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Converted in Prison!

How a young Amish man found truth and hope in his prison cell

man in prison reading Bible.jpg

About two years ago, I received a call from a Seventh-day Adventist prison chaplain friend who said, “Andy, I am studying with a very sincere young Amish man in prison—what do I need to know?”
 

Eventually, I received a call from the prison and heard the voice of John*, the young Amish man. John began calling me from prison regularly, and we developed a friendship. Eventually, John asked me to come visit him, which I gladly agreed to. Arriving at the prison, I was led into a room and within a few minutes found myself sitting across a plexiglass table searching the face of someone who seemed more like a biblical Timothy than a criminal.

John explained to me that he was indeed a criminal, but redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. He shared that sitting in a small jail cell as a young Amish boy nearly cost him his sanity. He started to cry out to God for evidence of His grace. After fasting for four or five days, John had a conversion experience that forever changed his life. Growing up Amish, John was not familiar with the concept of conversion, but he knew God had come to his cell.

John was given the Desire of Ages and as he read he was deeply impressed. An opportunity came for him to preach a sermon during chapel to his fellow inmates. After preaching, he mailed his dad a copy of his sermon. John’s dad is an Old Order Amish bishop, the highest office in the Amish church. His dad read the sermon and was so impressed that he made copies and sent them to family and friends.

John’s sermon was so impactful among the Amish that his parents are now facilitating a bimonthly newsletter among the Amish to share John’s messages. At John’s request, I am scheduled to study with him in prison every month for two to three hours to help him prepare materials for his new ministry. We have met serveral times and the studies have been incredibly blessed by the Holy Spirit!

Since the Amish are not allowed to use internet, we have developed a system where they can use their flip phones or landline phones to call in and listen to sermons and audiobooks. We recently developed a bookmark and phone system which contains a phone number and lists all the chapters in the Desire of Ages. John gave his bishop father that information and his dad is now listening to the Desire of Ages and it is reported that his love for the book is immeasurable!

John’s journey of faith has been truly inspiring. Through his continued Bible study, John has now accepted the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and his family stands firmly behind him.

These simple resources have the potential to transform lives by providing access to inspiring and uplifting content. It bridges the gap between tradition and technology in a way that respects the Amish way of life while bringing them closer to God’s word.

As I reflect on John’s story, I am reminded of how God can turn even the most challenging circumstances into something beautiful. What began as a difficult time in prison became a profound journey of redemption and transformation for John. His life is a testament to the power of God’s grace and the incredible ways He can work through adversity to bring about His purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV.

Thank you for your support and prayers. Together, we are making a significant impact, and we look forward to your continued partnership in bringing life and hope the Amish people.

In Christ,

Andy A. Weaver

President, West Salem Mission

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