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

[@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.

[@jgree89]

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

[@wendyaridela]

This series made me realise how similar it was to be raised a Roman Catholic in the 1950s and 1960s to being raised Amish. Services in a language nobody spoke. Minimal acquaintance with the Bible. Rules made by man, some of which made no sense at all, or had passed their sell-by date. Brought up to believe that we were the only people going to Heaven. And no asking questions! With the same result - many of us who did really want to know God much more personally, in a real and deep way, had to walk away, even when our families didn't support our decisions. I found these stories very touching. They really resonated. Thank you for sharing them.

[@rosiegirl2485]

Hello Wendy, I was raised a Roman Catholic in the 60's and 70's. I, like you, were raised in a time of poor catechisis. As an adult I started really learning about Fatima and other apparitions. That lead me into Eucharistic Miracles, which I wasn't even aware of. From there I went on a deep dive into my Catholic faith and wanted to know why we believe what we do and sought out truth, no matter where it leads me. As a 19th century Protestant theologian, philosopher, convert (Cardinal John Henry Newman) who was inspired by Isaac Newton said "To go deep in history, is to cease to be Protestant!" The Catholic religion "can" trace its history straight back to our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church has so much beauty that it couldn't be summed up in one comment on youtube...but this quote by Jesus when He tells the people that they have to eat His Body and drink His Blood to have everlasting life...and the people walked away and said that this saying was too hard....comes to mind.... As Jesus said to Peter, "will you leave too?" and Peter replied, "where should we go, for you are the Christ and You have the Words of eternal life." For me...a team of wild horses couldn't drag me away from the Holy Eucharist! I would beg you to reconsider from walking away from Jesus, and to accept the most amazing and miraculous gift that Jesus left us, which is His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity! God bless you my friend! ⚘

[@TimEvans64]

@@rosiegirl2485 A tree shall be known by the fruit it bears. Is your current pope a good Christian considering that communist ideologies are distinctly anti human?

[@abram52m]

I grew up in a Mennonite "church" (it is called "old colony Mennonite" it was one of the more modern sects in the old colony) and what I've come to realise is; all religions that call themselves Christian and have many traditions that they hold to more then the Word are the same, or have the same principles, it's always; "stay true to the church (which they will say is staying true too Christ\the Bible), and do your best (keep the traditions ules\teaching that they have), then all you can do is hope that you will be good enough and God will let you into heaven. But when people in these groups put all their traditions aside and search the Scriptures without the filter of tradition, then they realize that they can never measure up as it's written in Romans "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" and they find out their only hope is to trust alone in what Jesus Christ did on the cross at Calvary! As he said there; "it is finished" he paid it all! All glory goes to him! It's all Grace applied by faith!(Romans 5v1) Read and study the book of Romans

[@jonathansparks3386]

All religions, the Pentecostal church in which I was raised included, discouraged learning to read and write. Performing the services in Latin. Keep the population ignorant in order to keep your subjects under control. If you learned to read and write, it developed independent thinking and the congregation would start to question the church elders and it could lead to revolution

[@kristinebailey6554]

As a convert to the Catholic faith, I could tell you the same about my former protestant church. They not only taught us only Baptists would make it to heaven, but they also openly said Catholics were going to Hell. As a "new" Catholic of 36 years, I hear old Catholics (cradle) in other words, constantly running down the church. You don't see this young man that made these Amish videos doing that. Thank God or I would have tuned out immediately. He realizes and recognizes that it wasn't done with bad intent, and he takes away the good with him, forgiving the past and the people in it. You should work on doing the same instead of judging the people for attempting to carry on tradition that was/is meaningful to them. Not being able to embrace something, does not mean it is evil or done with evil intent.

[@angelinelim8657]

What i like of the Amish is their work ethic, their collectivism, helpfulness, and care for their elders.

[@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.

[@Therese100109]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@tammysousa645]

I’d like to say thank you for sharing your story. Praise Jesus Christ for guiding you all to the truth. You have a wonderful story and I pray that God uses you to further His message to your communities and to other Amish/Mennonite people. I pray that more will open their eyes, ears, heart and understanding to the precious gospel that is given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus Name Amen 🙏

[@twenty-fivethirty-six3946]

Explore John’s account of the gospel in a way that brings life! "Learning to Walk in Spirit and Truth: A Commentary of John's Gospel" by Twenty-Five Thirty-Six, will bring a fresh perspective to the gospel and your walk with Christ. It’s available at Amazon books and is free to read on Kindle. Also, check out our short teaching videos on KZbin channel for excerpts of the book.

[@anastazjamalczyk7683]

Amen!

[@doriscastillo2232]

To God be the Glory all the way from Republic of Ireland filipino

[@ayoobkhan2915]

For whom the son of God have set free he is free indeed i'm happy for you all.

[@mariamatei831]

Well done documentary! Your parents are real heroes, I admire them so much.

[@daunetteokoroh6658]

I am a Christian but I really enjoyed and appreciated the efforts the Grabbers took to enlightened us about their life living the Amish lifestyle and their faith in the bible.

[@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!!!!💝

[@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!!! 🙏🏻✝

[@paigemama5904]

Keep going. It can’t be over at episode 6. This was too good to end.

[@TheCatman]

Thank you so much for doing this series. I am not Amish or former Amish, but I have a deep love for these people, and I am a driver of Amish Families, and I very often talk about my personal relationship with Jesus and the true guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life. I see the turmoil in them and the struggle to talk about their "christianity" because they truly dont understand what that relationship really means. Your are right. Its Traditional christianity, really no different from the Catholic church, and sadly, alot of traditional Baptist in the United States are the same way. God bless you and your family.

[@mortsey]

So right about traditional Baptists... So so right!

[@franktrautman2092]

@Eric Catman I don’t understand what a traditional Baptist is I’ve been to plenty of Baptist church they always “scripture and read from the Bible, I know some churches are concerned about dress and so forth must wear a coat and tie etc. but I definitely understand about Roman Catholics or even regular Catholics for that matter strictly traditionsI always say that my neighbor who was a Catholic would be the exception she did read her Bible and heldBible studies. AH I wish her and I could’ve got together she was so sweet and I can’t even remember her name

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@nadenecooper6076]

I would like to thank you with all my heart for this series on the Amish. I am from PA near Lancaster. We go there a lot. Thank you for opening my eyes to a lot of things. I pray that your message will get out, before it is to late.

[@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.

[@robertwilson4573]

Thank you for this series. I have looked at the Amish through the years from the outside never understanding them. This series provided a greater understanding.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@mariamoore1139]

Wow!!! I truly enjoyed and thank God for the lessons I have learned from watching Breaking The Silence about the Amish! What a beautiful project!!!!

[@philokalie9999]

Thank you for these wonderful series! I am a German catholic and still learned a lot about the Amish, about my own thinking and about freedom.

[@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!

[@Ieudit18]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@lindatesluk2479]

Thank you for sharing the journey of the Amish but especially your journey and that of your parents in finding freedom in the gospel of Jesus. We have travelled through the US over the years and would see Amish people but never knew their history until now. These videos are well made and a joy for this Christian to watch. May God bless you as you continue to reach the Amish.

[@twenty-fivethirty-six3946]

Explore John’s account of the gospel in a way that brings life! "Learning to Walk in Spirit and Truth: A Commentary of John's Gospel" by Twenty-Five Thirty-Six, will bring a fresh perspective to the gospel and your walk with Christ. It’s available at Amazon books and is free to read on Kindle. Also, check out our short teaching videos on KZbin channel for excerpts of the book.

[@judyjetson9418]

This series is absolutely brilliant. Everyone should watch it. Thank you.

[@mom24boybarians]

Your series has brought me healing I didn't even know I needed.

[@coreenbaerg2111]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@lorim1264]

I really enjoyed the series. I grew up beachy Amish. my mom and dad were old order Amish up until just before I was born. But I know Pennsylvania Dutch and I spent a lot of time with my grandparents on both sides of the family. Thank you for the history lesson it was really enjoyable, and I’m so glad that you excepted Jesus Christ as your savior.

[@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!

[@poimendave9536]

The BEST documentary I have ever seen. I saw the 3rd one first and went back and watched the remaining ones. I have often wondered what the beliefs are of the Amish. Your Dads testimony and narrative really got me thinking. I wish I could meet him one day before Heaven, we are around the same age. God bless you and your entire family.

[@ammelepiz7265]

I can not express how much I'd love to talk to the people talking in your series. You're all so real and reliable and truthful and what you do and who you are is so beautiful.

[@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 .

[@goldenmagnolia333]

Truly amazing to see how God is working on the “The Body of Christ” of believers in our century all over the world and in every denomination . May God continue to use this documentary and bless the Graber family. Shalom 🕊🤍

[@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.

[@etellr7475]

Wow! This series was amazing! What a tool for evangelism! Praying for a revelation of God's grace on all who have put their faith in tradition, legalism and works of the flesh.

[@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.

[@matthewlivergood9624]

Thank you for this wonderful series. A personal relationship with God is indeed the best heritage we can pass on.

[@nutricoach7947]

This series has been so interesting. Episode 6 is convicting me to deal with forgiving and letting go of many hurts & resentment. Will be praying that the Holy Spirit ignites an interest in the true gospel of grace in Amish communities.

[@trainingolives3370]

I watched all of these and I have to say they are so very well done. Thank you for putting these together. So informative. But I am so sad for the practicing Amish.

[@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.

[@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.

[@pambateman4899]

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

[@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!!

[@mienafriggstad3360]

AMEN! In the past few days I have watched this series on u-tube. I am a borne again Christian in 🇨🇦who loves Amish culture and books.

[@Maxoeh]

As Swiss myself, I immensly enjoyed watching these 6 videos about the Amish and learned a lot about the whole history. As a retired OMF missionary I was impressed to learn that you named two of your sons with OMF'er names and I became aware of God talking to me the first time after watching the movie "A Man called Peter". Thanks for doing this ministry and sharing the Gosple so clearly though it.

[@josephineeveringham2173]

Hi Joseph I have just finished watching all 6 episodes of Breaking the Silence. Thank you so much what a true blessing. Thank you for sharing your story. Your family are beautiful Christians and I look forward to meeting you all in God's everlasting Kingdom. God Bless you all. Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

[@mortsey]

This series has been absolutely amazing! I don't come from an Amish background but have strong ties with fundamentalist Baptist and have been going through a deconstructing period of this heritage to rediscover the foundations of faith in Christ. Some of the statements about finding freedom are just as true in walking away from the fundamental Baptist circles as they are of finding Christ from out of the Amish community.

[@stephencynthiascherry6340]

Your work has answered many questions about the life and culture of Amish people. I understand why they seem so robotic when we encounter them in the marketplace. May God bring more of them to His truth through the efforts of missionaries to the Amish, and through folks like your family who lovingly expose both Amish and English to the truth! May His name be praise!

[@jandereski6904]

So beautiful! Thank you all for your story. I was brought up Lutheran and understood my father's faith was good enough. I now know better and have a true faith in My Lord Jesus Christ that is my own faith. I pray that giving out the gospel will bare much fruit.

[@laraakin7362]

As a Pastor I greatly commend you for this work. Not only did I learn more about church history I get the sense it is time to reach out to those in our heritage that got lost in the ways, culture and traditions of their forefathers. God bless you greatly for the work.

[@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.

[@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.

[@rrjohn5]

This is an excellent quality production series in every way, research, story telling, camera and photography, and last but not least, showing the love and grace of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Thank you!

[@Lalaland_lady]

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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@mediaruimte3982]

Thanks very much for doing this series, very interesting. I have watched all 6 episodes! A few notes for anyone interested: I (partly) grew up Dutch Reformed (Hersteld Hervormd) in the Netherlands (where I still live today), not identical by any means (Old Dutch Reformed is far more similar), but I was surprised by the similar trends with (1) conservative clothing (see Dutch Klederdracht), (2) shunning modern technology (no TV's for example), and (3) a (mild) obsession with rules and control (although this varies per household), that seems to plague many reformed movements. A major difference is the study of scripture, at school we were encouraged to read the bible and memorized the Psalms, but... Instead of maintaining 'worldy traditions' through ignorance, scripture was often rationalized in order to maintain these traditions. Not always, but enough to be a hinderance. That said the rigid rules and structure as a child, were one of the things I remember fondly, as they gave a sense of peace in a chaotic world, and well, a strong foundation of biblical knowledge is always a good way to go into the world!

[@alisonhawthorn8360]

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

[@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!

[@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!!

[@debrap947]

What a beautiful series you have done Joseph and crew. I love what the gentleman said about the Holy Spirit and the time of reconciliation that God has brought forth. Here in Canada since 2007/2008, there have been pockets of reconciliation that have now grown to a national level of reconciliation between the Indigenous first people of Canada and the white man. With a heritage rich in culture, but rot with pain, loss, and hurt by the white man, it is difficult for some to find forgiveness at all. Praise God for His faithfulness and love towards us, having sent his beloved Son...to rescue us and bring us back to the our Father in Heaven. Hallelujah!!! God bless you, Joseph and family.

[@MairaBay]

Great ending to this great series! What his father said at the end really helped me in my own forgiveness journey: "they didn't hurt me, they hurt The Lord". Thank you far making and sharing all of this!

[@Germanicus-]

Joseph, I watched the whole series in one weekend. You did a fantastic job and thank you for sharing this incredible story and journey of you and your family!

[@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.

[@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

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

Amen, my Brother! Thank you for sharing this piece of history. As a Baptist, I understood a little about the Anabaptist's, but, I never knew the history of the Amish. We have an Amish Community here in Iowa, at Amana.

[@alanalynn2023]

This series was a real blessing. I have an understanding of where I came from. God bless Joseph Garber

[@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.

[@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

[@saravanhecke3123]

Praise God for the gift of reconciliation! I grew up in an ecumenical charismatic movement of catholic and protestant members in Belgium. We would pray and worship together on Friday nights and celebrate Mass on Sundays with our protestant friends. We should focus on Jesus' love for each one of us and not on the differences... He is our unity! Thank you so much for sharing your story. God bless you and I pray that the Holy Spirit may continue His work in our Amish brothers and sisters.

[@Sandfarm]

I have no relationship with Amish, but the things you learned and have shared in this video truly has spoken to me. Actually kind of blew me away with expressing this idea they had of “uniformity would bring unity.” It permeates not only the Amish community, but I believe it is a temptation for all Christians to feel they must all follow the same rules, do the same things, look the same way in order to be part of their community. It is in fact legalism, rather than freedom in Christ. Now I’m not saying freedom in Christ means freedom to sin by any means, but we are all different people, who have different gifts to be used in the body of Christ. I will watch this again. Thank you for creating this video and sharing it with the world.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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....

[@24TRUTH1]

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

[@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....

[@kimmccaleb4170]

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

[@glensankey4623]

It is always amazing how God by His Holy Spirit draws us to to His Son Jesus Christ, that we may share in His death and resurrection and find forgiveness, and restoration and eternal life. It is a free gift 🎁 with no strings attached, that we can earn by trying to do good, but given by the Savior because He love’s us so much! Your show is a testimony of of what God wants for each and everyone of us, and I have been truly blessed by it. Thank you for sharing your faith and family with us all. God bless you and yours.

[@junemitchell357]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. I have known Jesus Christ as my savior since 1969, and it was the best decision I ever made. By His grace and the Ho!y Spirit, my three children and five grandkids have accepted His wonderful gift of redemption. God bless you and your family. I hope to see other projects in the future.

[@Usapyon_0719]

wow! thank you so much for this. I am a reformed Bible believing Christ follower and i have always been interested in the amish anabaptists etc... culture and lifestyles. this is by far the best documentary on the amish out there. I was so happy watching this and seeing so many hear the Truth OF Gods Word and coming out of spiritual bondage and come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. i am going to watch again with my family :) . Gods riches blessing on 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!