Breaking the Silence VI | Our Amish Heritage: Silent No More | Lester Graber | Paul Veraguth

Our Amish Heritage: Silent No More
Many people who have come out of the Amish struggle with reconciling their past to their new lives on the outside. If their heritage rejects them, is it still their heritage?
A six part series on the Amish and their history.
THE AMISH: From the outside they all look the same, and yet each Amish person has their own story. Discover their stories. Six episodes, approximately 42 minutes each.
Director: Joseph J. Graber
Starring: Lester Graber, Paul Veraguth, Joe Keim

[@jgree89]

The whole series is made with so much compassion. I can't remember having seen anything made so sincerely .

[@ThorneyRose]

I was raised in the exclusive Brethren. I wanted to study nursing. I knew if I didn’t abide by the rules I would be excommunicated. As I grew older I also realised that like the Groups in this series of videos, that there were very many rules… telling me what to wear, how to have my hair, what to believe. I finely got the courage to make my own relationship with our lord and left when I was 22yrs old. I was immediately excommunicated.. I became a nurse, met a lovely man, married, had our children, and felt peace with god. Religion can do a lot of damage, but faith will nourish and sustain. Thank you for sharing this story. And thank you to all who participated.

[@sylviavanderweide4229]

I'm so blessed to have been part of your journey. Watched all 6 movies in one sitting, totally captivated. Love the history so beautifully portrayed and explained. God bless your ministry in reaching souls for the kingdom. 🙏

[@FloridaGirl-]

I agree! I did the same thing! Great documentary. Awesome ministry! And the power of God’s word!

[@davidmattice2613]

I did the same thing i started watching the first episode and couldn't stop till the end.

[@LeeAnneG]

I watched all six today as well. So very interesting and enlightening. Thank you for that Mr. Graber.

[@lucetothebridge]

me too, it's wonderful 😌

[@peggybroady8500]

Some of the people featured in this series have active social media accounts, and I have been reaching out to them.

[@closeyoureyes75]

This series has blessed me beyond words. It causes me to evaluate my own possible spiritual prisons and to renew my commitment and love for Jesus. Thank you for the work and sincerity you have put into this project. What a beautiful reflection of the ever faithful love of our Heavenly Father. Many Blessings, Margaret Elaine 🌻

[@christinagoddess8473]

Wonderful series. I live close to the largest Amish community known throughout the world. I was glad to see that someone is trying to reach them. God Bless you in your endeavors.

[@lucidarose613]

Agreed

[@dannycasey2832]

I watched all 5. I was raised Jehovah Witness. Y'alls heritage started out good way back in the beginning. Ours was rotten from the gitgo. I'm glad to be free.

[@laceandbits]

There are six episodes, but the sixth particularly repeats a lot of previous material

[@zuzuspetals9281]

Have you accepted the gift of Salvation from God that Jesus Christ died on the cross and then rose again to provide to you? I do hope you understood that message from this series.

[@laceandbits]

@@zuzuspetals9281 It's also just an interesting series which explains what the Amish culture is all about and that's what I was interested in.

[@crazydougfam]

Awesome! I am glad you are free too!

[@janine7418]

I hear you Seventh-Day Adventism does not publicly "Banish" disident but they may as well. If you reject EGW Doctrine you are emotionally banished. They prefer their children to go into drugs and debauchery then to find Jesus and become truely Born Again.

[@nazzme6181]

WOW!!!! I watched the 1st one and was so riveted that I went through the entire series! This is easily one of the top 5 docs I've ever seen! Thank you so much for making this! Also, that Graber smile is infectious, I kept smiling too!!! God Bless you and your entire family!!!!💝

[@bamanurse6234]

I’ve always been captivated by the Amish ways. Thank you so much for this glimpse into the Amish way. I was always concerned for ur people because they didn’t read and study God word for them self. I’m so glad some Amish are finding a deeper relationship with God.

[@vickiburton9366]

I taught Amish children in Grabil, Indiana. Never have i found gentler, hard working children anywhere else.

[@heidisatterberg6231]

I watched one of your videos out of curiosity when it popped up on my KZbin feed. However, I quickly realized what a powerful witness this is for the Lord. You conveyed TRUTH, and that as followers of Jesus, there is hope, joy, and FREEDOM in Him. I was moved to tears several times. I pray these videos go far and wide, bringing others into knowing who Jesus really is and that he offers us victorious living.

[@susanreaves4762]

Enjoyed this series so very much. God bless you for sharing.

[@barberton3695]

Totally agree. Beautifully made.

[@lucetothebridge]

yes.. wonderful 😌

[@pajerry33]

So good. 1. I assumed all Amish taught personal salvation in their homes and church services. 2. I learnt so much about the complexity of the protestant reformation and the schisms which followed.

[@christiansaint716]

I watched all 6 episodes. I have to say that I really, really needed to see these. I've also experienced not only criticism, but also condemnation, shunning, and and rejection; not by any Amish person or community, but growing up (by my mother who was an extremely angry person) and by people in another popular movement. I guess I let a spirit of bitterness grow and am slowly learning to forgive. I need the Grace of Christ and Him being patient in teaching me.

[@ras9875]

Forgiveness is very healing for the forgiver.

[@michelleadriaans5760]

I am like you, brought up in a strong controlling church (cult) and I’m too learning to exercise forgiveness towards those who have harmed me on emotional and spiritual levels 🙏 I’m grateful to Joseph Graber for sharing his family’s story 😇

[@christiansaint716]

@@michelleadriaans5760 Again, it wasn't the church I grew up in. It was my mom and others in a popular movement (Messianic Jewish) who kept demanding that I be as perfect as the Lord Himself! That is completely and totally impossible for a human to be as perfect as Him. I'll add to what I've experienced and that is verbally attacking. After a lifetime of this, it's going to be a long road to learn how to forgive.

[@karenwimberley5033]

Your faith and love for Christ shines through. Thank you so much for these stories. I first became Aware of awakening in Amish community a year ago. Continuing to pray for Gods movement among Amish

[@teddyc2012]

The things I didn't know! I feel so connected right now with my spiritual heritage... What a beautiful series you made and what an eternal message. Thank you one and all, blessed by God!

[@christinamac4828]

Let me preface this by saying, I am not Christian. But I loved this series so much. You treated the subject with respect and it felt unbiased. You acknowledged both the good things and the bad things about the Amish community. I can't imagine what it would feel like to choose faith over family. To know that choosing faith would eject you from a family that you love. Your parents, and the others that left the community that you portrayed, were strong and brave and admirable. Rules for the sake of rules. Kind of mind boggling. Anyway. Blessings to you and yours. Thank you for a very well-done series. It was a joy to watch.

[@Ieudit18]

I love the stories of your mother. Every video is fascinating.

[@gramking3222]

Thanks for this series. You covered things so eloquently and respectfully. It’s not always easy to show respect to a religion/ organization that you were put out of or left.

[@dross24MA]

Agreed - such respect shown - what a relief to listen to someone disagree so politely!

[@MB-yi9hw]

Thank you so much for this serie. I was actually at the open air in Trachselwald and remember that I was very touched. For many years I was interested in the Amish. Your seire helped me to understand their story and showed me once again the importance of reading the Bibel.

[@annahladczuk1528]

Thank you Joseph for your documentary, it is a such of eyes opening for any outsiders,to be able to learn about you fate and heritage. I remember arriving from Poland in 1989, in the summer while me and my husband visited a Chicago Brookfield Zoo,I saw a few Amish families arriving to a parking lot,I was asking my husband who those people are, dressed in ancient looking clothes,was thinking that maybe some kind of movie will be made,his respond was there are the Amish people, that is the way they live.From that point I was very much interested to learn as much as I can about them, never visit any communities. Your well documented series,Joseph made me realize and understand of they ways off living,to preserve and pass on they heritage,fate and culture for their children. I wasn't aware of the control and manipulation within the communities. THANKS so much, for the films and wishing you and your brave family blessed live and journey with God.

[@phyalfano953]

this series is so awesome. we've visited lancaster, pa. many times and always appreciated the way the amish have good work ethic and families, friends and neighbors who help each other in practical ways..now we understand more about their heritage, religion and how many have found freedom in Christ thru' the bible. you "speak the truth in love" which is so refreshing.

[@annedk6633]

As a girl, growing up with my baptist mother and katholic father, i will always respect other religions and other people. Love is the message, and forgiving is the answer. Thanks for this beautiful documentary. Much love from Holland, for you and your lovely family! Anke.

[@theforeigner6988]

It's very interesting to see all this places in Switzerland🇨🇭 . I visited them 20y. ago, with our Bible school. We are Mennonites from Russia 🇷🇺 , now living in Germany 🇩🇪. We follow Jesus, as Lord and savior. Keep up your good work. God bless

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

EXCELLENT series on the history and culture of the Amish! Nice to have insiders' perspectives on Amish traditions and beliefs. I have learned so much about this religious organization that, in my opinion, has been misrepresented by secular media over the years. Had no idea that the Amish religion is a very cult-like religion and very similar to the Mormon religion with respects to made up rules, ordinances, and traditions that are passed off as biblical or from God. The practice of keeping their followers in the dark, excommunicating and shunning rule breakers, and punishing those who begin to question the teachings of their leaders is very common in cult religions to control and manipulate through fear. I thank the Graber family and all those who participated in the making of this series and for telling their stories of faith. I pray that the Holy Spirit continue to speak to the hearts of the Amish and provide people to minister to them and for their eyes to be opened to the truth. God bless all of you!!! 🙏🏻✝

[@catholiccrusader5328]

I'm a Catholic and I've enjoyed all 5 presentations about the Amish people. I've learned a lot and thank you. Peace of Christ be with all my Amish brothers/sisters!

[@darrelluruski1728]

Thank you very much Joseph Graber for a wonderfully produced documentary of your family history and your heritage. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed watching every episode, and we have learned so much about the Amish through your program. Best of all we were so blessed to hear how you, your father, your mother, and many others were brought to the Lord. Our God is so amazing and works in mysterious ways. May the Lord bless you and all your family as you reach out to the Amish people throughout North America.

[@ES-zt8sj]

Thank you so much for producing this series! So refreshing to know that we are all fellow believers in Christ. Thank you for breaking down the basic fundamentals of the Christian faith.

[@cherylespeckerman3216]

I too watched all six episodes in one sitting. I have seen Mennonite and Amish people but really had no idea about what they believe or how they live. There were one or two movies I watched over the years about the lifestyle but really those cast no light on the psyche or reasons they live as they do. So blessed to hear your story and the redemption your generations have received. May you reach as many as the Lord would bring and touch. God bless you and yours greatly.

[@crlacrla]

Thank you for this beautiful series. I pray that others watching can understand and know the Gospel for themselves as you've shared it here. It stands out to me as the real purpose in this work. I'm Mennonite and have had to work through the doctrines my church upholds as they loomed larger than our Lord's Grace for too much of my life. Praise God it's different now. I live by Faith and love my church.

[@pambateman4899]

Thank you so much, Joseph. What an interesting and, above all, God-honouring series.

[@LittleCountryCabin]

“A spiritual prison”.......what profound words of truth. I will continue to pray for my Amish brothers and sisters. Pray that they can break free if the legalism and find true grace❤️. And the beautiful invitation at the end was a perfect way to end the series. God bless y’all!

[@anthonyrmckay379]

Agree with this person to pray for them to turn to love Jesus n share it with others not keep it n do religious things .

[@melissad.6722]

Excellent! I loved this series. I'm not Amish or know any but struggling between law and grace is a commone problem even for me as a pentecostal born again believer (Anglican, Catholic and Dutch reform ancestors) in Jesus Christ and to hear and see the Gospel all through these videos had been awesome! God bless you and your family. He who CALLED us is able to KEEP us! In Jesus mighty name.

[@Therese100109]

I really appreciated your obvious love of your heritage and people and family, your lack of blame or bitterness, really lovely.

[@alisonhawthorn8360]

Thank you so much Lester for this 6 part series. May God bless you. May many more Amish find grace.

[@jonlizsam]

This series is so beautiful, honest, brave and a truthful witness to Gods son Jesus Christ. The third one had me weeping by the end, praying and giving my life to Christ once again. Now I will resume opening my bible and reading every evening. God bless you all in your life, family and ministry. Thank you!

[@beckybishop2801]

Thank you so much for this enlightening series! My mother was raised in the Brethren in Christ organization until they were shunned for reading and studying the Bible for themselves. As I learn more of the ways of the Anabaptists groups I recognize a lot of my mothers action! It helps me know she wasn’t being unloving when she never told me she was proud of me or that I looked good. It was just the way she was taught! She told me her parents spoke in Pennsylvania Dutch when they kept secrets.

[@erzsebetszanto7414]

When I first found and watched this series of documentaries about amish, I thought it was going to be very boring... I told myself what's so interesting? After I watched a few minutes of the first episode, I became totally hooked on. I've seen a few other documentaries before Amish culture, but this one is amazing. I'm speechless....I loved it..

[@Namita251]

I was so overjoyed 😁 to watch the series and shared it with my friends to watch. This is so amazing. The Word of God says. Know the Truth and Truth will set you free. And knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as your personal saviour we become His child. Jesus is the Truth. And we are set free by knowing the truth that He died for us on the cross ✝️ and the third day He Rose again and He is the living God. Brother Joseph you have done justice in picturising the movies 🎥 series so beautifully that I loved watching it over and over again. The song which was in the background is in my mind throughout. I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning Back, No turning back. After seeing this series, your parents faith in Christ , I I am sure the people from different backgrounds also will turn to Jesus. I liked the way your beloved mother narrated her bygone memories touched my heart. God bless you and your family

[@jjmmjj33]

I could go on for hours here, the similarities in past experience and where it all has brought us...to faith in the Truth, but no one reads this stuff anyway. lol Just wanted to say that I appreciate the effort and the Love that went in to this presentation. It has become important for me to see that we are never where we are headed till we get there. Never limit yourself to the most recent revelation from our Lord, He just gives us what we need for where we are at. One day we wake up and find that The Kingdom has been here all along, and we are given eyes to see it as we are able to receive it. Like You, I have such a Love for all those who have shunned me and my family in the past, because I have come to see that the man I am today couldn't or wouldn't exist if it weren't for the man I used to be. What kind of man will we see in the mirror in twenty more years if we continue to rise each day and seek His face ? You made me cry when you said " Those are the footprints I get to follow" That was priceless brother. God bless you real good and have a great day.

[@jess_athome2018]

That was an excellent ending to a wonderful documentary. I live near Lancaster County and enjoyed learning more about the Amish, but more importantly I enjoyed your testimony and seeing how the Lord has worked in your life and the lives of your family. Blessings!

[@grantbigler8694]

Thank you so much for this series. I watched all six videos in two nights. I was raised in Nappanee, IN not far from your dad‘s hometown of Middleberry, and thought I knew quite a bit about the Amish church. I went to school with Amish kids and grew up with them , but your video showed me I really didn’t understand the Amish church. Thank you so much for presenting this information so others can learn from it.

[@susiemcd3941]

Absolutely captivating, I watched each video with great enthusiasm. I grew up in the 60's and 70's with several Mennonite friends in Iowa. What a beautiful testimony these videos are! I was a member of the traditional catholic church and when I left I was shunned by some family and friends. I see many similarities with my situation, within this video series.

[@davidweaver4733]

Thanks for sharing all 6 of these. I found them super encouraging as I just left a super conservative mennonite church for the same reasons as you guys. God bless

[@jimmyc7803]

simply outstanding series. thank you.

[@leaht4505]

I agree!

[@davidharris9175]

Absolutely phenomenal! What a story! What a Savior! I too have a heritage in Christ passed on to me by my father. Because of that, I trusted Christ as my Savior when I was 11 and God transformed me from darkness to light! Loved the series and now you’ve got me thinking…My grandmother on my mom’s side was a Graber from Ohio!

[@lynleewilliams2132]

You have a wonderful family. Was absolutely captivated watching all six episodes. You have created something very special indeed. Thank you for sharing your amazing faith and family.

[@jeffp2411]

GOD BLESS YOU! The message of this series is applicable to so many who serve God out of fear. Fear of losing salvation due to inability to follow tradition of Men.... Or scared into devotion to God in order to self preservation. Everyone needs to know Men DO NOT SAVE... ONLY what Christ did will reconcile us to God. Thank You again for this gift to ALL who search God

[@yahuchanonyakov]

This was an excellent documentary series, and very well produced...thank you for sharing. I too was part of a religious cult for 13 years, and I'm so happy to be set free from it....

[@bettymk1]

I really loved this series! I live in an area with a large Amish population, and this answers so many questions. I love how strong and beautiful your faith is. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you. 🙏

[@davidprice5707]

Thank you for these stories, I'm a retired Pastor in Southern England. I loved the testimonies God bless you

[@janiritschard4889]

Amazing! I loved this so much. So much interesting history and such a beautiful presentation. I love how seeking hearts found Jesus in the pages of the Living Word of God! How precious to have discovered your true heritage. This was a great encouragement to my faith, and also an encouragement to live for what is real and true, to find contentment in the simple things. Thank you!

[@CynthiaV23]

Absolutely amazing stories of the Amish people. God bless you all and thank you for sharing. I live in Pennsylvania and always wanted to know more!

[@josephb729]

Good going brother! You presented this extremely well and respectful. The best part is; God is using this beyond what anyone could think or imagined. He is touching hearts that are in any religious prison and here in the USA we have built some big ones. I was set free from a residue of Catholic rules and regulation thinking that carried over into my relationship with Christ, very subtle but the Holy Spirit exposed them by watching this series.

[@jasnah5490]

So thankful to see this documentary. Raised in Germany in a mixture of culture and catholic church my journey went through the Lutheran church, the brethren community, the Baptist church and now in a free evangelical church. All together I now see the Lord working for freedom in our lives. I am so thankful for your work. It flashed me. My eyes were filled with tears not only about your history but mine too. Be blessed. Jesus is all we need.

[@alisiamondragon3013]

I have loved this series! Thank you for sharing!

[@blessed4737]

this has been so captivating. please pray for me and my family to be loosed from this legalism and for a reformation over all amish communitys!i would love to be able to contact you all!!!

[@24TRUTH1]

This was literally one of the best series I've ever watched. Thank you for making it. Excellent job!

[@nancystehman8449]

Thank you for sharing this series. I have lived all of my life in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. I’ve had some Amish interactions and fellowshipped in an Amish home as a teen. One of that couple died when I was 16 and I attended the funeral, 3 hours of German except “John was a good man.” We knew that John knew Jesus. However his wife was told that if she now left the Amish church he would go to hell. But she left anyway and has had a good life. 12 years ago at age 50 God strongly led me to worship at the local Mennonite church. We are “liberal” by Mennonite standards. What I appreciate most about our church family is the love… not only for each other but for our community. We work to reach our community with acts of kindness, but mostly to share a knowledge of Christ’s forgiveness and love. Being in the Lancaster community most of my life, I really appreciate the knowledge you have shared and your love for our Lord Jesus!! I learned so much from this series!!

[@sherrie8556]

God bless you! The gospel makes us brothers and sisters together. This series has blessed me.

[@ttv_samplays_239]

Thank you for sharing the history of the amish in America! You really change my concept I had about the amish which I considered to be more of a sect than a culture. I grew up in the catholic religion and evangelicals churches. I thank my parents for giving me the freedom to choose my faith than to force me to be part of a religion a culture or a sect. And I thank God for revealing himself through his son Jesus and for allowing the holy spirit to contrite my heart for repentance and accept Jesus as my only savior. I pray for those in the Amish community that are going through the same things your family went through. Thank you Joseph and your dad for sharing what the real gospel of our lord jesus really is! May our father God keep you blessing you in the ministry!

[@GarrySummer1700123Summer]

Thank you very much Joseph, what a truly impactful story. This was moving, and I want to say this is one of my favorite and most enjoyable documentary's I have seen

[@bernhardbauer5301]

I saw all 6 parts and I am deeply moved. You and me, we have the same most holy faith. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

[@kimberlyrupp5643]

I absolutely Love this series on the Amish. Thank you sir for all your efforts to bring this series to the public. I was raised JW. While I'm not a Jehovah Witness, my mother was but my father was atheist that turned agnostic later in life. Most people have many misconceptions about the JW's too. I belong to a local PMA (similar to a farming co-op) in Ohio that consists of Amish/Mennonite farmers and have become friends with 2 lovely Mennonite ladies that run it and interact with the public. I've really enjoyed your series and have learned a lot about Amish ways and heritage.

[@auntiepam5649]

This was a blessing to watch! Thank you.

[@matzchem]

Thank you for making this series. I feel like my knowledge of the Amish has increased by 1000% through your work.

[@amyfraley9649]

I watched the entire series. I have cried but also felt so much joy. Thank you for sharing this, just wow!

[@lorriehanes9160]

Thank you so much for breaking the silence! You've inspired me to pour over the scriptures and to seek Him. I've always been intrigued by the Amish culture, and now I have a burden to pray that their chains will be broken & they will each come to the foot of the cross and accept Jesus as their personal Savior & be free from the ordainces (sp) of their fore fathers. Blessings brother

[@homerjay2561]

Very well done, Joseph. As a Mennonite believer I love the Anabaptist movement. It opened my eyes to the evils of the military that I was a member of and led me to "love my enemies" instead of killing them.

[@dross24MA]

The prior episode and this one relating the trip to Switzerland and beyond was fascinating and so educational! My mother had family who came from Steig Germany. Some were Mennonite on one side and Lutheran on the other. I had often wondered about them and where they came by those denominations; this gives clues....thanks.

[@constanzebauer1021]

A very beautiful and informative series! I'm a German Lutheran Christian interested in languages/linguistics and will take with me, from your film, the importance of being able to read (i.e.seeing written signs and understanding their meaning), not merely reciting texts like people did in Europe in the Middle Ages with the bible in Latin.Your series also reminds me of how important Luther's work was when he translated the Bible into German - important not only for the "normal" population to be able to understand these texts and to thus have the liberty to forge themselves (and not only through someone else) a relationship with God (or not), but also for the development of a high-german language. And lastly I see parallels in your film with my understanding of education and human relationships for which, in my view, trust, liberty and forgiveness are such wonderful fertilizers. Thank you!

[@margaretirish705]

Thank you so much for this wonderful series..! I learned much about the History of the Amish I didn't know.. Very professionally done- beautiful cinematography! Many good messages for Christians of all stripes, & denominations.. :-) Blessings to you and your family~

[@bobhomer5008]

A very moving series that clearly presents the Gospel that saves. I highly recommend this to Bible study groups to better understand the Amish and reach out in love with them.

[@Mindy56743]

What a amazing documentary. The calling is very strong within you. You have been given a gift from our Father in Heaven. What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing this with the world! May God bless you

[@kimmccaleb4170]

Peacemakers. Reconciliation. True followers of Christ. This entire series is excellent. Bless you. Thank you for sharing your testimonies.

[@bullet-catcherhohoho250]

Great work young man - I'm not religious and never will be. But i am a true believer of history and history does matter to get a better understanding of people and their ways.

[@krisrobert415]

Such a thought-provoking series! Very informative and well done. Thank you for the truth.

[@samiam5288]

I really enjoyed the series. Great job putting it together. God bless

[@brenday1976]

Thank you so much for making and sharing this videos. I have so much respect, and admiration for you, your father, mother and family. I can feel and see how full of of the Holy Spirit you all are, as well as the love you all have for the Lord and his gospel. May the Lord God almighty continue to use your lives to bring others to really get to know him. Who he really is. Thank you so much for blessing my life. I’ve been a Christian for so many years and watching your videos and hearing you all talk about the Lord, made me realize how I have taken him and his word for granted 😢 that being said, I thank him so much for loving me, and my family so much and for never letting me or them down. I know one thing for a fact, that my life without him, it ain’t nothing. My heart and life belongs to him and my gold in life is to be in his presence one day🙏🏻🙏🏻God bless you all in the precious name of Jesus Christ 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@christylewis2154]

I am a first generation Christian from a broken home. My husband as well. I have always longed for the community and strong family life that the Amish seem to have. I even wondered if it was possible to join them. I always assumed that they were believers just like me that just chose a quieter life, but now I have a clear understanding of actual beliefs. You know, we have been missionaries for almost 20 years now. These beliefs of working our way to heaven based on our own "goodness" are similar all around the world. Tim Keller reminds me frequently in his talks that we are far worse that we think we are, God is far greater than we can ever imagine--but we are also far more loved that we ever imagined. I'm thankful for your wonderful family and support in life--your greatest challenge will perhaps be relating to the ones who come from absolute brokenness....

[@pameladickson2945]

Thank you so much for sharing not only your testimonies but so much more information! I was born and raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and have been shunned by my family since finding the real Jesus in 1975 so I did some weeping as I listened to your stories because they coincide quite a bit with mine. We are actually from Indiana and now live in New Mexico so it was like taking a real trip back home as I watched. God bless you my precious Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Forgot about your drivers yeah

[@heinzbraunschweig9130]

Tank you so much for you work! I grew up in a secular Family and society in Germany and see where it led us. The Orders, even if they where unforgiving for a long time, that is still the way that the Christian way was saved. I love to belive that all are saved by the Grace of God, and their suffering was not invain. The very conservatives saved the Gospel maybe unknowingly , because if such grupes did not exist The Word My Have Faded. Your History has given Hope to me in theese troubled time - the world may be saved by The Merci of God and men. Bless you all

[@soley3033]

Enjoyed this series and the sharing of personal stories. I’ve learned so much - thank you.

[@frankfelix4376]

This is not just an Amish problem. Many Churchs have little to do with each other and are separated by doctrine and dogma that are walls that keep them from other believers who have different ways of serving the Lord. They use scripture to divide rather than to build unity. Thanks for the wonderful series!

[@truthology4u]

I appreciate this series so much. It made me appreciate my walk with The LORD all the more!

[@bettyfuller3678]

Thank you. I live among the Amish and I know families that have left the Amish community as well. This was very educational. Thank you & God Bless.

[@coreenbaerg2111]

Loved this series. I am not Amish background but totally agree with the salvation message and surrendering your life to Christ.

[@VB1Koach]

Graber Family & Friends, Thank you so very much for sharing your Amish heritage. I've always have been interested in the way of the Amish people ever since I found out there were Amish. Especially after the 1985 movie Witness, with Harrison Ford. I actually binged on Breaking The Silence. History has stayed with me throughout my life since HS. So, when I found out that this was about the history of the Amish, I just couldn't move on to something else. I consider myself a movie buff, so my critique of Breaking The Silence is thus. Well put together, easy to follow, and a blessing to all who so happen to view the documentary. I understand the rules of a religion as I was raised Pentecostal Holiness. Better known as the 'Holy Rollers'. There were so many restrictions and rules that I was raised to believe, regardless of what the bible stated. Once I got educated in other religions, I questioned so many things. I guess this is what those who leave the Amish goes through. Eventually, I decided to believe in God without all the rules other than the 10 Commandments and just general decency toward my fellow human. When I have a difference of opinion than another, I go to the bible to help me clarify. I then either change my position or share what the bible says. AGAIN, Thank You for a wonderful documentary. May God continue to bless you all and yours!!!

[@WayfaringStranger56]

This series has been a great blessing to me personally. I am challenged from your testimony to treasure my own faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you so much.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Thank you so much for making these films. I have known people of Amish faith and ascendant as my father was from Pennsylvania and moved to California when he was in his early teens. His best friend and their family had left the Amish church and come to California when he was just a young teen. I believe in the Love of Hod who gave His only begotten son and through the Holy Spirit we are LED to spread the gospel before Christ returns to as many people as we can. God bless you all is my prayer. Peace of the Lord be with all and The Holy Spirit to guide you all. 🙋‍♀️ from Bakersfield California USA.

[@soak-and-music]

quote: "through the Holy Spirit we are LED". Just struck me as being true. LED = Light 😊👍

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

@@soak-and-music Amen

[@freddybee4029]

I watched all six episodes of this, and when Bern was mentioned, my heritage on my fathers side made more sense. That was as far back as my mother got on Dads side in her genealogy quest. Thank you for this enlightening series, that sheds light on a fact , few people understand.

[@pamduff3987]

Thank you for this informative series that was so tastefully done. Excellent presentation.

[@prisciladiaz14]

Thank the Lord for your Salvation, learning about the Amish, I pray that They receive Jesus as their Savior.

[@Thankful305]

♥'d this series! Binge Watched LOL! Thank you for sharing this truth in a concise, engaging and professional manner. Your family is precious. I can so relate to your mother's story. I want to read her book. Growing up Catholic. with all of its rules, traditions and not allowed to read the Bible felt very similar. It caused me to be controlled by 2 angry husbands who imposed their rules onto me --- demanding and conforming me to their likeness and not to God's likeness. All these good intentions but really missing the mark. So grateful for your father's wisdom but most of all his love because it permeates this whole story! Thank you again for bringing to light the importance of open doors ~ instead of being locked in and controled by walls (traditions, ordinances, rules of "religion"), imprisoned by legalism! May The Father Bless you, and... May you continue to flourish as you share the Gospel!

[@patriciabagby90]

Sorry, but that is just not true about Catholicism. Of course Catholics read and study the Bible. But they use their traditions and their heads also. Their colleges have been a bulwark against ignorance. Not everything they did was right, but that's people.

[@Thankful305]

@@patriciabagby90 I'm so glad for your excellent Catholic experience. I on the other hand was told to NOT read the Bible, because I was "unable to interpret it properly. I must leave that to the priests, that is their job". This was on the 70's. So glad things have changed since then. Thank you for sharing.

[@lourdesfulgencio7562]

I grow up in a Catholic Family, then become a Baptist. But now I praise the Lord that the Holy Spirit leads me to the TRUE DAY of WORSHIP and that is SATURDAY SABBATH, it was a part of Creation and also the fourth Commandment. Now me and my family and other relatives are SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST. I praise the Lord!!

[@jennypalmer331]

A truly educational journey of the Amish. I learnt so much. I have now told others to watch as it is so good. God bless you all

[@muncedev11]

Well done brother, well done. I have watched your entire series, and it is a pleasing aroma to the Lord I believe. Having grown up in a sect of Christianity that is very similar to the Amish, this was so liberating and affirming to me. May the Lord multiply and bless this endeavor as millions view it, and may He come into more of the communities locked in tradition and religion and liberate them by the power of the Holy Spirit for His glory and great name.

[@nsh9092]

Amazing series. Amazing gospel witness ' Go into all the world and preach the good news', 'How can they hear without someone preaching to them', ' this is good and pleasing in the sight of God our saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth' and 'all scripture is God-breathed and useful....' Thank you

[@kaymiller5042]

Wonderful show would love to see more God Bless you and your family ❤️ praying for you all

[@JeanneZehr]

I married a man whose father was old order. This helped me so much to understand why my husband is so intrigued with his heritage. Thank you from Indiana!

[@131Hania]

Im not a religious person, but there is so much truth and compassion in these words. Thank you for sharing this.

[@sharonallen6921]

I have truly enjoyed watching this series. I have Mennonites several hundreds of years back in my ancestry but never understood the difference between them and Amish. Now, I do understand and also understand I could not be Amish. To live by tradition and exist frozen in time seems to me to be a living history museum kind of existance. What is our life prupose if not to grow in faith and help others grow in faith and can we do those things frozen in time? For me the anwer is in the bible: "Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" Yes, I have received a blessing from your work and I thank you for it.

[@eladiogarth1926]

WoW!!!!! The powerful message was the compromise made, farming rights and liberty for not evangelizing ....... Powerful indeed......I cried deeply as you said your dad hugged you, and said he loved you.

[@craftybarb6220]

I've watched all 6 episodes today. Found them all so interesting. I gave my heart to Jesus a few years ago. I worship in my local Roman Catholic Church. I came to belief in The Real Presence of Jesus in Holy Communion through The Holy Spirit. I like hearing about all the different Christian communities and their Style of Worship.