11 thoughts on “Episode Three – You Can’t Go Home Again

  1. Mr Gingerich!

    I cannot tell you how moved I have been from watching the Out of the Order documentary and now the Out of Order series. I could fill this entire page with praise for the wonderful work you are doing for the people who need you, especially as their experience is one shared by few. Sincerely, there are not enough words for how much happiness I feel at knowing that you are helping people to make decisions best for their own lives, whatever those decisions may be! I was particularly touched by your work with Michaela.

    My question to you: WHAT CAN WE DO? I feel compelled to help, but how can someone from another part of the United States help you, help the ex-Amish community? What could I do to make a positive impact on what is going on in your corner of the world?

      1. I suppose at this point there is really not too much that can be done. I am in the process of setting up a legal account to put donations into, so some of these new kids that leave can afford high school and college instead of just leaving and going straight to work.

        1. Well, sir, the minute it is up and running I would be more than happy to share what very little I have with those that you are helping. When there is so much darkness in the world, truly, I have been so touched by your life experiences and you have reminded me that there is so much good and human left in this world.

          Just the fact that you took the time to reply to me personally touches my heart. Thank you again for sharing this part of your life with the world, and with me.

  2. Mr. Gingerich, you sir are the very definition of a TRUE visionary missionary!! Not to say that you have any motives that are religious in nature. What I mean is that you have an amazing ability to see possibilities and potential, and then carry it out. I wish there were more people like you. Everyone on your show seem to be truly good people. I wish all of you the best of luck and look forward to watching the show.
    I wouldn’t be human if I hadn’t cringed after hearing Jonas’ family’s reaction to his accident and then wouldn’t allow him to visit unless he stayed. I cannot imagine a mother being able to turn her back like that, but she has to, doesn’t she? As an Amish wife? If that is the stance her husband takes, sadly she must follow. It makes me sad just to think of it!

    1. Sometimes I really wonder what is the path GOd has in store for me. Like you said, maybe this is it. But somehow I can’t help but feel like there is more.

  3. I am amazed at the people I have ‘met’ through this TV show! Thank you for what you are doing. It must be very hard on these young people trying to find their way and on their family that is left behind. You all are in my prayers as you walk through this journey.

  4. I’ve thought long and hard about both the Amish and the “English” ways of life because who can really say which is the right way, so to speak, since valid arguments can be made back and forth. But what I think really tips the scale over to the “English” side is the issue of education, or lack thereof as a means of control. In our world you may be limited in the educational level you could achieve because of economic obstacles, but other than the time and money an education would cost, you are encouraged to complete whatever you can, earning plenty of “atta boys” from society along the way. But if the Amish elders truly believed that their way of life was the most righteous and best, why would higher education be a threat to their way of life? Why couldn’t there be Amish doctors or journalists? In my opinion, that’s what spans the difference between a religious sect and a cult. A cult needs to brainwash it’s members to ensure that they remain members. A religious sect does not.

  5. As difficult as it is to leave family, friends & familiarity, there is a reason that people feel the need TO leave. God created man with the desire to live free.

    Mose, my husband & I recognized your WI accent & he feels vindicated since I discovered & told him you are from Greenwood. My husband spent his teen years in Neillsville & we lived there a few years ago. In fact, earlier this month, we attended the Annual Elmhorst / Peaceful Pines Pancake Feed to celebrate the maple harvest.

    {Mormon} Dan Elmhorst runs a taxi service for the Amish.

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