RUMSPRINGA and all its Secrets...

Here is the truth about Rumspringa from someone who did it for 12 years.
Welcome to The Amish Potato’s Channel. My name is Cj Miller. I was raised Amish in Shipshewana, IN. I was Amish until I was 16 years old, when I started dressing “English”, drove a car and partied on the weekends. This is called Rumspringa.
I did this until I was in my late twenties. I then briefly joined the amish church, left again, and moved to Idaho where I discovered the truth of who Christ is, married my lovely wife and am now sharing my story on KZbin.
Thank you for watching and enjoy!
Email me at;
[e-mail]

[@bendover4154]

I'm a retired peace officer so I got some extra laughs from your adventures. My mindset is different than most. In my mind, kids are going to drink. It's expected. While in a barn, a field or someone's house they are relatively safe. I'd leave them alone until one decided he/she tried driving. Obviously that's not OK. The first time, I'd likely take them home with a stern warning about "next time". I don't want to say how brutal it would be if there was a 2nd time. I will say this... the times I've given kids a break, it worked. If I pulled over a car full of kids and everyone was drinking but the driver, the most I'd do is make them pour it out & give them a warning. I see absolutely no sense in running a life over a trivial error. Again, I've had better results with a warning. Of course I know what the laws are but what most fail to understand is why we have such laws. They are there to keep everyone safe. If I can accomplish that without the added BS then everybody wins.

[@bendover4154]

@Susie That's precisely what I would have done. In your son's case, he might be the one who ends up saving the officer's life someday. Hardly a fair comparison but we live in a very small world. Another thing few if any consider... "the kids" told their stories to their friends & passed on the same warnings. So we get some "bonus milage" out of doing what's right.

[@bendover4154]

@Susie I was just talking about this to someone else. I had the advantage of working in small western communities. We knew most everybody & their families & neighbors. Valuable information for making instant judgement calls. We had time to take kids home so they could tell their parents what they did. (Often worse than facing a judge!) Let the parents handle it. We rarely had repeat offenders. I just remembered a really funny story... Once upon a time I saw a teenager hide a couple cases of beer under his parents RV. I asked where he got it and he said... "That's not my beer! I don't know what you are talking about!" So I said... "OK cool... this is my lucky day... finders keepers." Loaded it up in the truck of my patrol car & drove off. Of course I kept an eye on them that night. A million kids showed up, but no beer so they all left disappointed. Ahhh the good ol' days. LOL

[@bendover4154]

@Susie Here's another one. This was back in the dark ages, late 70s early 80s (for you smart asses out there... 1970s NOT 1870s! I'm old but not THAT old!) Anyway back then we generally rode two per car. My partner was a Native American, one of the bravest or craziest guys I've ever known. I never figured out which. In any case, I trusted him with my life and was proud to have him covering my back. Until... We got a call about an active shooter at a warehouse. Apparently a very upset employee. As we rolled up we could hear shots from inside the building. As I was just stopping the car, the suspect tried exiting the door right in front of us. When he saw the patrol car, he jumped back inside. My partner grabbed the microphone for the car's PA system and screaming, like a little girl said... "Let me see your hands! Let me see your hands!" In a VERY high pitched voice! His reaction was a total shock, I was laughing so hard I could barely function! So, complying with my partner's order, the door opened slightly, both hands came out, with handguns in each & shot up our car pretty bad. I'm still couldn't stop laughing but grabbed the microphone & said something like... "Ok, we saw them, that's enough, thank you." Well you know how laughter is contagious, apparently mine was quite evident in my voice so the suspect started laughing too. That completely changed his bad mood. A short time later he gave himself up... still laughing at both of us! The only casualties were our car and my partner's reputation. And of course I told EVERYBODY!

[@bendover4154]

@Susie My unintentional claim to fame was causing several edits to the long standing "procedure manual." For obvious reasons, everytime we had a stop, we would call in the plate and the timer would start. If we didn't report back in within the time limit, everyone, including neighbors and their friends would show up. The only part of this story that is relevant is calling in the plate. While on patrol late at night we went past a water treatment facility... that closes at 5:00 pm. So a vehicle there at 3:00 was certainly out of character. I call in & say... "3030 I'll be out on Nevada, 123 Lincoln Robert... uhhh... Queer. Dispatch responds with... "Do you mean Lincoln, Robert, Queen?" Silly me says... "Yeah same difference." Then dispactch says... "3030 report to watch commander as soon as you clear this call!" Then the 3 hour butt chewing commenced. Keep in mind that this was the era when EVERYBODY had cb radios & police scanners. I'm certain the entire county (boss excluded) got a great laugh out of my... minor error. Imagine that today! When I came home from Vietnam, veterans weren't very popular. My immediate goal was to grow my hair back as fast as I could to blend back into society. Apparently I overstepped the mark a wee bit. So... while I'm getting yelled at for the radio thing the boss says "And while I'm at it... get your **** hair cut!" This was also the beginning of political correctness. So in my defence I grabbed the proceedure manual, & read, straight from the book... "Hairstyle must be suitable for the person wearing it." Obviously they were attempting to not discriminate between male & female, but they missed. So I added... "It suits me just fine... Sir" As he jumped out of his chair with the look like he was ready to twist my head right off my neck I was backing up yelling "OK! OK! I'll take care of it first thing in the morning!" I got a two-fer that night & somehow managed to live to tell the story. It wasn't enough that everyone on my shift knew the details, two memos came out the next day covering both topics. The entire dept. knew "who done it." Again. I still don't understand how it's all my fault that I'm the only one with a sense of humor. I had to lay low for weeks until someone else screwed up to take the heat off me. Pinky swear, true story.

[@mindycatriz5195]

@@bendover4154 I’ve had a nasty week- doubly sad, since I’m on vacation….THANK YOU for your stories😹😹😹-you have no idea how much I needed this!

[@Lea2008-k8b]

I grew up near Arthur, IL. A couple years back, I took my husband to my hometown and took him to Arthur, he was so fascinated by the Horse and Buggies and the houses. We went to a Amish grocery store, the ladies stocking the goods only spoke in German and never acknowledged him. He wasn’t offended or anything, he just found it all interesting. Nice car by the way.

[@mandywilson5233]

Thank you so much for taking time out of your life to educate us interested people! I've always been so interested in Amish culture but didn't know if it was rude to approach and ask questions so I never did but curiosity is always remained. Thank you again for your channel I love it and God bless

[@theamishpotato]

Thank you for watching!

[@knifeman-king]

@@theamishpotato hello I was wondering do you follow Eli Yoder another former Amish Turned believer in Christ? His channel is great

[@joannekerr3]

Honestly, this is so similar to my experience as a teenager growing up in North Western Canada in a very small isolated town.

[@RealBradMiller]

Tbh, I didn't know what Anthony Padilla did on his YT channel and just happened to click his video you were a part of. Thanks for your story, I look forward to learning more about your experience here.

[@ruthyoder7817]

Very interesting! I was actually among the first Amish females to get a vehicle in northern Indiana. It was pretty much unheard of back then.

[@theamishpotato]

Curious. Approximately what years were you running around?

[@joanhenschel3511]

This was fascinating to me! I did have a few good laughs too. You relate your life story on quite a serious, calm note, and then you'd have a sort of embarrassed laugh at the funny part! Man, it was such an incredibly vivid picture,and jolly enjoyable to listen to, and I had a few good laughs here. I thoroughly enjoyed your story telling capabilities, can't wait for the next episode! Kind regards from South Africa.

[@theamishpotato]

Thank you for watching!

[@kimberlyspiegelhalter467]

I know I am watching this video two years after it was made, but… I could listen to your stories all day long! What fun was had in your youth! I admire your take on the way the world has changed since you turned 16 as well. I thought it was neat when you were talking about the “sit-ups” and then how everything changed when the cellphones came out. That blew the light out of my sails because I thought it sounded absolutely perfect and so much more fun with you guys having to actually go “out” to find the girls. Kinda like on a mystery hunt or something. I’m not even done watching this video yet but thought I’d leave a comment before I forget! BTW: NEW SUBSCRIBER HERE 😃😃😃

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

I really enjoy listening to you. I grew up so much like you did, early 50s out in woods on a real old fashioned farm . Irish catholic family , I don’t need to say more. I love your stories. Thank you for taking the time to share all that you do.🌟🌟🙂💙

[@mercyjohnson6436]

So long as you don't mistake strict-upbringing for true Godliness! Even now it isn't too late. I believe you cannot deny the easy access of the Word of God to yourself. Turn to it and ask God to lead you to Him instead of comparing notes on outwardliness. I hope and pray you will. For let you're unaware, even Ignorance will not serve you as an excuse - refer Jn 15:22, Rom 1:18-20.

[@AlexinOslo]

I used to shop at an Amish market in Wilmington, Delaware. I was able to communicate with my high-school German. I saw some young Amish with cell phones and others getting into a minivan. Then a friend from Lithuania explained the Rumspringa and the taxi concepts.

[@deborahrobertson2340]

My brother passed out in my living room and I painted his fingernails and toenails pink. We're not Amish but my dad was Pennsylvania Dutch and we have relatives in Missouri too. My maiden name is Schooling which isn't very common. Some of my distant relatives who came out west were in the Donner (sp)? party and Carr is a family name too. I live in Northwest Oregon. I love hearing your stories and about the Amish/ Mennonite cultures. I watch a few Mennonite tubers and enjoy Lynette Yoder, The Mennonite Mom, White Cottage, and sometimes Megan Fox. I like getting different ideas on recipes or homemaking or just their lifestyles. Thanks to dining on a Dime I found your tubie channel.

[@AGreyAlien]

I feel like the only good thing about being Amish is the sense of community unlike in the outside world.. seems we've lost that the more we get into futuristic technology. But otherwise I feel like there is more pros than cons to being in the "outside world" than Amish.

[@sovcitwatch]

Depends on your worldview, I guess. Some people are happy with a plain lifestyle. Some are not. But I completely agree with you on the community aspect. I've never really felt a sense of community since leaving my (mennonite) town.

[@theamishpotato]

You are absolutely correct. That’s one thing all ex Amish miss.

[@mercyjohnson6436]

Yes, nothing could compare with absolute security and timely provisions in which a child is raised. It is obvious the Enemy seeks to destroy it most of all.

[@bendover4154]

From the little I know of the Amish, it would be logical to assume the best would be to combine the best of both worlds then discard the rest. It's up to each individual person to decide what is best for them. Provided that nobody else is harmed or suffers from your decisions, I'd say anything goes.

[@SydneyCarton2085]

Listen, as a latino I have no hate for Amish or non latinos but it is harder for me to genuinely feel connected and loved among any group other than latinos. It's not racist for me to feel this way, not superior or inferior or whatever, just proper. People are free to associate with whoever they want granted it is consensual but they are also free to avoid certain cultures.

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

🌟Hello Beautiful One🌟 Enjoying a wonderful Sunday with my favorite Amish Person on KZbin…. Congrats on your growing channel 🏆 Super Nice car…great color 👏

[@theamishpotato]

Yeah doing this video makes me want to go buy one again.

[@susanjoyce8053]

The idea of Rumspringa is actually a wise thing. Young people need to make an informed decision about joining any church before just jumping in.

[@clariswald4802]

Yes, but the Church of Jesus Christ has only one option. A clean heart filled with Jesus!

[@jenniboo9441]

@@clariswald4802 what a nonsensical response. You sound like a robot.

[@bethhurst6231]

Susan, what I hear you saying is that people should deliberately examine their options instead of assuming they belong to a certain group just because it is familiar. I agree with that. But to participate in Rumspringa is scary tome as I think of all the dangerous scenarios that could trap a young unsuspecting adult.

[@mercyjohnson6436]

Just as the Word of God testifies, the True Church is a mystery waiting to be revealed at the Second Coming of the Lord. For it is neither 'rumspringa' nor church leaders/elders who'd testify on behalf of the true children of God. But the ONLY THREE VALID & CONCURRING WITNESSES THERE IS - the Blood, the Word and the Spirit of God. Unless the Three concur on one's behalf, one only takes the holy Name of the Lord in vain and add to one's condemnation. Be warned! P.s. I'd gladly furnish the relevant references too, i.e. if you don't mind me sounding 'robotic'!!!!

[@KimchiiQueen]

Thank you so much for the time and energy you spent in this video and on your channel as a whole. Also, best channel name ever! I remember watching Devil’s Playground back in the day, it’s what taught me what rumspringa meant. I’m in Oregon where there are no Amish communities so it may have even introduced me to Amish in general… my memory isn’t nearly as good as yours so I am not sure. Barn parties happened over here as well lol I watched all of Peter Santenello’s Amish series and have been super intrigued wanting to see more real life experiences on KZbin! First hand experience like this….. this channel is a gem. A rarity, a unique find, and so many of us English folks appreciate your work immensely!!

[@commodoresixfour7478]

Yeah those razzes suck. My 1978 50cc Batavus was always faster then them. On a steep long hill it could hit 50Mph but usually it would only do 34mph. Then I got a Yamaha YSR, a 50cc street legal pocket rocket modified to do 70mph top end.

[@supahninjahmama]

Wow I was surprised how many similarities there are between Amish and English in the later teen years. I had very similar experiences. Good times.

[@ervinmiller9488]

Scooter gangs. Good stuff. Sorry I'm laughing my head off. Love it.

[@theamishpotato]

Hilarious and humbling😂

[@davidgibson9866]

Once in Mattoon Kentucky back by the river I saw a group of youth in maybe 10-12 buggies parked. Believe it or not... I was looking for a legendary old tree but the kids got spooked and took off in a hurry and as they passed me each one cranked the volume up on the bass bins to the point where it rattled the glass in my car😃

[@theamishpotato]

Haha some of those buggies have jams.

[@ritareilly8548]

It's hard to imagine how hard it would be to transition into this crazy world from an Amish lifestyle.

[@roykight6923]

That brings back a lot of memories. I realize now that amish youth weren’t much different than the rest of us. We’d find a barn and if a cord wouldn’t reach, we’d back the car up and open the trunk or hatchback. I graduated in ‘97 and there was always a party somewhere on weekends. It’s funny 😆 I used to carry a chair with me too. It was more trouble than it was worth because every time I got up to grab a beer, I had to run someone out of it. We’d play ac/dc, zeppelin, Skynard 😆 and back then it was David Lee Murphy, Charlie Daniels, Candlebox and Aerosmith. I miss those days.

[@ritareilly8548]

This is very interesting. Thank you for an inside look into the Amish community.

[@sheilahackney6214]

You were part of the "Scooter Gang" !!!😜 so funny😂🥰

[@Butt--Head]

What blows my mind is how awhile ago I think in Pennsylvania a man that wasn't Amish went into an Amish school and shot & killed majority of the kids along with himself and the Amish were so forgiving the parents of the kids that were killed went to the shooters funeral to forgive him but what's messed up is if the shooter was baptized he could still get into heaven but the Amish kids that were killed according to the Amish would go to hell because they weren't baptized yet which blows my mind

[@countryboy7495]

Not entirely true just because your baptized does not mean your saved you still have to repent an try to live for Christ.. as far as the kids not being baptized doesn’t matter…

[@jayterry7291]

It’s hard to turn against something that many you love still embrace but the truth in CHRIST is above all. Thank you for sharing and I pray blessings upon d you and your family.

[@SR-hf3hx]

I respect the Amish for giving people a choice to decide. Too much of everything is forced on us no matter our background...I was born a catholic, grew up seen little things I didn't like...now I just consider myself christian

[@dragonmaid1360]

Dude thats so sweet. How exciting, and brave - bucking the trend/ family. But yep this is also my experience growing up in australia during the 1980's. Sheds were community halls.

[@springrain9438]

Yes I remember the devil's playground! I watched it when it first came out and had my teenage son, a Christian, watch it a couple years ago. It was very interesting. I was just wondering how your experience and your current beliefs are going to affect how you approach this time period of your daughters life? It's so hard to wade through the denial of self and turning away from the world and also wanting your teenager to have a life. So glad to have found your channel. I sent your testimony video for my son to watch and he subbed too. Appreciate your willingness to share your journey with us.

[@theamishpotato]

I have not figured out how to handle the whole dating thing when my daughter is eligible. I’m depending on the Holy Spirit will reveal the proper way of handling it when the time comes.

[@springrain9438]

@@theamishpotato Amen.. That's about all any of us can do when that time comes. Appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[@Gchupp]

You'll have to forgive me for smiling/laughing the entire way through. Coming from holmes County we grew up in different communities but same Era. I started about 2000 as well ,born in 84. Lol ya it was wild but what memories. I could listen to you all day. To the good ole days 🍻

[@theamishpotato]

I wonder if we ever unknowingly crossed paths. I attended a few parties in Holmes county but never really knew anyone.

[@Gchupp]

@@theamishpotato yes that could well be..I always wished I knew more Indiana kids. My wife is from Arthur IL, she has a uncle Kenny and Wilma Kauffman living by topeka,Ligonier ish.

[@chrisskelton]

Nice first car. Mine was a S2000, and I miss it, but not the insurance when I was 20. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@bendover4154]

I'm older than dirt. My first car was a 1957 Thunderbird. It was showroom perfect. I REALLY miss it! I left it at my parents house when I went to Vietnam. My brother stripped it & my dad had the rest hauled off to the junkyard! No, I didn't kill my brother. I was tempted to... but didn't.

[@WeezieV]

Watching you talk about the scooter memories, it was so sweet, I sensed there were almost bittersweet tears that wanted to come out. The whites of your eyes showed a small amount of pink in the capillaries.

[@hurstwanda]

In the 90's in Intercourse, PA before cell phones, there was a mailbox that had a paper with the address on it of where the "hop" was for that weekend. I remember alot of "hops" with amish bands playing. Good times...

[@theamishpotato]

Brilliant idea

[@producedrabbit1]

I literally smiled the whole time you were sharing your stories because I can definitely relate. We used to “drive around” when there wasn’t a party and it usually turned into “mudding” out in a random field or “raising hell” shooting fireworks at a buddy’s house or something along those lines haha. I was a young buck volunteer firefighter right out of high school and would often “pull over” my friends out in the middle of nowhere when they least expected it with my red lights. That ticked off a few of them. We ran from the cops when our parties got busted. Some of us got caught some of us didn’t. We used to mess with our local Amish and take pumpkins from their food stands at the end of their driveways because we knew they couldn’t call the cops (ultra conservative group). Don’t hate me for that one, I look back and feel bad about that. Otherwise those were my good ole days!

[@theamishpotato]

Haha yep sounds the same. Good times😬

[@Ps114REXIVD]

I was just enjoying listening to you, and you said it got too long...but seriously it is great listening to you recounting your young adult life! But I think it's the same for everyone. Actually I think every one did those things. Thanks for sharing!

[@mysurfing3550]

This was interesting. I grew up in and out of foster care and became really religious (Muslim) to try and be a better person than my parents. I'm kind of on my own "rumspringa" now haha... Nothing super bad just dating a Catholic, sleeping in until 1 and smoking pot sometimes. 😂

[@jamesgranderson3872]

No flies on that. Life’s about choices. As long as it doesn’t interfere w/ another person, you should be just fine. 😎🙏🏻

[@theamishpotato]

Thank you for watching!

[@BGmary]

Smoke pot and while you're high, think about Jesus who loves you and died for you vs Moham who was not a 'good' person.

[@mysurfing3550]

@@BGmary Everyone dies, there's no need for that. God can forgive just because God can forgive. The media days bad things to make people hate Muslims but most of it isn't true it's just hate propaganda.

[@jamesgranderson3872]

@@BGmary judgement is mine, sayeth the Lord.

[@karenenglish4900]

Never did go to an Amish party. We moved from Goshen when I was 14 and came back as just before I was 16. My promised/pre-engaged fellow followed me back. Now married 53 years.

[@theamishpotato]

That’s cool. You didn’t miss out on much. Your life sounds way more fruitful!

[@karenenglish4900]

@@theamishpotato Hadn't thought of fruitful as we only have 2 children but I guess more fruitful as having believing of Christ family. Thanks 😊

[@ReSearcherSusie]

This is really interesting. Thank you for sharing, CJ. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@1337flite]

Thank you for sharing your life stories. Its facinating - I really enjoy learning about cultures and the Amish culture is pretty much unknown here in Australia, although we do have the Swiss Brethren in my state, who seem a bit similar. Do you think the cops treated the Amish kids any worse or better than the "english" kids?

[@theamishpotato]

I would say the same in my experience. Thank you for watching

[@DangerWifeDodd]

I’m so glad i found you on Anthony’s channel, I hope your channel explodes!

[@theamishpotato]

Thank you!

[@DangerWifeDodd]

@@theamishpotato you’re welcome! This is absolutely fascinating. I grew up in New England and we would take weekend vacations down to see the Pennsylvania Amish. Which I always thought was weird, like we’re going to watch people like they’re en exhibit or something. Looking back it seems so disrespectful to treat people that way, but I was so I’m awe of a lifestyle so different from mine. What’s your favorite thing that you have or do now that you weren’t allowed to do or have before?

[@theamishpotato]

@@DangerWifeDodd probably electricity and cars. They make life so much easier 😋

[@DangerWifeDodd]

@@theamishpotato I will not argue that one! I live in Las Vegas and it gets up to 110° here in the summer, I can’t imagine living without air conditioning. Probably why there’s no Amish out here lol

[@janaspencer6008]

Had to Google Chuck Taylor's. You had more fun than I did growing up. I was watched like a hawk til I left home

[@mercyjohnson6436]

So long as you realize whether you've run away from home or from Christ. Forsaking the world for Christ is the best thing to happen to anyone, but forsaking Christ for the world.....! Well, if you can understand it, you'll know why the Lord is also symbolically known as the 'Man of Sorrows'.

[@bruji2001]

Really enjoyed this! Thank you for your great info, laughs & entertainment! Awesome!😂😊🤗🙌

[@frankgonzalezofficial3010]

How long does Rumspringa last? I find it fascinating to learn about different cultures and people and I respect their beliefs even if they aren’t mine. Can the amish people vote?

[@homegrown1015]

Very interesting and funny. I think most teenagers did some kind of partying, some more extreme than others. Yep, we all had some kind of fun. Would we do it again......probably! Most of us made good decisions and became mature, responsible adults. Life never changes no matter what generation it is. Have a great weekend!

[@theamishpotato]

Thank you for watching!

[@mercyjohnson6436]

Childhood is the time when parents discover the shocking truth that 'flesh born of flesh is of no account' (Jn 3:6, Jn 6:63). Teenage years is the time when children discover the shocking truth and understand, no matter what, each one is subjected to the curse of sin & death come upon them thanks to having been born of the cursed seed of fallen man. Maybe not in the fullness of it, but close, at least around the periphery. The earlier one comes to grip with reality, the sooner one seeks God and is in turn found by Him - just as it is infallibly promised.

[@patandersen4271]

I'm glad you gave your account because I'm in Ohio and know people who grew up around Amish and a guy who hung around an Amish young lady and said she was drinking a lot and she tore up a couple of guys cars when she was drunk in Cleveland Ohio now this was many years ago( back in the late 80's early 90's) Also 2 people I know said if you supply the Amish guy's with an unlimited supply of beer like KEGS lol not just cans, that they will pretty much build you a HOUSE!. I'm just saying these are some rumors going around.

[@marthasundquist5761]

Mom was a nurse,and once commented that some of the more conservative flavors of Old Mennonite communities, and Amish may be plain on the outside and conform to the traditions but if they had an emergency,and had to get to the emergency room, their underclothes were not conservative...lol.

[@emilybyers629]

I'm late watching this video but I was born and raised in northern Allen County, Indiana and my parents had a lake place in Lagrange county, Indiana. Were are around the same age and despite not being Amish myself your teenage years are very similar to my own. Even with the culture differences between the English and Amish there not much difference about being raised in Northern Indiana without a lot too do.

[@denisesnyder6241]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! Very interesting.

[@wesleymorris1]

I'm from Ohio my uncle drives the Amish for a job, he retired from Ford and drives Amish for something to do, but they call him all day long for rides, he hunts with them aswell. They love there deer meat. Ive had some of there Amish deer sausage, it pretty good. But I just like how they help each other out, that community is like no other. The girls are so beautiful, there blonde curly hair.

[@theforeigner6988]

Rumspringen - jumping around. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@markraber4419]

Wow lots of good memories in this one!

[@theamishpotato]

We should do a live stream and reminisce😋

[@sharrontroutman7017]

I do enjoy your shows. I'm not Amish but have always wondered what their beliefs and such were. You do a put fect job. Thanks

[@stevekozar5335]

@theamishpotato I grew up near you in Bourbon in the 70's & 80's. I remember going to school with Amish kids up through 6th grade. They weren't as straight laced as you'd think! I learned a few 'choice' words in Dutch from them too lol

[@janelleyharris5042]

I live just a few miles from Yoder Kansas!!! Cool to hear you mention Yoder, KS 🌞

[@karlamoses479]

In NC we went cruising as well but that was back in the 70’s.

[@makenzieburnett5659]

Hey there! I wasn’t aware that the Amish believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. I’m just curious, what made you change your mind on that belief? Thanks so much for the video!

[@theamishpotato]

I find that there is no argument for it being necessary for salvation in scripture. The thief on the cross went to heaven by simply believing and was never baptized. The Amish believe that the moment you are baptized is the moment you are born again. Which isn’t scriptural either. Because we are born again/made new, we get baptized as Jesus commands.

[@jerryx5195]

The Amish party harder then i ever did!

[@WeezieV]

Devil's playground is the Amish movie. The Devil's playground is a 1976 film. The word "THE" is the difference.

[@hannahyoung3533]

Very interesting video. Curious about a few things- 1.) So the parents who owned the farm where the parties were being held just ignored the party? 2.) What about drinking and driving? How did you all get home if you'd been drinking at the party all night? 3.) I was a bit confused...so the guys who cut their hair & wore english clothes, wore those at home as well? What about on Sundays to church? Parents just let it go?

[@theamishpotato]

1. The parents were usually gone. Out of state or something. But they weren’t held responsible for their youth throwing a party. 2. Although drinking and driving happened, it was frowned upon by all. Many had designated drivers or they all crashed out at the party until the next forenoon. 3) yes. The ones with haircuts and “English” clothes were allowed to live at home with their parents. I lived in the least conservative Amish community. The bishop didn’t come knocking everytime we did something wrong. As wild youth, you we rarely went to church, only occasionally and then we would show up late.

[@barbarabavier675]

Sounds a lot like my growing up years in Lower Michigan.

[@lucilledaub5991]

You guys had a heck of a time growing up.

[@Freedom-nu7he]

Sounds like me growing up in Ohio but I wasn’t Amish. We drove around drank, smoked weed and most of the time we were at house parties or a field down by the river. Good times it was a great time growing up I feel for kids now sitting at home playing on there cell phones.

[@neilramseyer5348]

I'd say Holmes county are pretty rebellious. Played softball with a lot of them. Even if they did join church the alcohol and tobacco never stops. Not saying it is wrong

[@loriwilliams7083]

I live in Tusc and the Amish sure can party around here lol

[@snapmalloy5556]

I work in Holmes County for an Amish business. I remember someone not long ago recorded some young Amish guys loading up a buggy with cases and cases of beer from a gas station in Mt.Eaton. 🤣

[@theamishpotato]

Yep. The same in Indiana

[@mercyjohnson6436]

Why wouldn't you say it is wrong? If a coin imprinted in the image of a ruler entitles it to him, does not man/mankind who are imprinted or created in the image and the likeness of God entitled to God alone??? Allowing your bodies to inhabit all evils of this world and destroying it - what do you imagine, will not God hold you accountable for it?!!! Wake up Neil, wake up.

[@elissam.corsmeier469]

Interesting videos. Happy you found your way out.

[@DylanWOWilliams]

Your filmmaking skills are impressive. Thank you.

[@freeatlast5499]

It sounds a lot like my “English” teen years. It’s crazy how teenagers raised in such different environments end up choosing to do the same things. Why did you call the kids who partied “Clinton” youth?

[@originalcyn]

I am curious where the Clinton comes from as well.

[@theamishpotato]

The ones who partied were called the “car youth” or “ wild youth”. The Clinton youth were the ones who stayed Amish. I’m assuming they got named Clinton because of the township where the group originated from. That’s just a guess though.

[@mercyjohnson6436]

In other words, what the world has to offer is also stereotype.

[@junebug313]

Hey I'm not Amish at all and I was always the guy chillin on the edges of the party. I went to parties to socialize and make memories not scream over music at each other. That's for concerts lol. Background music at a reasonable level at parties is where its at. Set the speakers up and don't crowd around them

[@joanrichter4718]

So interesting, I haven’t even finished watching but I have a burning question, LOL. Were you ever disappointed in any of the girls that participated in the rumspringa?

[@theamishpotato]

Disappointed that they partied and dressed up? Can you elaborate a little more on the question? Thank you

[@joanrichter4718]

@@theamishpotato oh so sorry, yeah that they were participating in partying it up. … living outside the Amish lifestyle.I mean I hear that people of the opposite sex are always attracted to the wild ones for a moment in time, but then they also think that’s never who they would want to settle down with. Does that make sense? If it doesn’t make sense, no worries, LOL

[@theamishpotato]

@@joanrichter4718 that’s what I figured you meant but wanted to make sure. I know exactly what you mean about being attracted to the wild ones. I’ve always kinda viewed that attraction as lust instead of actual deep lasting interest. The half dressed biker chick gets a man fired up because it’s sexy, but in a lustful way. I personally wouldn’t want to be married to her. I think the more passive feminine traits are far more attractive in the long run. I don’t think I was ever disappointed in a girl who chose the partying route. I don’t think I ever thought about it. I probably would now😋. But even though they were wilder they were still very feminine and most of them wanted to be a wife and mother in the future. We knew it was just a chapter in their lives.

[@joanrichter4718]

@@theamishpotato perfect, excellent Explanation. Thank you so much. I’m so glad you’re Christ centered

[@mercyjohnson6436]

@@joanrichter4718 Sadly though, even in so-called Christendom, very few women rise above their accursed existence of Gen 3:16 to live the blessed existence of Gen 3:15b complete with the God-ordained ENMITY with the Enemy!

[@mariekatherine5238]

Wilder in some places more than others! Where I lived, there were a number of groups of youngie, one wild and crazy, another, tamer than a few old grossmommies. I lived with two different Amish groups in New York and one in Tennessee. 21 was considered adult in all three groups, lower down on the Ordnung scale. The worst youngfolks belonged to the lowest group, not surprisingly. The worst thing I know of in this group was a gang rape resulting in pregnancy by an indeterminate father. IOW, no way would they get their dna tested, so the boys got off scott free and the girl, a 16 year old, was sent to another state and immediately married to a second cousin. The baby boy is himself a grandfather by now. Some of this wild group engaged in other impure acts, also, some liked their pot better than church. There were a few places they’d hang out. I kept far away from these people, and they from me, once they figured out I wasn’t going to be their ticket to the world. I also refrained from tattling to the adults or the preachers on them. Only once I overheard a plan that would place an entire family in serious danger. I typed a letter to the father and had a non-Amish friend mail it from an unlikely location. I don’t know how, but the thing never happened. There were not 100 youngfolks in all three groups combined where I lived, so no huge parties. A typical Sunday night would feature a meal, the singing, starting with German tunes, but changing to English at times or when the parents went to bed. Beer was usually available, the fast group getting drunk. I remember one incident involving the cops because some vandalism was done and two guys got caught by the English owner. The drinking age was 18, but in most communities, you could go with the youngfolks at 15 or 16. One night Uncle Simon’s girl quit him in a humiliating manner, so he drove off alone and drank all the beer. He passed out and woke up on the floor of his rig, still hitched up, in the parking lot of the post office. There were no sound systems, or cell phones to worry about. In one place, there was a box from men’s work boots that contained a cassette tape player and collection of country and western tapes. Nobody had a car as there was really no mixing with non-Amish. The area was extremely rural and poor--like generational welfare kind of poor. Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@jeffbee6090]

...absolutely fascinating!

[@jeanieheidemann2869]

Nice ride

[@SirShoddrick]

Danke für diese Information.

[@laurakivlahan9111]

Great story, thank you for sharing! Sounds like me and my friends as teenagers in Iowa...back in the day...ughhh

[@laurakivlahan9111]

I'm really enjoying learning about how you grew up Amish..I'm so glad I ran into your channel!!

[@lkmsl]

Great story telling !

[@lazytommy0]

I thoroughly enjoyed the stories (:

[@bridgwll]

I would like to know about all the different types of Amish in a video. I don’t know if you have have already done this. AC/DC Aussie band. From Australia here

[@theamishpotato]

I haven’t really but check out some of Eli Yoder’s videos. He discusses some of that.

[@veldajean1]

I think Rumspringa has evolved and changed some since the years I participated. I don’t remember having a DJ.We just had loud music, with those old stereo systems and operated them with good ole “D” batteries. 😃 I remember my older siblings throwing several parties at our house in the basement or maybe it was the stair stompers that came by, and I would try and peep thru the heating vents to see what they were doing. 😉 I was a curious kid wanting to know why they were so loud. 😊 Do they still go from place to place to girls houses and go stair stomping? I never heard of hook ups until recently. We just went on dates that lasted from Saturday evening to Sunday evening.

[@theamishpotato]

I think sitting up still happens. From what I understand dating is on its way out and people just “hook up” and are considered boyfriend/girlfriend if it keeps happening.

[@veldajean1]

@@theamishpotato They call it sitting up now? Back in the day they called it spihah stomba.

[@theamishpotato]

@@veldajean1 yeah we mainly used ooh hawka. Sitting up. Did you guys do this in the bedrooms or a shop somewhere?

[@veldajean1]

@@theamishpotato I never did that, but I remember my sisters did a lot. They would sometimes take it to basement and other times just their bedroom.

[@theamishpotato]

@@veldajean1 I can’t imagine the noise in the bedroom. I bet it was loud for anyone sleeping

[@originalcyn]

Do most Amish who leave go to other churches? I kind of assumed most who leave would abandon religion all together. But I know people in cults (not calling the Amish a cult - what you describe doesn’t seem cultish) usually find something similar to fill that void, so it makes sense that a religious person would find another place to be religious. I come from a Southern Baptist background and stopped believing around 15, but I’ve always loved learning about other faiths and denominations.

[@theamishpotato]

I would label the Amish as a cult. The majority who leave usually end up getting saved. Not a religion but a personal relationship with Christ. They discover the truth that is scripture. A few have joined other religions or cults.

[@mercyjohnson6436]

@@theamishpotato Brilliantly put!

[@TheSwissChalet]

So interesting! Thanks!

[@lauraswihart8018]

thank you for telling truthfully! 1:45

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

The Good Lord found me !

[@michellealvermann1377]

Oh, I remember those partying days and hope we didn’t get caught with beer in the car or get caught by the cops. ‘ cause you’re throwing a big party

[@Freedom-nu5kp]

I grew up on the "Irish Riviera" in the Ocean Bluff section of Marshfield Massachusetts on the Atlantic Ocean. A very Catholic town. We hung out on the beach during the day and would go back at night to go drinking on weekends in the summer. We'd stand outside the package store aka the packie aka the liquor store and ask adults to buy booze for us. In the winter we partied on the lighted side steps of the Catholic church which was on the next street over in back of my house. We as girls would walk to Brant Rock and walk on the seawall hoping boys would notice us 😆 and beep their horns. At some point, boys from Dorchester, a suburb of Boston started coming down and they got rowdy so they started having a cop on the beat named Pete. He was a fun guy but one night be tried to get our booze, I think he wanted to drink it, but we were very adept at climbing the boulders that held the bluffs in place so all of us but little Johnny got to keep their booze. He was too slow. One winter night we were at a new house partying and he found us claiming a call came in but he was just bored and wanted to hang. He never arrested any of us for drinking and we weren't criminal type kids anyway.

[@cashew165]

good video

[@irenez7439]

So you don't belive repentance and baptism is the right way? You said it was false? Could you explain that?

[@SirShoddrick]

That’d be cool to see some Amish guys wearing New lace up Air Jordan’s !

[@theamishpotato]

😂

[@thepsychwizardude3821]

As a man of Christ that believes in The Great Commision I feel sorry for the Amish. You are going against what God truly wants and isolating yourself from the world. I hope one day God speaks clarity into your minds and you can accept him as I and the rest of his true children have. If any Amish were to truly accept the holy spirit and Christ into their heart and walk with him as he wants you to walk there would be no Amish. Do not fear the evil that know they are evil for they can learn, fear the evil that do not know they are evil for ignorance is the devil's weapon.

[@wesleymorris1]

I grew up in the country not Amish, everything you did in rumspringa, sound exactly like we did, but we didn't have to marry if we had sex. But I grew up on a 80 acre farm, we had huge parties, line the field with cars . Used generator aswell, I had a huge audio system. We had beer and alcohol, but we did more acid and extasty, in the middle 90s.

[@zachhartgerink3925]

Can u do a video on what an Amish singing is I hang out with 5-6 Amish kids 17-20 years old and they Goto singings on Sundays i just don’t like asking them all kinds of questions I like to make them feel the same as us English guys wen we pick them up and hang out

[@carolyngarrison10]

I’m curious about the transformation from Rumspringa to baptism into the church. You go from cars, cell phones, video games, and music to nothing. It seems there would be some frustration and resentment.

[@mercyjohnson6436]

Not if you aren't foolish enough to believe cars, cell phones, video games and whatever music it is you mean to be EVERYTHING!!!! Careful, it is you who are exposed in your frustration and resentment you simply fail to hide.

[@carolyngarrison10]

@@mercyjohnson6436 actually I asked this question out of curiosity. The only thing that means EVERYTHING to me is my relationship with Jesus Christ first, and then my family. Perhaps you shouldn’t jump to conclusions and judgments.

[@mercyjohnson6436]

@@carolyngarrison10 It was important that you clarified it to yourself. I'm sure you feel better already.

[@dorothywillms115]

I think Mennonites were stricter,,,,am I right.

[@tammyshirks6948]

I am going to ask a question did anyone ever get hurt or die when going through this time of life.. I have had realevtives to drink and drive and die.. This is so very heartbreaking..

[@theamishpotato]

Yes it happened. Unfortunately. I will do a separate video on this.

[@tammyshirks6948]

@@theamishpotato Sorry that happened that is so very sad.. When I was a little girl I had two cousin's to die in a car accident because they were drinking and drinking.. One of them was expecting a child his daughter never knew him or our family.. It saddens my heart to know that young men and women can loose their precious lives through drinking and driving. When it hit's home it hit's very hard.. God helped us through the loss of our family members it took time when two lives was took at the same time.. Our God helper in the time of meed.. Thank you and bless you and your family..

[@HurdRandy]

As an Atheist, this sounds like someone arguing which fantasy novel is more true, Harry Potter or Star Wars. They are both fantasy, and tbh, with all due respect, silly.

[@theamishpotato]

I’m sorry you are so ill informed

[@lilafeldman8630]

I think that it's normal for young people to "rebel" and find their own way. At least to some degree. It's not sinful. It's normal human behavior. Separation and individuation.

[@mercyjohnson6436]

Rebellion appears normal to human psyche because it is an evil legacy mankind inherited from their first progenitor, the very first man. The reason God has testified, "Long ago you broke off your yoke (divine Calling - Matt 11:29) and tore off your bonds (holy Covenant with God - Hos 6:7); you said, 'I will not serve You!'.....I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against Me into a corrupt, wild vine?" - Jer 2:20-21. Also read, for the Lord continues, Jer 2:31, "You of this generation (the generation of the fallen mankind, until the coming regeneration - Matt 19:28, Matt 12:43-45), consider the Word of the Lord: 'Have I been a desert to Israel (meaning the redeemed of the Lord, let us not forget Jacob received the name as a symbol of his repentance and return to God) or a land of great darkness? WHY DO MY PEOPLE SAY, 'WE ARE FREE TO ROAM; WE WILL COME TO YOU NO MORE'?.."

[@JackSmack999]

Sounds so awsome and wholesome compared to growimg up in california inner city nighmare.

[@b.thinking5838]

don´t feel embarrest, that you thought to bee cool with a scooter. if you get older and look back: most things you thought were cool, weren´t that cool. i don´t know any amish person, but seeing one on a scooter would impressive me a lot

[@sovcitwatch]

Have you seen the TV show Banshee? Amish are a large part of it.

[@theamishpotato]

I have not. I will check it out. Thank you

[@karenenglish4900]

Not heard of it.

[@frithar]

It was filmed near me an I got to play an Amish person in it! Got about $150 for the day

[@carolyngochenaur6765]

5 & 20. Eaten there many times.

[@karenenglish4900]

I go when I visit home. My cousins work/worked there.

[@nebucamv5524]

"rumspringe" doesn't mean running around, but jumping around. Running around would be "rumrennen" or "rumlaufen". 😁🤭

[@theamishpotato]

In Pennsylvania Dutch it’s literally translated as “around running”

[@barbaracarter8129]

So, how did you meet your wife . Make a video of how you meet her ?

[@theamishpotato]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/baSQgp19o5KZd5I

[@raulsanchez9795]

Do people drink on rumapringa? What about bed bundling, how can you talk about marriage all drunk?

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Like your first car.