Amish School Tragedy One Year Later

In response to the one year anniversary of the tragedy that occurred in the small school house in Nickel Mines, Pa, USA Today ran an article discussing a retrospective focusing on how the Amish community has responded to the event. The article is fairly well done, and includes Q/A with Steve Nolt author of Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy.
Within the article Mr. Nolt, who is Mennonite, relates that one reason that the Amish were able to so fully commit to forgiveness of the murderer is that they believe that in order to have their own sins forgiven, they too must forgive the sins of others..... I don't argue with that statement, but I will say that stated in that way, it places a great amount of emphasis on the thought, "I'm doing this in order to receive something in exchange." In actuality, my understanding of their motivations, and the motivations of other followers of Christ is more in line with this line of belief, "I have no right to judge others for their sins, because I myself am a sinner too. Furthermore, my Savior loved me despite my transgression so fully that He sacrificed His own life for me. Thus, it is a minor sacrifice on my part to forgive those who hate or hurt me. Any forgiveness that I afford is not to obtain forgiveness in exchange, but instead, is a response of gratitude to the One who has demonstrated amazing forgiveness to me already."
Once again, I encourage you to take a look at the responses to the USA Today article posted below it. Doing so provides some insight into how a lost world views Christians functioning as Christians. For some, it is hard to grasp the actions of forgiveness, but I can understand how confusing it may seem without the personal experience of forgiveness to form your perspective.

Comfort

Over the past 3 months, Debi and I have talked about how the Amish have got it right in terms of denying themselves worldly pleasures and conveniences and being rewarded by a richer family life and spiritual life.
A fellow blogger responded to the Gospel For Asia article and commented that he is currently serving with GFA in New Zealand. I checked out his blogspot and saw an article titled "Comfort" that really spoke to me. I thought I'd share it with you. Check out his whole site, there are some really remarkable photos and articles. Enjoy.
Here is a quote from the "Comfort" article....
“Comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house as guest, and then becomes a host, and then master. Ay and it becomes a tamer, and with hook and scourge makes puppets of your larger desires. Though it’s hands are silken, it’s heart is of iron. Verily the lust for comfort murders the passions of the soul, and walks grinning to the funeral” - Kahil Gibran

Trading My Sorrow - Amish Style

As a result of my wife's cousin Marlene living near and spending much time with many of the Amish in an area not far from Fort Wayne, Indiana, I have recently developed a particular interest in learning about these seemingly odd people.
My previous knowledge of the Amish was much like yours probably is. My first real memory of the Amish came from a Weird Al video, "Amish Paradise." I've heard comedians make fun of their life choices such as not using automobiles, phones or modern appliances. I always assumed that these folks were just idiotic. .....I now fully believe that I am idiotic. We all are.
The Amish got it right. They are not idiotic. They are living life at a pace that is much more conducive to having real relationships with our Maker, our spouses, our families and our friends and community. What kind of relationship do you have with your community? Chances are, the answer is "What relationship?"
Prior to singing "Trading My Sorrow" last week, I shared a story that was told by Richard Blackaby in which the pastor of a church in South Africa was shot by one of his own members in the church. The gunman then killed himself. The wife of the pastor demonstrated her love for her Lord and Savior by insisting that the church family embrace, comfort and financially assist the family of the killer as they were doing to her. She traded her sorrow and pain for the joy of the Lord.
I am sure that few do not recall the shooting that took place Oct 2nd, 2006 in a one room school house in Amish Country in Lancaster, PA. The killer, Charles Roberts IV, killed 5 and injured 5 young girls 13 years of age or younger. He then killed himself.
Once again, in this modern world where we are so smart, and the Amish are so backwards (sarcasm is intended), the Amish got it right. Here is a link to how the families of the victims responded. Amish Response
And, here is a link to how the family of the killer responded in kind. Roberts Family Response
Honestly, I have no idea how I would respond if faced with the tragedy that these folks experienced. But, I do know that I fully believe that the way they responded served God, the Roberts family, the victims, the survivors and themselves in the most positive way. That is a true living breathing example of living by faith. The actions of those fine people spoke volumes more regarding God's love, God's mercy, God's strength and Christ's ability to heal than any book or sermon ever could present.