Kalona

     A small group of missionaries spent our preparation day driving nearly 2 hours yesterday to a wonderful midwestern town and spent time learning more about Anabaptists/Amish/Mennonites. Since it happened to be the first Monday of a month, we arrived during a big auction of livestock and miscellaneous goods. The assortment which you can see a little of in this picture, was unlike any sale I have ever been to.

 Included in the items were lots of used buggy parts as well as a model of a colt and a model of a horse connected to a buggy. (That's Russ in the very front right corner of the picture.)

There were lots of people from all around the area there, some arriving in trucks with livestock trailers, some in cars, and some in horse-drawn buggies. After listening and watching at the auction for awhile, we walked over to the historic village where there was a visitors center behind which was a collection of buildings moved there over the past several decades then set up and filled with authentic furnishings. There was a home, a school, a train depot, a grain mill, post office, small cabin, a Grandpa house, museum, and a large building filled with agricultural equipment and old vehicles.

Later, as we rode in a mini-bus our tour guide explained that Mennonites drive with no rubber on their wheels whether it's powered by a gas engine or animal. The Anabaptists started in Germany a couple of centuries ago then came to America to escape religious persecution. (Boy, is that an old story and not just for their particular faith group.) Their main reason for separating themselves from other Bible studying Christians was a belief that only those old enough to make the conscious choice should be baptized. Hence the name which basically means being baptized again. Then the Amish and the Mennonites separated off when following men named Ammon (Amish) and Menno Simons. Very similar to the separation first of Protestants from Catholics (who had already had splinter groups) then all the Protestant faiths separating according to certain beliefs. We all believe in the Bible as the word of God and Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world. It's all about how to practice the faith and there are lots of different opinions on that. The Anabaptist groups vary in how much they eschew worldly ways. Their greatest concern is remaining down-to-earth, honest, peaceful, and hard-working. They are conscientious objectors as far as military service is concerned and they dress modestly in order to not be flashy or worldly. I found it interesting that they use gas powered generators and engines but don't use electricity from the power grid or phones in their homes despite wanting to stay in communication with loved ones who don't live nearby. The reason for this is the Bible teaching of being in the world but not of the world. They don't want to have any contract that ties them to the world, including utility contracts. They tend to use animal power because animals can be cared for in ways they can produce themselves. 

They barter when possible but will use money when necessary.  They are law-abiding and pay taxes but are exempted from "Obamacare". They tend to be pretty healthy but when they have problems they will turn first to herbs and chiropractors. If a doctor or hospital is necessary, they usually will help each other with necessary financial resources. Their homes and farms are immaculate.

I have seen houses that don't look as good as this barn build over 100 years ago! Even their fields and gardens are breathtakingly beautiful. They avoid having photographs of themselves, especially close-ups, because they consider them like a graven image. In this day of "selfies" I think they have the right idea! After driving around on dirt roads and visiting a wood shop, bakery, and general store, we had dinner in a private home. The food was delicious. The cook has been doing this for over 40 years, since her husband died at a young age. She used to use all home-grown ingredients but to comply with health department regulations, she has to buy USDA or other government inspected foods. The apple butter, peanut butter, tapioca fruit salad, lettuce/egg salad, and pies were my favorite!