the Kingdom of Christ and are open to attendance by
the general Anabaptist community, please let us know so we can continue to feature this section in future issues.

The Christian Hymnary Hymn Conference

June 1 - 3, 2018
Topics: An inspiring weekend of hymn singing, hymn messages & lots of good fellowship!
Location: Roxbury Holiness Camp, Roxbury, PA
Registration: There are no registration fees to attend. Expenses are covered by free-will offerings; please come prepared
to share. Your registration is appreciated. You may do so by calling (941) 822-5315 and leaving us your name,
phone number, how many will be in your party and where you are from.
Lodging: To book a cabin, motel room, RV space or to tent, please call Roberta at (717) 530-3693.
Contact: Nathan Overholt at (941) 954-2399 or via email at hsofgrace6550@yahoo.com.

Circulation & Financial Statements

Anabaptist Voice thanks each of you for your prayers Anabaptist Voice welcomes any thoughts you have on
and continuing financial support. We are planning for these matters or on other matters related to the work.
a local face-to-face meeting in the near future where we Please send all checks and subscription matters to:
will consider our organizational arrangements and the
AV Production Team
expansion of our mailing list.
3287 Hwy. 201
Due West, SC 29639
Income & Expense Report
January thru March 2018

January 2018 Beginning Balance $9,600.65 Iss ue #6 - A ctu al N umbers

Print Qty: 6,300 | Print & Postage Cost: $9,980
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Handling & Packaging $619.00 Iss ue #8 - A ctu al N umbers
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Total Expense $7,695.21

Iss ue #9 - E stima ted N umbers
Print Qty: 4,600 | Print & Postage Cost: $8,000
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*see section “Our Finances” on Page 4 for more info.
March 2018 Ending Balance $15,322.36

Issue 9 - Spring 2 0 1 8 Upcoming Events | 43

Anabaptist Voice
5282 Hwy. 56 South
Waynesboro, GA 30830
editor@anabaptistvoice.com
www.anabaptistvoice.com

“Consider the lilies ho w they gr ow: they toil not, they spin
not; and yet I say unto you, that Sol omon in all his gl or y
was no t arr ayed lik e one of these. ”
Luke 12:27