What's the connection with the Hutterites - Ask Laura!

Answering your Qs (and minding my Ps)
00:00 Easter Bunny Ears
00:52 I love your videos. Thanks for making them! Do you think intentional community is better suited for those who are extroverts or introverts?
02:04 With your mention of Bruderhof communities around the world I was surprised that Canada wasn’t mentioned. That led me to a Google search and pausing your video for 20 minutes while I searched for a Canadian Bruderhof and surprisingly found none. What I did find is that the Bruderhof once had a connection of sorts to the Hutterites, which I’m a little familiar with as there are about 370 of their communities in Canada. Maybe sometime you can do a video on the difference between the two communities.
05:42 Have you already talked about mental health in the Bruderhof? I wonder if there are some people who experience stress, anxiety, or depression and would benefit from professional help or medication. If that is the case, is there a stigma associated with mental health struggles?
07:03 I’m wondering if you could talk a little bit more about being asked to move. As a psychologist, I am aware that some people might find it too incredibly stressful to move, to make such a change, to move away from family and close friends. It isn’t simply a matter of attitude but of anxiety, stability, relationships, that ground a person. Can one say no, or is there recognition that a move may simply not be good for some people’s mental health?
08:07 Are there many people living there with you who haven’t taken the vows that you have? Are there residents who are not official members, kind of like lay members? I don’t mean the folks that visit for 2 weeks. I mean serious residents who haven’t committed for life yet.
*****
About Me
I'm a young mom living in an intentional community called the Bruderhof, and vlogging about what that's like.
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*****
What is the Bruderhof?
The Bruderhof is an intentional Christian community of people living in radical discipleship in the spirit of the first church in Jerusalem. We gladly renounce private property and share everything in common. Our vocation is a life of service to God, each other, and you. Learn more at the Bruderhof KZbin channel: ► kzbin.info...
More info is at:
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► Twitter: www.bruderhof.com/twitter
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[@pswire1117]

Great video! Very informative. For the person who asked about Hutterites- I also watch Adina Walter's youtube. She lives in Fort Pitt which is a former Hutterite colony, that still operates (in most ways) like a regular Hutterite community. If you enjoy Laura's videos, you'll probably like Adina's too.

[@carolynm3523]

Giselle Waldner is another Hutterite vlogger. I enjoy both her and Adina.

[@duaanekobe2773]

Like the story about Lee; reminds me of my problems (100% disabled Vietnam vet) Hard to pray when at times you think your damned. I rally hope God lets me mow grass, and allows me to hep the innocent even those I have wronged.

[@michaelcaine837]

Regards to your grandmother!!! In 1946 she and I shared a schooldesk, in1956 your grandfather Dan came to Forest River when I was there and thought me some 'Huttrisch' Du hebscht nit gnag Oarsch I de Hose

[@D.N..]

It wonderful to learn that the Bruderhof community takes care of each other !

[@elizabethwittig3930]

Thank you for cheering my day with your smile.

[@suzannepeck5610]

Laura,you look darling in Branson’s bunny ears! Happy Spring and many thanks for your spoonful of wisdom!

[@CharCanuck14]

Thanks so much for answering my question and giving me more information about the Hutterite/Bruderhof connection Laura. As always, I really enjoy your channel which always leaves me with a warm smile throughout each video. Keep up the great work!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You are so welcome!

[@user-mf4xc1dw5y]

Yes, I watch Giselle Waldner too and am blessed.

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

Yes! She is always positive and happy and smiling even when washing ceilings ---- I never washed a ceiling --- I go after the corners --- Yikes!

[@lynnebunning7273]

I love how people put great thought into the questions they ask you. . shows the impact you have on those that watch your videos. I believe by the ? Asked & your well thought out answers bring people to more of understanding of God, his love for us & how he wants us to live. I've had my doubts to why God would love me, You have helped in your gentle & understanding way to elevate those thoughts. Also by those that asked ? & It's like I wanted to know. So not only thank you to you but to those that ask the ? Cheers God Bless you from Australia 🇦🇺🐨❤️♥️❤️♥️❤️♥️

[@beckyjones5099]

I'm amazed how the lord works as I'm so troubled and burden from life and have very low days you always up load and I pull myself together and look for that extra strength I thank you much love your you and your family 🙏🙏❤❤❤

[@safehaven2763]

Thank you Laura and thank God Lee found you guys...I'd say he saw and experienced so much pain and suffering that he struggled to trust people and God, but I'm sure that by his being led to you guys he found healing and love and belonging. I'm sure he felt deep down that God led him there where he could use his giving heart. Blessings and enjoy the spring activity and hopefully nice weather!

[@888biblestudy]

I have moved over 70 times and I am 57. I don't know what it is not to move but I think that has changed now. I can use stability in my life.

[@jenniferhofer4132]

A warm hello back at you Laura, from a Manitoba Hutterite. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, your thoughtfulness, and especially your friendly demeanor. You seem like someone I would love to know in person. God bless.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you so much!

[@jannier9766]

I bought the book, "Another Life is Possible" and read Lee's story. How wonderful that the Bruderhof was a place that gave Lee a lot of peace and purpose and Lee could give love and service in a way he couldn't before.

[@lailja21]

Yeah! Another who has read their book! Isn't it a joy to read? I love it. Look forward to reading again and again. Fun sharing as gifts.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

So cool you have that book!

[@suzanneedmonds1566]

Thank you for mentioning the book I am going to look online for it now. I hope I can find a copy. 😀

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You can find it here www.amazon.com/Young-people-Sermon-mount-Woodcrest/dp/0874863163

[@shay.illustration]

Ooh so strange to hear my home province mentioned. The hutterite community in Manitoba is very kind and welcoming. Amazing farmer's sausage and pierogies mmm.

[@ruthlaurie-hopper3489]

Thank you Laura very interesting as always. I'm visiting Beechgrove in Kent UK in June covid allowing. I'm really excited and looking forward to the visit after reading so much about Bruderhof community and watching your videos. I'm up for moving wherever I'm needed. I pray daily for guidance. A friend has had business dealings with bruderhof in the UK re export of the education products and said you're all such lovely people.

[@Hope20249]

Thanks Laura great mini history content. Its great to learn about your communitys history. God bless.

[@kassrripples3659]

Thank you once again

[@bartk4650]

hey pray for you for your wonderful sharing ministry on Bruderhof. May the LORD give you peace, strength, and wisdom in the Holy Spirit. You are doing great. 1 Peter 4:14.

[@brecruz4832]

I love your videos! Thx!! Well done!!

[@karensoane5705]

Checking in again from Montgomery Texas. I am an Australian who has lived in the USA not quite 3 years. I’ve been learning about the different styles of intentional living communities. I really didn’t know these existed 7 years ago. It’s only because of you tube that I started learning about intentional living communities. I wish I’d learnt about this as a choice when I was in my late teens leaving school and becoming independent from my family. Something like a reverse rumspringer… I was researching my ancestry last year and discovered I have some great great greats from Prussia who moved to South Australia in the 1840s-1860s.

[@mmmmlllljohn]

It would be nice to hear more about Lee some time. Now I have to go and read about the Hutterites! ❤️🇨🇦

[@georgepullman5304]

Just an awesome video.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks!

[@LM-lw3qo]

Wow. I have to say hearing about how your community accepted and loved someone who didn’t share exactly your beliefs is really eye opening and wonderful. I have a very individual type of faith that doesn’t fit into a label, and I often feel I am excluded from faith life because of that. In fact, it’s made me angry at times and my church is no longer a place I feel I belong. Thank you for making room in your heart and community for people like me. I live my life the way Jesus told me even though I am unsure if I believe he actually existed. I would love for you to do a video on this man Leigh and about how your community accepted him despite having a different faith.

[@pianomaly9859]

Oh yeah, he existed allright. Just do some research.

[@LM-lw3qo]

@@pianomaly9859 I was raised in a very Christian home so I was given all the information for 25 years. I just stopped believing it was more than a story at around 12, hid it from my family and continued "going through the motions" until 25. I hated myself for not believing in Jesus/God and had low self esteem that something was wrong with me. I tried praying every night that I would magically start actually believing in God and Jesus. It didnt come for me. I tried to convince myself. I did everything. And I think it's beautiful that this community makes space for people like me that try every day to serve others and live like Jesus instructed even if they don't actually believe. That's my story. This community is kind and welcoming. That's my point.

[@pianomaly9859]

@@LM-lw3qo There IS faith there. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. Matthew 12:2.

[@LM-lw3qo]

@@pianomaly9859 Unfortunatley I can't force myself to believe. i tried to do that from age 12-26. I'm now 40. Trying to tell myself I was a horrible person for not believing was damaging to my mental health. When I finally allowed myself to be honest and tell my family I didn't believe, my life and mental health improved. I just don't believe. But I'm still a good person. Thanks for taking the time to speak to me.

[@DavidHain-TX]

Thanks for doing these

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Glad you like them!

[@Noone-rt6pw]

Good point about faith, where there are people that have the heart Christians are supposed to have but they don't ascribe to a particular faith. It's just in their heart, where they're so much better off than a person that knows the faith but do not have the heart. Well told Mrs. Laura.

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

The blessings of the proverbial cup of water ~~~

[@barbaraeiler6814]

This sounds great, on that last question though I'm intrigued. How would one be able to live with you, and be a part of the community without taking the oath? Also hearing you talk about the Hutterites in Manitoba made my heart swell. I loved seeing those people at the Festival when I lived in Winnipeg.

[@evelinaus]

Laura you are wise

[@yoa2453]

great video..

[@daisychan6571]

Ooh, looking forward to this video! I've never been this early! Thank you for answering all these questions Laura! Could you talk a little more about healthcare, specifically optical care? I've noticed that glasses tend to look the same or similar for most people - is this by design or happenstance? Also, what provision is there for antenatal and postnatal care on the Bruderhof, and how are expectant mothers taken care of in terms of work/health etc? Can people give birth on the community or do they have to go to hospital or a birth centre? Thank you!!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We have our own opticians. Not sure why all the glasses look the same. Moms and babies get great care both at our own clinics and also when they deliver in hospital.

[@daisychan6571]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you for replying!! :) That's great!

[@petermichelson3865]

Your so cute! What community were you born into? Community is like Kabbuts, I love that you connect with, and understand the 6 days of creation, and Mankind! The Birthday of Mankind is Rosh HaShanah! Celebration of life, and Species!

[@petermichelson3865]

What Lee did was both Chessed, and Teshuva! Because doing Mitzvahs is G-d work! When you go outside see all the natural beauty, when grown crops, farming, and raising animals it’s all about HaShem! I have a few friends that have channels, and they are Hutterites! My Sister, Brother-inlaw, and Nephew on a historical dairy farm in Canton, NY!

[@radiopal0911]

Thanks for your videos. Because of your videos, I have a new interest in Christian Community... Bruderhof and Hutterites. You talked about Leee, but what does it take to become a member of the community? What's a typical day look like? What are the core beliefs? Thanks, Laura. I'm looking forward to visiting a community in Colorado soon. :)

[@beakytwitch7905]

HAL, before visiting a Bruderhof colony, find out what their ex-members have to say about them. (Peregrine ?). Then when you visit, keep your mouth shut about having contacted the ex members as otherwise Bruderhof will immediately give you the boot.

[@wayneveck6743]

Wow cute Bunny ears

[@CatFromFL]

I lived in Kingston (Ulster County) NY- our high school had children from the Hutterite Bruderhof Woodcrest in Rifton NY. As you know they are makers of Community Playthings that still exists today. I went to nursing school in Albany in early 70’s with a man named Steve who is still there as an RN. I admire the communal life and devotion of its members, although the limited education of children of many sects is not good in my opinion. God bless you all.

[@erinaustin2157]

I did not know that back history of Community Playthings! I’m a toy collector, and have several of these toys. I recently got one of the play kitchens. It’s also basically the same one that was in my pre-k when I was little, so I guess I have a long connection with them :) We also are in the Kingston area at least 1x a year during fall for our annual trip up to the Catskills. Traveling from Long Island. Now I have to find out if they have a factory tour ☺️

[@gabrielfriedmann2043]

Q: I really like the concept of sharing everything and working together in everything (moving, ...). But this gives the leaders enormous responsibilities, doesn't it? How is this responsibility shared? How do you prevent leadership not beeing abused and Bruderhof not growing into a cult? I imagine this beeing a challange and I somehow fear trusting fallen people with all my good and basically with my whole life. Maybe I should meet you in person at some point in the future :)

[@sjack4056]

I am from Manitoba and know many Mandels. Many years ago I taught music at 10 Hutterite colonies around Portage la Prairie. I have a feeling your Dad may have been from one of those communities?????

[@meluvfriends]

No way!! I am from Canada and currently living not far from the Manitoba border!

[@felicitycunliffe6407]

Great video as usual. At the end of your video you mentioned ‘striping’ and your community page, where can I find your photos as I didn’t understand what you meant. By the way, I’m sure your Mum is very proud of you and the great work you are doing via your videos, bringing joy and entertaining and educating so many people. 🤩

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks! I was talking about striped bass fishing which is a popular pastime around here this time of year.

[@SofiHowie]

Thank you for posting such an interesting video. I like the story of Lee.

[@nickvierling7052]

What Bible version do you use in the Bruderhof? Who does the preaching and how often are services?

[@peterdesmier6165]

Thanks. I have been recently asking about why there are no Canadian Bruderhof’s and if there was any or is there presently any interest amongst Bruderhof and Canadians living with Bruderhof to start a community within Canada?

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

So ~~~ don't know if you will see a comment on an old post - I am in Chicagoland. I googled "intentional community living near me." All that came up was "Senior ~~~~ aka, unwoke, nursing homes.

[@SomeoneBeginingWithI]

I have a question related to the video about funerals. What happens when the member who died has family outside the Bruderhof? Maybe they were born in the Bruderhof, and had a family member who chose to leave, or maybe they were born outside the Bruderhof. Can non-Bruderhof members come to a Buderhof funeral? If they had a close relationship with the person who died, could they participate in decisions about the funeral, like choice of music and readings?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes non-Bruderhof members can come to Bruderhof funerals.

[@hondafreedom9329]

Do older people, like in their 60s, become members but do not give up their things? A lifetime of memories, I would imagine, would be pretty challenging to do even if one's heart is in being a community member.

[@simondavey7787]

Thank you, Laura. How much outreach do you do with other churches near your communities?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We have quite a few partnerships

[@simondavey7787]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof I have just spent an amazing few hours at Darvell. Such wonderful people and I’ve learnt so much about the Bruderhof. I’m excited to visit again soon and to spend longer there when the Covid rules allow.

[@shay.illustration]

What if someone in the community has a mental illness like bipolar or schizophrenia that requires regular medication for symptom regulation?

[@alexandraa5424]

Also curious about higher levels of care. As someone with several mental illnesses, hospitalization and other higher levels of care saved my life. Also, thank you, Laura, for saying you see that everyone has their cross to bear. I like to think, you wouldn’t tell someone with a broken spine to just start walking again, or complain why it’s taking so long. Just because you can’t see the disability doesn’t make it any less impactful on your day to day life.

[@kalakakku7749]

Yeah, I am curious about this too!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Folks with those conditions get treatment like anywhere else

[@iuvalclejan]

I couldn't tell how to ask you questions, so I'll post a few here and maybe you can direct me to another way? Is there dancing at the Bruderhof communities? Especially folk dancing? How much time are people expected to work per week? Are there any scientists?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Good questions I'll try and answer in a future video

[@Sidian]

What would you say are the biggest signs or messages you've received from God in your life? And has your faith ever faltered? I'm someone who really wants to be a Christian, but I feel like God doesn't really speak to me in any way, even though I regularly pray for signs to help bolster my faith.

[@kassrripples3659]

Micronutrients seem to have a lot to do with certain mental health disorders. I’ve been learning from Dr Julia Rucklidge about nutrition and mental health.

[@soniariley8821]

I have Schizophrenia how does your community help a person with this condition and if they need to go to an institution to help control and be medicated. I myself have been to a hospital to help me with extra support and l have a psychiatrist to help with life stresses.

[@dariusrad8058]

"Jesus is actually great physician" was very good and somehow funny.

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

So, what I’m getting as your answer about mental health is ‘no, they don’t get counseling nor do those folks have access to drugs for their illness’. I may have heard it wrong, but I listened twice to your answer. Please let me know if I have it wrong.

[@SomeoneBeginingWithI]

Yeah that part was hard to hear clearly. I heard it as her saying people who need them do get counselling and medications, but other people have heard the opposite.

[@emmib1388]

you may want to go back to 5:50 and listen again -- she mentioned that they would certainly get help.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes absolutely folks with mental health challenges get professional help and medication where necessary

[@vanessarenda1393]

I enjoy watching. Where are you located?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Esopus, NY

[@karenstorer4297]

Hi, I love your videos and agree with much of what the Bruderhof believe As a Christian myself I find the Bruderhof life and inspiration and have been learning so much more about my own faith. One question I would like you to discuss is how the Bruderhof view the LGBT+ Community. Would your community accept a gay/lesbian couple with firm Christian beliefs to be active members?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Karen, thanks so much for your kind words. I made a video a couple months ago about what I think about marriage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2HPnmaPhauEnrM

[@karenstorer4297]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you for you honest answer. X

[@flo.meidinger]

Oh now I have a question to: What do you think about other religions? Are they like equal ways as Christianity, have believers in that religions a chance of being saved? I would love to hear an answer from you :-) By the way your videos are really inspiring and bring some fresh and international air in my very german protestant beliefs :-) Greetings from the land of Luther

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks for your comments Florian! What happens to people of other religions is known only to God. All religions have some truth in them, and Jesus is the answer to everything! In the gospels we read about the 2 sons-one who said yes and didn’t obey, one who said no and did. So until then I'm just going to keep doing my best where I'm at, and DO what I know I should. All people no matter of religion are equally loved by God! Hope that answers your question.

[@flo.meidinger]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Oh yes, thank you very much! You‘re answer answered my question very well 😀 I think such questions show very good how open communities are! Here in Germany often communities, churches or other Christian groups that are especially biblical faithful (like in evangelical directions) believe that God saves only them. Something like that sounds allways horrible to me! So I really appreciate your answer and your attitude towards such questions 🙂 And the open way your community reacts towards strangers. For me that is how - at least to me - living the message of Christ works! Really like it 🙂

[@LarzGustafsson]

Ernest Mandel - does that name ring a bell?

[@sue1263]

Life on the Bruderhof seems a little less restrictive than the Hutterites. While both groups live their faith and both focus on community, it seems like your community is less conservative and more willing to interact with outsiders or people who do not live in the community, the Hutterites on the other hand really do not socialize with others who not a part of the community.

[@kiwilandernz2799]

Is there any communities in New Zealand?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Not at the moment. Maybe one day.

[@michellechavez4055]

is there any Bruderhof's in the US?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Lots www.bruderhof.com/en/where-we-are#united-states

[@hankschwartz5771]

Is your community associated with the Gloriavale Community in New Zealand?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Nope

[@hankschwartz5771]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Ah, sorry, they look so similar to your group I thought you were connected.

[@QueenGoddessYume]

Dont leave out Giselle Wildner. She posts videos of her Hutterite community.

[@ReluctantPost]

00:10 I'm not sure that most Hutterites I know would think of that as a suitable headcovering, Laura. 😂 (It's curious that Eberhard would not have taken the same stance on headcovering as the rest of the conservative Anabaptists given his conviction about the earliest beliefs and practices of the Church where it is universal among them.)

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

lol

[@shoshannacorner8753]

Do you allow dancing such as ballet class

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I know some people who have taken ballet lessons. Thanks for asking!

[@michellesunshinestar]

9 sons? My grandma had 5 boys.

[@rrjohn5]

Love your channel! I would love to hear more about the vows you take and why you take them. Salvation & Marriage are biblical covenants, but I can't find scriptures on communal vows/covenant.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks for your encouraging words! Great questions. I'll see if I can answer them in a video

[@petermichelson3865]

The actually communal living started before 1500! It goes back to the Essences Tribes being the bases to early Christianity! Roots that are based in Judaism! Can folks join in! Communal living is family based!!! Say you meet some outside, and their is an attraction are those who are accepted in?

[@kaykalda9674]

I really didn't care for the Hutterite video I watched. I don't believe I would want to be involved in anything involved in what they are now

[@LarzGustafsson]

Why would people have to bear sicknesses? The Bible says that Jesus wants to heal people.

[@hamuandxerxl4255]

Hey Laura, how about German, do you guys learn that language? Could you understand a German and talk to him?

[@pianomaly9859]

Do you have any interaction with Amish or Mennonite communities? Personally or your community?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes quite a few people do. I once went to the Mennonite World Conference. It was interesting. And I went to Goshen College which is majority Mennonite. Our communities work with MCC and MDS as well.

[@pianomaly9859]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you, you're very engaging. I attend a Messianic congregation, and while we don't live communally, some members live a lifestyle very similar to those across the Anabaptist spectrum. I don't blame anyone for a minimal exposure to the news, it's so full of ungodliness and ugliness.

[@mellzym8598]

Oh can we ask questions?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes you can

[@mellzym8598]

Thank you

[@over-comer]

Easter had nothing to do with Jesus... Acts 12:1-4 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

[@rebelwalzt]

Why do you do that? Don't the Bruderhofs know what Easter "Bunnies" & Colored Eggs are about?

[@Sidian]

You guys are pacifists, right? Could you explain your views on this in more detail and if there are any limits to it? I think Jesus' sermon on the mount and his command to love your neighbour and even enemies is great. But how do you personally make sense of how violent God is in the old testament? He kills people left and right, and commands people to commit genocide down to the women and children. How is that consistent with your idea that God wants us to be pacifists even in extreme circumstances?

[@Lisa-xl6gv]

It appears that there isn't diversity in your community,

[@LarzGustafsson]

Easter is pagan. So is Xmas.