All the members were told to remain seated after church. Once all the children had made their way outside and the doors were safely closed the bishop got up to say what today's church "work" would be. They would be voting on whether or not to accept us as members of the church. Addressing LV and me he said if we still want to become members to leave the building until the voting was over.
We stood outside the door to wait until someone came to tell us to come back inside. We both felt a little funny to be becoming members since we had no intentions of staying in the community longer than necessary. After the voting was complete we were ushered back inside and informed that everyone was okay with accepting us as full members. they had a few questions that we had to answer with a yes and it was over. We were now members of the Mountain Grove Amish church.
The next week we headed to Pennsylvania to visit a new church and see what we thought of it. It was a different experience and we really liked it but weren't in a hurry to make a decision. We would go back home and think about it for a while first. We didn't want to make another move and immediately be swamped with feelings of regret.
When we got home LV's Dad came over to talk to us almost immediately. He had heard about the church we visited and tried to forbid us to even think of attending it. We would be on our way straight to hell if we would go to that church, and on and on until I felt sick and had to go find a place where I couldn't hear his drivel. I couldn't help but be proud of LV though as he sat cool and calm, totally unfazed as he listened to all the accusations and nonsense.
After he left we talked about everything but didn't change our minds. We wouldn't be making any moves right now until we knew for sure what we were supposed to do. We would continue reading the Bible and searching for that verse. Somehow we thought by finding it we would also find our answer.
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It sounds as if you are really confused here, and such power for a minister to have over the people, I do not think that is right, are you still in this church, or are you telling what was, I get lost here sometimes.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, as you know we are no longer Amish so No, we aren't in that church.
ReplyDeleteI have labels you can check at the end of every post. If it was in the past I make sure to add the label: memories.
I can't imagine how hard that must have been to sit there and listen to your father-in-law. It seems that every move you made was watched closely. That would drive me a bit batty I think. Can't wait to read the rest of your story.Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
Drivel indeed! Isn't it something how folks want you to believe just like they do whether their religion syncs with the Word or not. Bravo for staying with the Word.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hard time you were having. It must have been so confusing for you both.
ReplyDeleteWhether their religion syncs with "the Word", whatever that might be, is irrelevant. Other people's beliefs (or lack of beliefs) are really none of our business.
ReplyDeleteWow... that is confusing. I am sure it was very stressful.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting when the Lord is calling your out from among a group how He will work. It is a blessing to hear you and LV were in agreement over such things. This is the problem with some leaders when they do not understand just how far leadership can go in having a say over the family. We too have experience such and it unsettles the family unit a lot. However, God is good in moving you onward.
ReplyDeleteMrs. J.
Joyful, your memory struck a cord in my heart. there has been moments that I have felt so attack by my father in law. It all comes down to what God wants from us. You did the right thing by just looking at the word of God and letting him lead you. Your blog always touches me.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you; such difficult decissions to make, and not even free to make them in peace! I know you made the right decission for you in the end - or, you seem to have - but I can't wait to find out how that came about.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that now it is your in-laws you have a better relationship with, yes? What a trying and frightening time this must have been for you.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I get the feeling you were "marked" as unsettled people and therefore everything you did was closely watched.
ReplyDeleteI know just how you feel...to have to sit and listen to accusations that aren't even true. To be marked as "you're on your way to Hell b/c you left us" or "b/c you're visiting a certain church". So thankful to be free in Christ! Aren't yoU? Did you ever find the verse(s) you were looking for, and did they help?
ReplyDeletea memory that sparks some of my own though I was never Amish. sometimes the most well meaning advice still comes from our own thoughts and isn't true wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to tell you that I really enjoy the time I spend here, when I do.
I would really appreciate it if you would email me. hispenonmyheart@gmail.com
ReplyDelete