Lifeline Christian Mission: Saving Lives in Haiti and Beyond | November 2021

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NOVEMBER 2021

PLAIN VALUES

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Cultivating Anchored Community

OurStory

LEADERSHIP Marlin Miller, publisher

EDITORIAL Nic Stoltzfus, editorial manager Rebecca Greenfield, contributing writer

A LONG TIME AGO...

Merissa A. Alink, monthly columnist - Homestead + Roots

The Millers adopt the first of their four children with special needs.

Joel Salatin, monthly columnist - Confessions of a Steward Ferree Hardy, monthly columnist - The Widow's Path Elam Stoltzfus, guest columnist - Our Heritage

THEN...

W.H. "Chip" Gross, contributing writer Jim Zumbo, monthly columnist - All Things Outdoors

They start a magazine to highlight the beauty of adoption and the dignity of children with special needs.

ADVERTISING Matt Yoder, Ohio sales advisor Aaron Stutzman, Indiana + Michigan sales advisor

NOW...

OFFICE + PRODUCTION

The magazine grows and grows.

Bethany Troyer, bookkeeping Jan Schlabach, customer service

They start a nonprofit.

Isaac Hershberger, production manager Seth Yoder, graphic artist

And give the magazine to the nonprofit.

Landon Troyer, photographer

a: PO Box 201/2106 Main Street, Winesburg, Ohio 44690

The nonprofit raises money for children all over the world through the magazine.

p: (330) 601 - 6106

//

f: (330) 601 - 4099

w: www.plainvalues.com

//

DECEMBER AD CLOSE

Room to Bloom (the nonprofit) is able to support multiple families adopting children with Down syndrome with financial grants making it easier to bring these special ones home!

e: reachout@plainvalues.com

//

November 8, 2021

Plain Values is published under licensed authority of Room to Bloom, a non profit, tax exempt Section 501(c)(3) organization. Room to Bloom controls the editorial content of Plain Values and authorizes Plain Target Marketing LLC to publish and circulate Plain Values. Plain Target Marketing LLC pays Room to Bloom a royalty in exchange that is applied to Room to Bloom’s mission of advocating for children with special needs, orphan care and adoption.

The magazine and nonprofit continue to grow and grow.

THE FORMALITIES This publication and its contents are published under licensed authority of Room to Bloom. Individual copyrighted items, trademarks, etc. contained within are the property of their respective copyright holders. No part of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed by any means without authorization from the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ offers, products, or services, and publication neither expresses or implies an endorsement.

Join us – by subscribing you help fund the work of the nonprofit and bring awareness to children with special needs.

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contents

Issue 101 // November 2021

features 10

LIFELINE CHRISTIAN MISSION Saving Lives in Haiti and Beyond words by: Rebecca Greenfield "Yet, looking out my bus window, I saw more than just that smog-ridden, stench-thickened space. I saw a sacred space. I saw that the people in the marketplace–as much as us in the bus– needed to be loved and forgiven by the God of the universe. They were not just Haitians, and we were not just Americans. God's love transcends nationalities."

This month, we welcome our newest writer–Rebecca Greenfield. She shares of her personal experience traveling to Haiti with Lifeline Christian Mission, as well as the origins and reach of the organization.

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HOMESTEAD + ROOTS Make-Ahead Breadsticks column by: Merissa A. Alink "The recipe for our frozen breadsticks we made to have on our pizza nights!"

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CONFESSIONS OF A STEWARD Carbon Economy column by: Joel Salatin "Unfortunately, the sad truth is that most human-managed systems are not as productive as wild systems. And yet, God's imperative to humans is to make wild places more productive. In fact, throughout Isaiah's prophecies, wildness indicates judgment and scarcity."

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ONE MINUTE WITH MARLIN

ON THE COVER

FUNDS AND BENEFITS

Thoughts and ramblings from Marlin Miller, publisher of Plain Values.

Two Haitian sisters on their daily journey to collect water from the nearest well.

Every month we provide a listing of opportunities to help out those in need.

support 33

THE WIDOW'S PATH Finding Sancuary column by: Ferree Hardy "The widowed, and everyone else in a season of suffering, needs a sanctuary."

history 37

OUR HERITAGE History of the Amish Parochial Schools in Pennsylvania guest columnist: Elam Stoltzfus Part three of a four part series on the history of Amish parochial schools.

nature 43

GONE MISSING IN ALASKA guest writer: W.H. "Chip" Gross "Alaskans use a figure of speech that shakes you to your core once you grasp its full meaning: 'gone missing.' "

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ALL THINGS OUTDOORS Squirrels column by: Jim Zumbo "He whispered that there was a squirrel up there, but I couldn’t see it. We had no binoculars. He aimed the open-sighted .22, squeezed the trigger, and I was amazed when a squirrel plummeted to the ground, hit squarely in the head. I was so proud of my dad!"

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one minute with Marlin

RECENTLY, AT A FAMILY GATHERING, my wife found a small book about the history of our local area. We learned some fascinating stories about the first settlers to the local area in the early 1800s. I never knew our main local roads were built upon the roots of buffalo trails. Following the buffalo, the trails continued to be used by hunting parties. Eventually, the first wagons forged their way through as settlers built homes and began a community. Traveling those familiar routes, imagine what it must have looked like 250 years ago. What must life have been like for the families who lived back then? Although modern-day has given us many conveniences, there are many valuable time-honored skills preserved through the ages and widely used today.

The Homesteaders of America Conference is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families from all parts of the country who still practice the same self-sufficiency skills used by the first settlers in the area. Lisa and I were excited to have the chance to go this year and meet some of the folks whose books we have read and use as a resource for our own little farm.

As always, may you find joy in the simple things. //

Marlin & Lisa Miller at the Homesteaders of America Conference with Joel Salatin.

MARLIN MILLER

publisher, always looking for more friends

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feature LIFELINE

Lifeline Christian Mission SAVING LIVES in HAITI and BEYOND words by: REBECCA GREENFIELD

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AS WE PILED INTO THE 31-PASSENGER SCHOOL BUS, drove away from the airport, and headed to Grand Goave, Haiti, our ten-day mission trip with Lifeline Christian Mission began. What started as a small conversation with some church friends around the dinner table months earlier was now a journey my husband and I were embarking upon with those very same friends. These friends had been to Grand Goave before. Now, as my husband and I sat on the bus, we were getting a front-row seat to the experience our friends said was like no other. Through Lifeline, we all would get the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to people who had very little.

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"Yet, looking out my bus window, I saw more than just that smog-ridden, stench-thickened space. I saw a sacred space. I saw that the people in the marketplace–as much as us in the bus–needed to be loved and forgiven by the God of the universe."

Sights, sounds, and smells bombarded our senses.

We looked out the window of the stuffy bus in both amazement and solemness. One solitary traffic light and a small car dealership near the airport were the first and last signs of infrastructure we would see on our entire trip. Soon the mountainous backdrop of depleted forests turned into miles of tent-like homes and broken down metal huts. It was both a scene of mystery and disbelief. The stench of burning trash penetrated the thick and humid air, enveloping the bus with its scent.

About halfway through our drive to Grand Goave, we entered Port-Au-Prince. Here, our school bus got stuck in traffic. Our bus was stop-and-go in a peculiar sort of traffic jam caused by a combination of civilians, motorcycles, scooters, cars, buses, and Tap-Taps (a type of truck designed to transport multiple people).

Honking horns and animated yelling added to the chaos.

Haitian after Haitian lined the sides of the road, aiding in this abrupt slow-down in our commute. This was their marketplace. For many, the marketplace was the only place they had a chance to make a living. Unfortunately, eight out of ten Haitians make less than two dollars a day. One out of two Haitians barely makes even a dollar a day. As we sat on the bus, breathing in the smog, cringing as we watched vehicles nearly collide with our bus, stunned at how many people could fit into a Tap-Tap, and listening to the natives barter, I began to feel the weight of the poverty of this land. Blankets full of cabbage, used old American clothes laid out like a garage sale, fruit sprawled out next to sewer wells — all bearing witness to the desperation of what it took for a day's wage to be earned. Men carrying large baskets of bagged water walked between the narrow spaces within

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The trash-strewn streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

About an hour after we left Port-Au-Prince, we pulled into the gated Lifeline Christian Mission campus. We settled into our rooms and prepared for a

the traffic, peering in our bus windows as they tried to

week of service. Little did we know how much more we

make a sale. Heaps of trash were piled near the streets

would be blessed by the Haitians than our small token

and in dried-up water canals. Broken and mud-splashed

of service could even begin to offer them. They didn't

vendor umbrellas, torn tarps, and random tires littered

need us, but they welcomed us. In many regards, we

the road along with the graffiti and sewage.

needed them more.

So much filth, so much struggle, so much need. I

Haitian after Haitian invited us into their lives. We

realized how far I was from home, but this was what

met mothers who walked miles to pick up formula for

daily life looked like for most Haitians. Yet, looking out

their children at the Lifeline clinic. We prayed with a

my bus window, I saw more than just that smog-ridden,

young man who had been recently hired by Lifeline

stench-thickened space. I saw a sacred space. I saw that

and used that money to support his whole family. As he

the people in the marketplace–as much as us in the

invited us into his home, which was nothing more than

bus–needed to be loved and forgiven by the God of the

a tent-like shed, he explained how every time it rained,

universe. They were not just Haitians, and we were not

it would flood all that he owned. Yet, he had hope in God

just Americans. God's love transcends nationalities. We,

to provide for his needs. We played with children from

all of us, are humans loved by God.

the villages who wore nothing more than tattered pieces

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of cloth and had ring-worm on their bodies caused by

with a skill. Some were welding bed frames together,

sleeping on dirt floors. Although each man, woman,

while others were teachers. In addition, there were

and child were in so much need, somehow their faces

translators, preachers, and cooks. Thanks to Lifeline,

still shined with unadulterated joy. They were rich in

many of these people who would be subjected to extreme

hope despite being poor in possessions. They showed

poverty within the city were now learning a trade and

us strength through their trust in God. Each story, each

making a wage that would provide for their families.

Haitian, each orphan child, reminded us that nothing is

The Lifeline schools were securely held on the

entitled but that all things are a gift from God.

Lifeline campus. Children would walk from city and

Our week-long stay consisted of a tour of the city,

rural locations to attend school, sometimes walking

prayer walks, giving formula and other essential supplies

several miles in 100-degree heat. Due to kidnappings,

to help growing infants, hurricane-proof home building,

human traffickers, theft, and other city violence, the

worship at church, food distribution, and visits with

gated Lifeline campus provides a haven to the children.

the children. Due to political corruption, earthquakes,

Over 1,000 children attend the Grand Goave Lifeline

hurricanes, lack of clean water and sanitary conditions,

school, while an additional 700 children attend Lifeline

high unemployment, and deforestation of their natural

schools throughout other parts of Haiti. The curriculum

agricultural resources, Haitians often remain in a cycle

consists of typical classes like math and English classes,

of poverty. Through Lifeline's churches, clinics and

but most importantly, Bible classes are the main focus of

schools, many Haitians have received jobs, food, and

their education. Midday, the children take a break from

education, empowering them to break through some of

class for lunch. This afternoon shuffle was something

the poverty barriers. As we toured the Lifeline campus,

we all looked forward to during our stay. Hundreds

we met numerous staff hired by Lifeline and trained

of little ones poured into the campus courtyard and

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swarmed us with their infectious smiles. All they wanted was love. We found ourselves in the center of giggling children, many trying to climb on us simply so they could be held and loved. Others begged us to play or jump rope with them. Soon, our arms were covered in

attendance at Grand Goave Lifeline school

little Haitian hands as innocent-eyed, toothy-smiled, ribbon-haired, green-uniformed children clung to us, all

1,000

of them seeking our love and affection.

One day in the courtyard, a sweet little girl latched on to me after I picked her up. Her legs wrapped around my waist tightly as she nuzzled her head into the side of my neck. Her friends tried to pull her off me because they wanted attention, but her grasp only grew tighter.

My heart filled as her tiny, thin arms hugged me with every ounce of strength she had. She would not let go.

All she wanted was love, and it was my joy and honor to

attendance at other Lifeline schools

hold her securely in that love. There I was, an average human, just simply wanting to provide a safe embrace

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to this little girl. It was a reminder that our loving Heavenly Father longs even more so, to hold us securely as we cling to Him. 15

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"Many children brought a bowl or portable container, saving a portion of their daily meal to share with their families after returning home from school.

The children received a Lifeline meal every day — a

livestock hungry. Through volunteers at churches and

soup-like mixture of rice, vegetable-based protein,

Lifeline centres in North America, Lifeline can package

vitamins, and veggies. For many children at the school,

dry ingredients of these nutritious meals to send to Haiti

this is their only meal all day. Food scarcity is a prevalent

and other countries in need. Once in the country, these

issue within Haiti. Between inflation, exploited land, and

meals are reconstituted with water and used for school

government corruption, hard-working civilians often do

lunches, as well as prayerfully distributed to families.

not have adequate resources available for regular meals.

In Haiti, children not enrolled in the Lifeline program

According to the UN's World Food Programme, "Haiti has

often have orange hair, a sign of malnutrition. These

one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world.

school lunches and infant formula distributions provide

4.4 million Haitians - nearly half the population - need

the nourishing vitamins that hundreds of children so

immediate food assistance, and among these, 1.2 million

desperately need.

suffer from severe hunger. Over 1 million people are in

Many children brought a bowl or portable container,

a situation classified as emergency." Even the cows and

saving a portion of their daily meal to share with

chickens are noticeably thin; the food scarcity has left

their families after returning home from school. One particular day, I was walking past two small boys during their lunch. Due to language barriers, I could not say much, but I made efforts to joke with them by making a munching sound to pretend as though I was eating too.

Without hesitation, the little Haitian schoolboy stuck out his spoon to offer me his meal, his only meal. My heart melted at the pure generosity of a child. He was willing to give me his lunch even when it was his only reliable meal for the day. Here I was coming to "bless" the Haitians when this child was actually teaching me. With his simple bowl and outstretched spoon, I was reminded that this boy knew the gospel so much better than me.

Just as he was willing to give up his only meal to share life-giving sustenance, so was our God willing to give up His only Son to grant us life apart from sin.

Later that week, our group walked into our dorm meeting area. There were pictures posted of Haitian children enrolled in what Lifeline now calls their Together Youth Partnership program. These children needed partners who would relationally, prayerfully, and financially support them. Some of the children were

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Rebecca being greeted by a group of Haitian children.

orphans, but many had parents who could not afford to care for them. These children needed to be reminded that Jesus loved them and is with them through every trial. Together partners receive updates on the children and learn of specific prayer requests. They can also send care packages to help meet some basic hygiene and school needs.

I recounted the worshipped-filled church service where trash was repurposed as instruments all used to make a joyful noise to the Lord. I thought of the families we prayed with who waited in the pavilion to receive Lifeline food packs. There was so much packed into our ten days, yet I would later find out this was only a sample of all God had been doing through Lifeline. Haiti had forever touched a piece of my heart. And although I knew how powerful our trip was, I did not realize how much Lifeline would continue to impact my life personally. Two and half years after our mission trip, I found myself at a Greek restaurant sitting across the table from a Lifeline member, being asked if I would be interested in a job. My heart was about to explode from my chest with pure excitement at the opportunity to get more involved in such a Christ-centered organization.

Lifeline had not only changed my life but truly was a "lifeline" to thousands around the world. Now, I was being invited to play a small role in the Kingdom work God was doing through them. I humbly and excitedly accepted.

Once I began working for Lifeline, I learned how Lifeline was ministering to people all over the world and not just Haiti. I am so grateful to work for an organization that is improving people's lives worldwide.

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The Origins of Lifeline Lifeline Christian Mission began over forty years ago out of the home office of Bob and Gretchen DeVoe, near Columbus, Ohio. Although Lifeline Christian Mission began with one church and one school feeding the children of Grand Goave, Haiti, God had even bigger plans for them and their mission. They acquired land to erect an openair pole-barn for people to meet for church within the first year. After that, there was enough support to add additional classes for children. Soon they expanded to other villages in Haiti beyond Grand Goave, and then they expanded to other countries in Central America.

Within six years of Lifeline's start in Haiti, it was clear that God had big plans to expand His outreach through Lifeline's impact. God opened the doors for Lifeline to establish a ministry to Honduras through a church, school, and Christian radio program. Today, Lifeline has numerous churches, house churches, several schools, a children's home with vocational programming, clinics, and the Bible Institute to biblically train future leaders.

Over the past 40 years, Lifeline's reach has grown globally. Today, Lifeline Christian Mission is located in 11 countries worldwide while sending food to numerous additional countries. Lifeline has churches in Guatemala, Panama, Cuba, and El Salvador. Some of these locations also have sports ministry programs to serve the youth and

"Lifeline's vision is as follows: 'Spark a life on mission for God. Everyone. Everywhere.'"

even a Bible Institute. Over the years, other ministries have joined in partnerships with Lifeline, resulting in a school in Ecuador and community empowerment in places like Uganda.

Additionally, Lifeline does mission work in North America through schools and churches in the Navajo Nation of Arizona and Calgary, Canada. Throughout the United States, Lifeline Centres serve as a beacon of hope within their communities, where people of all ages and walks of life can gather together to pack meals for international and local hunger needs.

Lifeline's vision is as follows: "Spark a life on mission for God. Everyone. Everywhere." Through planting churches, partnering with youth, mobilizing the local church to serve, providing health and nutrition to impoverished communities, and creating sustainability through economic empowerment, Lifeline makes every effort to show the love of Christ by meeting physical needs and providing Christ-centered support. Lives on fire for God bring lasting positive impact to a community. Lifeline ministries have been a source of hope and help to many who have desperately needed Jesus' love in tangible ways.

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With the onset of COVID, many mission trips were abruptly canceled, yet God remained at work as only God can. Despite the lockdowns and restrictions worldwide, Lifeline Christian Mission, with the help of God and volunteers, was able to pack over 7 million meals to distribute to the ministries locally and globally during 2020. But Lifeline was not only busy feeding the hungry. Through all the money raised this past year, Lifeline has helped with crisis relief from the two hurricanes that pummelled Honduras last fall, provided micro-loans to small business startups in developing countries, expanded the Youth Partnership program to reach more children, opened additional Lifeline centres, mobilized thousands of people nationwide to live a life on mission for God, and supported Haiti after the most recent earthquake with immediate assistance as well as a long-term plan for community sustainability.

Because of the prayers, generous donations, and tender hearts of supporters, God has displayed His glory and love to the marginalized. "Our ministry work would not be possible without the faithful support of those who invest in the ministries of Lifeline. Thank you!" expresses Ben Simms, President and CEO of Lifeline Christian Mission.

You can join in the work God is doing through Lifeline. Please pray for Lifeline as God opens more opportunities and locations to minister. Pray for the children in the Youth Partnership program that they may grow up in the Lord to lead their communities in a brighter tomorrow. Pray for the boldness of the gospel to be shared as physical needs are met.

Lifeline believes that God works powerfully through the power of prayer and hearts moved towards compassionate generosity. Time and time again, Lifeline has witnessed the outpouring of God's provision, blessing, and outreach through the support of His people. If you want to learn more about ways you can partner with a class of children needing love, support future mission work, pray for the ministries, or provide meals to those in need, visit: www.lifeline.org or email advancement@lifeline.org. Or send a note to Lifeline Christian Mission, Attn: Advancement Team, 921 Eastwind Dr #104, Westerville, OH 43081. //

Help Pack Meals Here in the United States!

Are you interested in packing meals for the hungry? Perhaps you, your family, church, or neighbors are interested in feeding the poor locally and globally. Visit the Lifeline Centre nearest you. Addresses and locations can be found at: https://lifeline.org/join-an-event. Or call Lifeline to schedule a time to pack 614-794-0108, ask for Cheri Hubbell.

Is the Lifeline Centre too far? No problem. Lifeline can come to you. Nationwide, Lifeline helps churches, businesses, and families experience mobile meal packs. The entire meal pack experience can easily be set up in your community.

Contact Cheri Hubbell at 614-794-0108 or email mealpack@lifeline.org to schedule a meal pack in your community.

Would you rather support the children? Become a Together Youth Partner by visiting Lifeline.org/together. There are classes of children looking for the loving, prayerful support of someone who wants to invest in them. Choose a class to support at lifeline.org/together or by calling 614-794-0108.

Whatever you do, however you help, your prayers and support are making an eternal difference. Thank you!

Rebecca Greenfield is a certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist who carries a Master's Degree in Theological Studies. She is blessed to pursue both of her passions, science and theology, by working in nuclear medicine and at Lifeline Christian Mission. One of her deepest desires is to create spaces and places where people can experience the presence of God through the power of written art. She is the author of five books including, RAW Inner Workings of a Reawakened Soul, The Prayer Crossing Personal Devotional, and her most recent release, a children’s book called Dusternuffle. To order a copy of any of her books, visit www.Rebecca-Greenfield.com or make checks payable to Reawakened Ministries ($16.99/copy) and mail to Cross Point Christian Church, Attn: Rebecca Greenfield, 10659 Johnstown Rd., New Albany, OH 43054.

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simple living HOMESTEAD + ROOTS

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homestead

+

roots

column by: MERISSA A. ALINK

WHEN I WAS MAKING up my list for our menu plans for the upcoming weeks I asked my husband, “What goes with pizza?” (Since we always have homemade pizza on Friday nights.) He said, “Breadsticks!”

So here is the recipe for our frozen breadsticks we made to have on our pizza nights!

I love this recipe because it makes a BIG batch of frozen breadsticks that you can then take out and bake whenever you are ready for them. That way you get yummy fresh breadsticks for any meal without all the prep time!

I hope you enjoy these make-ahead breadsticks as much as we do.

Make–Ahead Breadsticks

Ingredients: 2 cups warm water 8 Tablespoons butter, softened 4 teaspoons salt 6 cups flour 4 Tablespoons sugar 1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder 4 1⁄2 teaspoons yeast

I NST RU CTIO N S : 1. In a small bowl mix together the water, sugar, and yeast. Set aside.

2. In another bowl or a mixer, mix together the other ingredients. Then add in the yeast mixture. Knead for about 5 minutes.

3. Let the mixture rise for about an hour, then punch down. Separate into balls and roll those balls into logs.

4. Lay all of the breadsticks on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer to flash freeze. When they are frozen, take out the pan and you can put the breadsticks in a freezer bag.

5. When you are ready to make them, take the breadsticks out of the bag and place them on a greased cookie sheet. Let them thaw and rise for about 30–60 minutes.

6. Then bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes. As soon as you remove from the oven, brush melted butter over the tops and sprinkle on a little parmesan cheese and parsley.

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simple living CONFESSIONS OF A STEWARD

Confessions of a Steward column by: JOEL SALATIN

Joel co-owns, with his family, Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems. Salatin has published 15 books, and he is the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, granddaddy catalyst for the homesteading movement. He passionately defends small farms, local food systems, and the right to opt out of the conventional food paradigm.

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Carbon Economy

FIVE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, North America produced more food than it does today. That should stir your imagination and make your heart race.

Decades ago, as I was studying controlled livestock grazing, I was amazed that production per acre in wild systems exceeded production in farming and herding systems throughout the African continent. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that most human-managed systems are not as productive as wild systems.

And yet, God's imperative to humans is to make wild places more productive. In fact, throughout Isaiah's prophecies, wildness indicates judgment and scarcity. Even a cursory glance at the historical rise and fall of civilizations shows remarkable consistency in the human capacity to destroy ecosystems rather than regenerate them.

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On our farm, gullies and barren rocks greeted our

The first Europeans in Australia documented an

arrival in 1961. Some three to five feet of topsoil had

average soil organic matter of twenty percent. Today

washed away since initial European settlement. On

it's one percent. North America averaged about eight

average, today's bushel of corn costs us two bushels of

percent; today it averages one percent. When you

soil. Throughout American agriculture, we're losing an

consider that every pound of organic matter holds

inch of soil every forty years. That's imperceptible to the

four pounds of water, that loss of sponginess has huge

human eye, but it's twenty-five times faster than soil

hydrologic consequences. Every percentage loss in

builds under natural conditions.

organic matter drops water retentive capacity by twenty thousand gallons per acre.

Is this human exploitation, this destructive nature, inherent or can human presence accelerate soil building?

Interestingly, the Levitical law imposed a seven-year

Can it encourage species diversity and synergism? Can

sabbatical on crop ground, but not on pasture land. This

it offer long-term abundance? The answer is yes, but the

gives us a clue about long-term soil fertility: tillage is

problem is we don't see many demonstrations of it.

soil's number one enemy. All of the abundant natural

In general, civilizations build on rich resources: soil,

ecosystems discovered and eventually exploited by

water, air quality. As those deteriorate, civilization ebbs.

humans accumulated slowly over many years. Indeed,

If it turns to desert or rocks, civilization collapses. The

Sir Albert Howard, guru of aerobic composting, wrote in

Greek historian Homer wrote that he could walk across

his iconic 1943 An Agricultural Testament that it is the

the entire north of Africa and never leave the shade

temptation of every civilization to turn into cash what

of a tree; today, that's the Sahara Desert. Likewise,

nature spent centuries building.

As farmers and stewards of God's creation, our legacy

large lime slabs in India's deserts indicate grain storage

mandate is to leave the land more productive, with more

capacity in earlier times.

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"As farmers

soil, more water, and more breathable air. Extending God's redemption into our landscape, viscerally and visibly,

and stewards of

brings a physical manifestation of spiritual healing into our communities. If the saga of human history indicates

God's creation,

exploitation and rape of God's creation, surely proper stewardship would reverse this narrative.

our legacy

How? To answer that, we need to look at how God builds soil. Environmentalists would implore us to study

mandate is

nature's patterns. For example, looking at our North American landscape, what built these remarkable soils

to leave the land

that blessed our nation with wealth, not of our making?

Because my Virginia is where European conquest first

more productive,

gained a toehold, it has the longest abuse and, therefore, the starkest contrast between what was and now is.

with more soil,

John Taylor of Carolyn served with Thomas Jefferson in the Virginia House of Burgesses and wrote Arator,

more water,

published in 1818. His words resonate prophetically:

and more

Let us boldly face the fact. Our country is nearly ruined. We have certainly drawn out of the earth

breathable air."

three fourths of the vegetable matter [organic matter] it contained, within reach of the plough.

Vegetable matter is its only vehicle for conveying food to us. If we suck our mother to death we must die ourselves. Though she is reduced to a skeleton, let us not despair. She is indulgent, and if we return to the duties revealed by the consequences of their infraction, to be prescribed by God, and demonstrated by the same consequences to comport with our interest, she will yet yield us milk.

We must restore to the earth its vegetable matter, before it can restore to us its bountiful crops. In three or four years, as well as I remember, the willow drew from the atmosphere, and bestowed two hundred weight of vegetable matter, on two hundred weight of earth, exclusive of the leaves it shed each year. Had it been cut up and used as a manure, how vastly would it have enriched the two hundred weight of earth it grew on? The fact demonstrates that by the use of vegetables [biomass], we may collect manure from the atmosphere, with a rapidity, and in an abundance, far exceeding that of which we have robbed the earth. And it is a fact of high encouragement; for though it would be our interest, and conducive to

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"They reported back that everywhere they rode, they could tie the grass in a knot above the horses' saddles. It was a magnificent silvopasture, managed aggressively by the Native Americans..."

our happiness, to retrace our steps, should it even

Forbear, oh forbear matricide, not for futurity, not

take us two hundred years to recover the state of

for God's sake, but for your own sake. The labour

fertility found here by the first emigrants from

[sic.] necessary to kill the remnant of life in your

Europe; and though religion and patriotism both

land, will suffice to revive them. Employed to kill,

plead for it, yet there might be found some minds

it produces want and misery to yourself. Employed

weak or wicked enough, to prefer the murder of

to revive, it gives you plenty and happiness. It

the little life left in our lands, to a slow process of

is a matter of regret to be compelled to rob the

resuscitation.

liberal mind of the sublime pleasure, bestowed by a consciousness of having done its utmost for future ages, by demonstrating that the most sordid will do the utmost for gratifying its own appetites, by fertilizing the earth; that the process is not slow, but rapid; the returns not distant, but near; and the gain not small, but great.

Isn't that fantastic? As early as 1740, colonial Governor Spotswood dispatched some friends he called the Knights of the Golden Horseshow to scope out the Shenandoah Valley, where I live. They reported back that everywhere they rode they could tie the grass in a knot above the horses' saddles. It was a magnificent silvopasture, managed aggressively by the Native Americans with fire to encourage game and grasslands.

Yes, they planted some corn, squash, and beans, but with a bison scapula tied onto a wooden stick with muscle sinew, they could only till tiny plots. Indeed, the sheer laborious tillage techniques–until modern machinery–slowed

soil

degeneration.

The

Biblical

sabbatical spoke volumes to God's view of tillage, which was also in a culture where tillage and grain production were arduous.

The ancients deployed much of their military power protecting 12-foot high clay urns of grain. Historically,

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grain couldn't be fed to animals; it was a luxury

of animals. In North America alone, millions of

destined for bread. Stall feeding to fatten cattle

bison, at least two million wolves (each of which

was not grain feeding; it was cut and carry.

needed twenty pounds of meat a day), and two

Without the exercise of the nomadic herd, beef

hundred million beavers munched, pruned, and

animals could finally fatten on green material

carved through a biomass cornucopia. And birds.

scythed from a nearby field. A field, by the way,

Yes, the naturalist John Audobon in the early

that received the stall cleanings in the ox cart

1800s recorded in his diary that he could not see

going back to the field, thus maintaining fertility.

the sun for three days because it was blocked

In God's natural system, nobody imports

out by a flock of passenger pigeons. I submit

chemical fertilizer in a bag. Nothing plows.

that was more weight than all of today's factory

Soil builds through the constant application of

chickens, and they didn't eat any annual grains.

biomass, and specifically brown biomass, not

The bottom line is this: the secret to

green biomass. Leaves fall when they're brown,

national wealth and individual farm health

not when they're green. Grass falls over after

revolves around carbon stewardship. Growing

it has lignified, after the cellulose becomes

it. Shepherding it. Using it. If all the money

structurally

lignified

currently spent on fertilizers was invested

carbon can burn in fire, but it can also feed

in carbon cycling, we'd build soil, grow more

carbohydrates to the soil microbes.

nutrition, and enjoy more water retention in

cardboard-like.

That

All rich, deep soils on the planet developed

our landscapes. Next month I'll dig into this

under grasslands, not forests and not bushes.

topic further to explain how to exercise this

And certainly not cropland. These perennial

principle in our gardens and farmland. //

prairies and savannahs fed massive amounts

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NOVEMBER 2021

support THE WIDOW'S PATH

Finding Sanctuary column by:

FERREE HARDY

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LAST MONTH WHEN I WROTE ABOUT “Home” in this

First, it can refer to a holy place in a church, where we

column, I missed something. My widowed friends had

meet with God. Next, it refers to a place of safety and

shared some deep wisdom with me in saying, “Home is

refuge for people in danger; or a place of protection

not so much a place. Home is the presence of someone we

for wildlife, as in a bird sanctuary where hunting isn’t

love.” My heart resonates with that idea, doesn't yours?

permitted. Sanctuary is a place of refuge for both body

Yet, home is also something else. Living by myself

and soul.

these past several months has made me understand that

Jesus looked upon a crowd of people and saw that

a place of “sanctuary” is also a need. The widowed, and

they were oppressed and harassed. They were like

everyone else in a season of suffering, needs a sanctuary.

sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). They needed

Sanctuary, generally speaking, has two meanings,

sanctuary—some needed it for their body, others for

encompassing both our spiritual and physical needs.

their soul. Times haven’t changed; we still need it today.

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NOVEMBER 2021

"Focus on three things: praise to God, the presence of God, and the promises of God."

Sometimes I sense a sanctuary of God’s peace deep

“Where do I belong?” was on everyone’s mind. Do

in my heart where no troubles can touch me or settle

you feel the unrest and displacement too? Pandemic

in. Sometimes I need the sanctuary of a house: a roof

restrictions and unrest have disturbed us all. As

over my head, a door that locks at night, and a warm

conversations began to buzz, women in the group counted

room that keeps out the cold weather. Sometimes the

off on their fingers all the things that had changed. We,

sanctuary is in my soul; sometimes it’s my house. On the

like the people in Christ’s time, wander about like sheep

best of days, I can draw from both.

without a shepherd. We’re all a bit dazed.

Widows and widowers have had a double dose of

In our pandemic-shocked state of mind, Thanksgiving

trouble this year; they’ve had personal tragedies on top

is a holiday we desperately need. The familiar traditions,

of our many national crises. But I was surprised by a

the good smells from the kitchen, the gatherings, the

discussion at a Bible study I went to recently. One of the

sharing of food, the games, and the conversations will

questions was, “What thoughts occupy your mind most

be a doorway to sanctuary for a day. It will be good to sit

of the time?” I answered with a question I am constantly

down and rest. But, even if our house no longer feels like

mulling over: “Where do I belong?” And, although the

home, within its confines we can find physical sanctuary,

ladies in the group were not widows, nor were they

and within our soul we can find spiritual sanctuary. It’s

planning to move away like I was, they all nodded in an

where we belong.

understanding way.

Focus on three things: praise to God, the presence of God, and the promises of God. Doing so will bring peace and a sense of sanctuary, security and refuge.

Philippians 4:8,9 gives us this good promise: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things

are

honest,

whatsoever

things

are

just,

whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things… and the God of peace shall be with you.” Where there’s peace, there’s sanctuary.

Two of my widowed friends shared experiences with me that illustrate these truths in real life. Look for their praise and gratitude towards God, their peace in the presence of God, and how they’ve turned to the promises of God. “The events going on in the world this year have had an immense impact on my life, leading me to reevaluate what I prioritize in my life. Through my disappointments and human limitations, I have found a settled peace in my heart—the kind

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of peace that resides deep within me—the peace

struggled deeply with loneliness and disappointments.

only Jesus can give. It is this kind of peace I am

But they are learning to recognize God's comfort. They’ve

so grateful for. Spending more time in God’s Word

found a sanctuary in their relationship to Him.

and forsaking all the negativity this world has to

In times of suffering, words can ring like an empty

offer has made me realize how disappointments

tin pail or even sting like icy snowflakes. Grief can

and limitations in myself are necessary. They show

overwhelm for hours, days, or even months. I know.

where my strength and limitations end, and God’s

Sometimes we need to lean into the sadness; we need

strength and power in my life begins. They are so

to lament and wail and let it work itself out through our

essential and real.”

pores. Some days we feel as if our sweat is like the great drops of blood that saturated Jesus in the dark night

– DELIA GEARY

before his crucifixion. We need a sanctuary, but most of

“My husband passed away six months ago.

all, like Delia and Toni illustrate, we need a Savior. Hide

The loneliness at times has been tremendous.

away in Christ. He is the truest sanctuary, our rock and

However, God has opened my eyes to others and

our fortress.

their loss. As a hospice Chaplain, I am so much

As we come to the close of this article, let’s open

more sensitive to the loneliness my patients and

our hearts to a real Thanksgiving and find sanctuary

their caregivers feel. As my Father in heaven has

through praise, God’s presence, and His promises. “For I

reached down to me, with His love and comfort, I

know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans

am, in turn, reaching out to others in a more real

to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you

love I now hold on my heart. What a privilege to

hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). We have no

carry His love to others.”

reason not to expect blessings, so we can be thankful for

– TONI S. TROXELL

them ahead of time. //

Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they

Happy Thanksgiving,

ferree l

shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). My two widow friends honestly mourn. Not every day has been peaceful; they’ve

To learn more about widowhood, order a copy of Postcards from the Widows’ Path – Gleaning Hope and Purpose from the Book of Ruth. It’s a gentle, biblical guide for widows that has many saying, “This is the best I’ve ever read!” Contact your local Christian bookstore or mail a check for $14.99/copy (paperback, 248 pgs.), along with your address to: Ferree Hardy, 244 Sweetwater Landing, Dr., North Augusta, SC 29860. Allow 2 – 3 weeks for delivery. Free shipping for all Plain Values readers! www.WidowsChristianPlace.com 35

NOVEMBER 2021

history OUR HERITAGE

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36

PA RT T H R E E

History of the Amish Parochial Schools in Pennsylvania column by: ELAM STOLTZFUS

HEADLINES from Pennsylvania newspapers - September 1950: "Six Amishmen go to Jail in Lieu of Fines" (The Record Herald); "Amish Farmers Choose Jail" (Indiana Gazette); "More School Trouble" (Altoona Mirror); "Amish Farmers are Sent to Jail" (The Monessen Daily); "2 Amish Farmers to Test Compulsory School Laws" (Tyrone Daily Herald).

In the last two articles, I discussed what happened with the schools in the Honey Brook area of Pennsylvania in the 1960s.

In this article, I will discuss what happened a decade earlier, when the Amish parochial schools were first founded in the

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NOVEMBER 2021

"Among the sixteen defendants were three widows; one widow was a mother of nine children."

Let’s focus on the Lancaster County incident: Amish in Leacock Township refused to send their teenage children to the local schools. As a result, they were brought to court for their actions. In September of 1950, sixteen Amish from Leacock Township — three women and thirteen men — were

p ho to © A P I m age

brought to court for refusing to send their fourteenCommonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the early 1950s,

year-old children to school. At the Lancaster County

Pennsylvania state law — known as the Pennsylvania

Alderman’s office in downtown Blue Ball, they

Compulsory School Attendance Law — required that

pleaded “not guilty” of the charges against them.

all students attend school up to the age of sixteen.

The alderman (an elected county representative)

Amish parents refused to send their students to

withheld his decision and stated that he would

high school, resulting in run-ins with the law.

make a final judgment six days later.

In September 1950 in the Altoona Mirror, the

When Friday the 29th arrived, the Amish were

newspaper journalist explains the situation:

late: their bus had motor problems, thus delaying the hearings.

“'Held for defying the Law’ is an annual

Among the sixteen defendants were three

happening in communities where Amish families reside. Differences with school boards,

widows; one widow was a mother of nine children.

which are required to enforce the school

The threat of going to jail was terrifying for the

attendance laws, continue in various parts of

three women, and one of the widows cried softly

the state.

during the hearings. In defense of the widows, one Amish minister stated, “They are ready to stand up

Down in Lancaster County 13 parents are

with the rest of us.” An anonymous person paid the

under bail, and they face jail terms, for failure

fines for the women, thereby preventing them from

to send under 15-year-old Amish children

spending time in jail.

to school. In Belleville, Mifflin County, one

The alderman asked the men, “how do you

father has finished a five-day jail term and

plead?” At first, there was silence. Then eventually,

he faces another prosecution in keeping a

the response was, “I don’t feel guilty.” “I don’t

14-year-old daughter out of school. Eighteen

either.” “Not guilty.” “Not guilty.” “Not guilty.” The

others in Kishacoquillas Valley, Lewistown,

men were charged for keeping their fourteen-year-

area, face prosecution. In Somerset County,

old children out of class at the local schools, and

the settlement also faces prosecution, being in

they were sent to jail.

frequent skirmishes with school officials.”

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A group of Amish fathers being escorted into the Lancaster County Prison.

"Unfortunately,

photo © A P I mage

their father was sent to I had the opportunity to talk with one of the

jail multiple times over

sons whose father was jailed during this time. One memory he shared was that his father was in jail

the compulsory

when his sister was getting ready to be baptized.

As the Articles of Baptism were being read, their

attendance law, and it

father sat in jail. Thankfully, he was released from jail on Saturday evening in time to attend the

was hard for the family,

families' supper event. Unfortunately, their father was sent to jail multiple times over the compulsory

as they had to do extra

attendance law, and it was hard for the family, as they had to do extra work around the farm since

work around the farm

their father wasn’t at home.

Afterward, the two of us had the chance to

since their father wasn’t

revisit the Hollow School in Leacock Township.

The school has an interesting history — it was built

at home."

in 1792 by pioneer Joseph Rutter, who decided to build a rudimentary log cabin school for the local children. It was later rebuilt and moved on a nearby ridge, and the school is known as one of the oldest

39

NOVEMBER 2021

p ho to © A P I m age

Hollow School - 1936

continuously used schools in the area. In 1950,

and it was clear to me that the task of education

there were only three Amish schools in Lancaster

was taken seriously.

County. Today, there are approximately 300 private

But why was it so important for the Amish

one-room school programs in the Lancaster region

to educate their own children? Aaron Beiler, the

among the Amish and the Old Order Mennonites.

spokesperson for the Amish Committee of Education

During our visit to the school, the children sang

during the early 1950s, sums it up well in this line

a few songs for us, and soon it was time for recess.

from one of the Lancaster County hearings:

We observed the youngsters out in the schoolyard,

“We love and honor all virtuous persons that

playing baseball, yard games, and bouncing up and

differ from us, and hope God will have regard to

down on the seesaw. Their laughter brought a smile

every such one according to His sincerity…. We feel

to my face as I thought back to my childhood school

obligated to teach our children by doing, teach them

days at the Fairview School in Honey Brook. Back

self-support, and not to depend on the State for

in the classroom, the students diligently focused on

subsidies and pensions, yet pay our taxes and help

their schoolwork. Everything was neat and orderly,

our neighbors.”

Hollow School - 2021

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Under the new Governor Leader administration, the Public Department of Instruction and the Amish So, how did the situation resolve itself?

church leaders established a vocational program

All through the early 1950s, there were multiple

ruling for fourteen-year-old students.

attempts to come to an agreement between the

In Pennsylvania, the Amish were finally able to

Amish Leaders, the Pennsylvania Department of

have more of a say in how their older children were

Public Instruction, and the Justice Department.

educated without the threat of being jailed. //

During this time, many Amish parents were jailed for their beliefs; Amish representatives spent

Next month this series on the Amish parochial

countless hours working to negotiate an agreement;

schools will conclude with an article on the history

and many families endured disruptions in their

of the Supreme Court’s 1972 ruling on Wisconsin

schools and homes.

v. Yoder.

By 1955, a new governor was elected in

Credit goes to the following books for research and documentation on this

Pennsylvania who finally settled the Amish school

article: Pennsylvania School History 1690-1990 by Chris and Sadie Lapp and

problem. Governor George M. Leader stated that

History of Vocational Schools, Amish and Mennonite for Fourteen Year Old Pupils compiled by Christian G. Esh.

he was “very sympathetic to the schooling for the Amish children” and that he was "inclined to be

Elam Stoltzfus currently serves as caretaker of the Nicholas Stoltzfus

lenient towards them."

After

many

conversations

with

Homestead in (Berks County) Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. In 2018, he

Amish

traveled to Germany to document the history of the Stoltzfus family—this

representatives, Governor Leader came to this

research is documented in German Lutherans to Pennsylvania Amish: The Stoltzfus Family Story. To order a copy of this book, you can mail a $30

conclusion: “The problem does not seem to be one

check to Elam Stoltzfus, 1700 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA, 19610.

of the law, but the interpretation of the law.”

41

NOVEMBER 2021

nature MISSING IN ALASKA

Gone Missi

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ng in Alaska words by: W.H. "CHIP" GROSS

ALASKANS USE A FIGURE OF SPEECH that shakes you to your core once you grasp its full meaning: "gone missing." It connotes that someone has gone hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or simply for a short walk in the woods — and not returned. The implication is that the person likely will not return, and no one will ever know what became of them. Yes, even today, Alaska is that wild, and someone “gone missing” happens more often than you might think.

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NOVEMBER 2021

Stepping off an airplane in Alaska following a flight from the Lower Forty-eight, you quickly learn that you are no longer at the top of the food chain. Given a chance, certain animals there will kill and eat you. A backpacker found that out during the summer of 2012 at Denali National Park. He came across a grizzly, but instead of slowly backing away as he should have, he chose to stay and take photographs. He became the first person ever killed by a bear in the park’s ninetyfive-year history. And yes, the bear ate him.

In addition to bears, rivers will drown you, mountains will bury you in an avalanche, and glaciers will drop you into a crevasse. Suffice it to say there are numerous ways to easily die in Alaska.

But that’s part of the fascination, the allure; there are no guarantees, no assurances. Alaska is the out-of-doors on a grand scale. No superlative is too overblown in describing the Great Land.

While last visiting Alaska, I had the opportunity to sea-kayak around icebergs in Prince William Sound. Then, for nearly a week, I photographed wildlife and landscapes in Denali National Park.

I also landed in a small plane on a glacier at the base of Denali, the mountain formerly known as Mount McKinley. On another airplane trip, I flew to a small Native American Indian village above the Arctic Circle. The cumulative result of all those Alaskan adventures is that something changed in my life.

It’s difficult to say what changed exactly, but you instinctively know in your gut when you’ve seen something, experienced something very special, something relatively few people have the opportunity and privilege of enjoying. Possibly it’s my perspective that’s changed. I don’t quite look at situations or value certain things the way I once did. I’ve gradually come to realize that I’m only a very, very small part of a much larger circle of life and death, and my time, too, will eventually come; and possibly sooner and more suddenly than I suspect or desire. In short, Alaska humbles you.

With its sheer size, remoteness, pristine beauty, and incredible wildness, Alaska humbles you.

God created Alaska, as He has the rest of the world, but I sometimes wonder why He didn’t make

photo © W.H. "Chip" Gross PLAIN VALUES

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"With its sheer size, remoteness, pristine beauty, and incredible wildness, Alaska humbles you."

all that natural beauty safer. For that matter, why

God and die!” But he answers her, “You speak as

didn’t He make life in general safer, no matter

one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed

where we live? Why are there so many pitfalls

accept good from God and not accept adversity?”

to dodge during a lifetime, including not only

(New American Standard Version)

physical dangers, but emotional dangers, mental

Yes, there are such things as evil and sin in

dangers, relational dangers, spiritual dangers…

this world, which help explain all the suffering.

the list goes on.

But thankfully, the Bible encourages us that He

The brilliant British, Christian apologist, C. S.

will make all things right someday. That time is

Lewis (1898-1963), in his seven classic Chronicles

not yet, however, not here on earth. Heaven is our

of Narnia children’s tales, describes this exact

hope, and I’ve no doubt it will be glorious.

conundrum when introducing his main character,

How can I be so sure? Because of personal

Aslan, a mighty lion–an obvious reference to

experience. As I write this, God has faithfully

Christ. One of the young characters in the story

shepherded me for nearly 70 years, through both

asks concerning Aslan, “Is he safe?” The answer

good times and bad. And this month — on November

she receives is, “Who said anything about safe?

4, 2021 — I will reach my three score and ten.

‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.”

The Gospel, the Good News, is that He will

The spiritual application, of course, is to ask

shepherd you, too. No, there is no guarantee as to

is God safe? Can He be trusted? And, not only can

the length of your life. But all you need do to begin

He be trusted, but is He also good? Thankfully, the

your journey of faith is accept Him through prayer.

answer to those questions is an unqualified yes.

Now safely back at home in the Midwest

God can be trusted and He is good. All the time.

following my travels to The Last Frontier, every once

No matter what…

in a while my wife will walk by the door of my home-

That said, we may not always like what we are

office and catch me staring out the window instead

experiencing during certain seasons of life, but in

of working. But she knows what’s going through my

all those situations God is still there, still loving

mind without asking. She understands that, at least

us, walking with us through whatever trial(s)

temporarily, I’ve “gone missing” in Alaska. //

we may be facing. And it helps to keep in mind when hurting that His ultimate purpose is not necessarily our comfort, but to bring each of us to W.H. "Chip" Gross is an outdoor writer and photographer. He is a guest

a saving belief in Jesus Christ, then gradually mold

columnist in this issue of Plain Values magazine. He is the author of Home,

us more and more into His image.

At Last, Is the Hunter, the classic coming-of-age turkey hunting novel. To

In the second chapter of the Old Testament

order a copy, send a personal check or money order in the amount of

book of Job, in verses nine and ten, during the

$25 (includes tax and shipping) to: Wordsmith, 6108 Township Road 88, Fredericktown, OH 43019. Please include a note as to whom you would

height of Job’s misery and suffering, his wife asks

like your book(s) signed. For questions, call 419-512-6064. Makes a great Father’s Day or Christmas gift! (paperback, 222 pages)

him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse

45

NOVEMBER 2021

nature ALL THINGS OUTDOORS

46

—

ALL THINGS OUTDOORS

—

Squirrels column by: JIM ZUMBO

MY EARLIEST HUNTING MEMORIES involved trips with my Dad, uncles, grandfather, and cousins. At first, I was too young to hunt, and I couldn’t wait to be old enough where I could carry my own gun. An open-sighted .22 rifle was my gun of choice, and squirrels were my favorite quarry. Since the gun didn’t have a scope to allow me to draw an accurate bead, I had to wait until I got close enough to a bushytail (as they’re commonly called), and it remained still. Sometimes that was easier said than done!

When you consider squirrels in general, you think about the critters with bushy tails that spend much time in trees. But in reality, there are many animals in the very large family of squirrels, such as chipmunks, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, even woodchucks and western marmots, among others. But since I’m referring to squirrels that we hunt in trees, there are three main subspecies: gray, red, and fox squirrels. Sizewise the fox squirrel is biggest, weighing up to 2 1/2 pounds, followed by the gray that weighs almost 1 1/2 pounds, and then the red that tips the scales at about a half a pound or more.

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NOVEMBER 2021

Years ago, squirrel hunting had a huge following,

As I grew older, I hunted squirrels every chance I

but things have changed. Hunting statistics show that

could. They were gray squirrels, which were the primary

far fewer hunters go afield for a variety of reasons.

subspecies in upstate New York where I grew up. There

The number of hunters in the US has been dropping in

were a few red squirrels but no fox squirrels. In the early

recent years, not only for squirrels, but other species

season I learned that spotting the quarry in trees that

as well. One of the reasons is the fact that more and

were still bearing leaves was a tough proposition. So I

more properties are being posted by folks moving into

switched to a shotgun. That way I could shoot at a squirrel

rural areas, resulting in less access for those who don’t

dashing along a branch or leaping wildly from tree to

own land. And, of course, more and more woodlands

tree. Sometimes a wounded squirrel would escape into

and farms are being converted to urban areas. So it’s

one of the many stone walls that were abundant where

a simple matter of not being able to hunt because you

we hunted. When that happened, my buddy took up a

don’t have a place to go.

ready position with his shotgun, and I carefully removed

When I was a youngster, there were oak forests

the stones one by one. Eventually, the squirrel would dart

everywhere in and around our town. Now, my favorite

out and my pal would shoot. Sometimes we’d find the

hunting spots are unrecognizable, having been taken

squirrel dead in the wall. We’d always replace the rocks as

over by malls, suburban neighborhoods, and other

best we could, even though the walls were built by early

aspects of civilization. In those days gone by, squirrel

pioneers and were now no longer of any use.

hunting was as easy as taking a walk in my backyard or

Squirrels are champion hoarders. They work hard

riding my bicycle a short distance.

all summer and fall to store food for later winter use.

My fondest memory of my earliest hunting

They collect acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, and all sorts

experiences was an adventure with my dad. I was too

of other nuts, as well as pine cones. They deposit their

young to hunt, and I tagged along after him. He was

bounty in a place called a midden, usually centrally

hunting squirrels on a woodlot on a friend’s farm. The

located within their territory. I’ve seen middens larger

trees were tall oaks some 70-80 feet high. We eased

around than my pickup truck and a foot or more deep. In

along slowly, and suddenly my dad stopped and stared

the northern states, hardwood trees are bare, offering no

at something far up in a tree. He whispered that there

food to squirrels. That’s when they head for the midden

was a squirrel up there, but I couldn’t see it. We had no

and dig up their meal, often under deep snow.

binoculars. He aimed the open-sighted .22, squeezed the

Red squirrels are also called pine squirrels. They

trigger, and I was amazed when a squirrel plummeted to

prefer living in evergreen forests, and they are fond of the

the ground, hit squarely in the head. I was so proud of

seeds in pine cones. I have two big Douglas fir trees next

my dad! That was an incredible shot.

to my house. In late summer, I always hear loud noises on

GRAY SQUIRREL

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RED SQUIRREL

48

FOX SQUIRREL

my roof as red squirrels scurry around dropping cones on

every part of the tree. You might see a tuft of hair from

my house. Then they pick up each cone and bounce off to

its tail, ears, or other parts of the body. This is excellent

their midden in the surrounding woods.

training and will help you spot part of a deer in the

The big fox squirrel is found in many parts of the

woods later on.

country. I never saw one when I was a youngster, and

Once you’ve spotted the squirrel, you must be able

it wasn’t until I hunted on a buddy’s farm in Iowa when

to hit it. If you’re using a scope sighted .22, you need to

I got my first one. I’ve since hunted them in various

position yourself under the tree so you can hit the head.

midwest and southern states, and they’re my favorite

Many times a squirrel will lay flat on the opposite side

of the three because they’re a bit easier to see up in the

of where you’re standing. As you move around the tree,

tree and offer more wonderful meat.

it will invariably slip around to the other side, and you’ll

There are also black-colored squirrels which are

play that game until the squirrel makes a mistake or

melanistic varieties of gray squirrels. There are places

decides to quit and dashes away. Hunting with a buddy

where most of the squirrels you see are black.

eliminates this merry-go-round. Each one of you stands

Squirrel hunting strategies depend on many factors,

on opposite sides of the tree. Another way if you’re alone

including the time of year, amount of underbrush,

is to tie a string to a sapling on the other side of the

weather conditions, and the type of firearm used. It’s

tree. Get ready to shoot, and jerk on the string several

said that the best way for a person to learn to hunt big

times. The sapling will thrash around noisily, and the

game is to take up squirrel hunting. You can learn all

squirrel will be confused, thinking danger is on his

the elements of hunting deer when you’re pursuing

side, and scurry around to your side. The ability to hit

squirrels. For example, you must be able to spot the

a squirrel under such trying conditions will help your

quarry hiding high up a tree, using binoculars to search

marksmanship abilities when you’re hunting deer.

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huge white oak tree visited by many squirrels, not only for its acorns but because it had several holes in the trunk used as dens by squirrels. I recall a couple of times I shot a limit of five squirrels in that tree without repositioning myself. That brings up another point. Once you shoot a squirrel, make a note where it fell and continue sitting. If you don’t move, other squirrels will soon resume feeding, allowing you to shoot again.

Tracking a squirrel in the snow is also possible if the snow is very fresh (better yet if it’s still falling), and you can follow it through the woods. When you see the tracks end at a tree, the chances are excellent that the quarry is up in it, unless it scampered away through the treetops to another location. Obviously if the snow is old, there will be tracks everywhere, making it impossible to single one out and follow it. When I’m hunting in winter, I often wear snow camo to help me blend in with the winter woods, especially if I intend to sit quietly and wait for squirrels to appear.

Hunting with dogs is popular in some areas, especially in the south and mountainous regions in the east. This requires a well-trained dog that will run loose through the woods, pick up the scent of a squirrel and follow it until it runs up a tree. The dog will then remain

Stalking quietly is also a strategy that’s required in

at the tree, barking to alert its master that the quarry is

both squirrel and deer hunting. You teach yourself how

at hand.

to slip along quietly on the forest floor toward a squirrel

Finally, squirrel meat is delectable. Unfortunately,

you’ve spotted in a tree. This is extremely important in

some folks call them tree rats and would never attempt

the deer woods. Here’s a tip. If hickory trees share the

to eat them. That’s a bad rap that squirrels don’t deserve.

woods with other species, be aware that their leaves

They can be cooked in a variety of ways, with one of the

turn yellow before oaks and most other trees. Squirrels

most famous called Brunswick stew. This is a tomato-

will commonly seek out hickory nuts before acorns, and

based stew that usually contains squirrel meat, lima

chances are good you’ll spot bushytails in those obvious

beans, corn, and other veggies.

beacons in the forest. Stalk each tree very carefully.

Whether you hunt squirrels on a balmy autumn day

Another necessity is listening. You must be able

when the leaves are brilliantly colored or in the winter

to hear a squirrel scampering in the leaves, or hear it

when the naked trees shiver in the white woods, you’ll

chatter high in the trees, and even hear the pieces of nut

be participating in one of America’s oldest activities.

husks falling when the squirrel is feeding. That really

Squirrels are a serious quarry, and once you master the

takes some doing and works only on calm days when the

strategies, you’ll be ready for wary whitetails and have

wind isn’t blowing.

many wonderful squirrel dinners as well. //

Patience is another requirement, coupled with the need to sit or stand in places where you’re apt to see squirrels, and waiting for long periods of time. You need

Jim has hunted all fifty states for deer, has fished in most states, has hunted elk

to do this if you’re deer hunting, too, even if you use trail

in all the major western elk states, and has hunted on four continents. He worked for fifteen years as a forester, game warden, and wildlife biologist. Jim draws

cams to help you actually see deer as well as learning the

on these experiences for his monthly column “All Things Outdoors.” For more

trails they use. One of my favorite squirrel spots was a

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information, visit www.jimzumbo.com.

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funds & benefits

PLEASE NOTE If you are conducting a fundraiser to assist with medical or hardship expenses, please let us know and we will be happy to feature it for one month at no cost.

Funds must be payable to a bank, church, or charitable organization.

JONI BEACHY FUND In 2013, 27-year-old Joni was in a truck/cart accident with serious head injuries. He has had numerous hospital stays since, and he is facing yet another head surgery. In addition, he is currently unable to hold a full-time job. Any help is greatly appreciated — Give God all the glory. Make checks payable to Joni Beachy Medical Fund, Clare Bank, PO Box 36, Boscobel, WI 53805.

CEPHAS NISLEY FUND Cephas Nisley, a young 13-year-old Amish boy, was going to surprise his mom by making a new bird feeder as the old one broke. As he was cutting the wood, he accidently cut his fingers, thumb and hand, and his smallest finger was barely attached.

He was taken to the University of Iowa hospital and spent the week recovering from his injuries. He is fortunate to keep his thumb and finger. We are asking for any donation to help his parents Nelson and Mary Nisley pay medical bills for the hospital.

All donations would be greatly appreciated! Make checks payable to: Helping Hands Fund c/o Midwest Heritage, PO Box 331, Chariton, IA 50049.

KEVIN YODER FUND Kevin was born to Alvin and Margaret Yoder in April of 2020 with CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia). His diaphragm was only 25% formed on the left side, causing 4 organs to move up to his chest. This causes a lot of pressure on his heart and lungs.

He had surgery to fix it and was on life support for 6 days. Finally, after 9 weeks in the hospital, he was able to come home. His hospital bill was $1.8 million, but now it’s down to $400,000. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Write your check to South District GAMC, (memo) Kevin Yoder Fund. Send to Kevin Yoder Fund c/o Elkton Bank & Trust, PO Box 98, Elkton KY, 42220.

MARIA ANN BOWMAN FUND A fund has been set up for Maria Ann (18), daughter of Samuel & Elsie Bowman. She is in and out of the Akron Children’s Hospital. She was diagnosed with ALCL Lymphoma Cancer and is undergoing chemo treatment. The cost will be extensive and is ongoing. Thanks for your prayers and support. Make checks payable to: Mt. Hope Charities Inc. c/o Benton Church (60-1), PO. Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660

AMZIE AND ROSIE SWARTZ FUND Amzie and Rosie Swartz are an Amish couple from Indiana currently living in Lancaster while Rosie recovers from surgery for MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome). They’ve had many medical expenses over the years, and they can use some financial support to help with past medical expenses, as well as travel and lodging and any upcoming medical expenses. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to: Amzie Schwartz Fund. Send to: Bank of Bird-in-Hand, 309 N Ronks Rd., Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Phone # 717-768-8811. PS: Please keep the family in your prayers, as well, since their only daughter is in the instruction class in Indiana this summer.

ROSANNA LAPP FUND Rosanna (59) has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is taking chemo at this time. Expenses are high. If you feel led to help, send funds to: Rosanna Lapp Fund, Jersey Shore State Bank, 2842 Earlystown Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828. Thank you for your prayers.

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NOVEMBER 2021

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