PLAIN VALUES
4
Cultivating Anchored Community MARLIN MILLER
PUBLISHER
KEVIN BILLE
GENERAL MANAGER
MATT YODER
ACCOUNT MANAGER // OHIO
AARON STUTZMAN ELAM STOLTZFUS
ACCOUNT MANAGER // INDIANA ACCOUNT MANAGER // PENNSYLVANIA
NIC STOLTZFUS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
JAN SCHLABACH
CUSTOMER SERVICE
BETHANY TROYER ISAAC HERSHBERGER
BOOKKEEPING // CUSTOMER SERVICE PRODUCTION MANAGER
SETH YODER
GRAPHIC ARTIST
LANDON TROYER
PHOTOGRAPHER
ELAINE TOMSKI
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
NIC STOLTZFUS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
DR. DAVID MENTON
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
FERREE HARDY
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
MERISSA A. ALINK
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
MARCUS A. YODER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
DAVID AND KARIN HOLDER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
DR. TERESA HOXWORTH
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
JANUARY AD SALES DEADLINE
/
DECEMBER 4, 2020
Plain Values is published monthly by Room to Bloom. Room to Bloom is a nonprofit, tax-exempt Section 501(c)(3) organization. Please contact us with any questions regarding Plain Values.
PO Box 201/2106 Main Street, Winesburg, OH 44690 Phone: (844) 260-4578 | Fax: (330) 601-4099 www.plainvalues.com | reachout@plainvalues.com
THE FORMALITIES This publication and its contents are © 2020, 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.
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DECEMBER 2020
ISSUE 90
CONT PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREE
// 22
An easy Christmas dessert for your holiday family gatherings.
PLENTY OF ROOM: FAMILY KEYS INTERNATIONAL
// 12
Horace and Phyllis Leister have created a home for an enormous family. Their forty-four foster children have a God-stamped identity and purpose on every single one of them.
PLAIN VALUES
HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE
// 37
This is one of those things you should never need to buy from the store.
PUBLISHER'S MESSAGE
Thoughts and ramblings from Marlin Miller, publisher of Plain Values. // page 9
FUNDS AND BENEFITS
Every month we provide a listing of opportunities to help out those in need. // page 50
GOOD STUFF WITH KEVIN BILLE
This month, Kevin discusses the importance of gratefulness. // page 51
ON THE COVER
A graphic showing just how large the Leister family is in Africa. 6
ENTS MillerTech
SKIN: OUR LIVING ARMOR
// 25
// 29
DECEMBER 2020
HOLDING HANDS // 33
MillerTech has expanded beyond selling lithium batteries; they are a distributor of renewable energy products.
God’s handiwork in creation is evident in everything He has made — even our skin.
“You hold me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23). Can you believe God is holding your hand?
COLONIES OF WEALTH
FEAR
WORMS: THE INTERNAL PARASITES
// 39
...the Russian Mennonites grew rapidly and had a tremendous financial, cultural and social influence on the society...
// 42
Part two of Tanner's story – discover if Tanner's bear hunt will end in success or in fear.
// 47
This month we will cover internal parasites, namely–worms.
This new section of Plain Values is devoted to showcasing local goods and services to our readers. Each reader will enjoy one of four editions, depending on where they live. Our hope is that the "Plain Pages” can be a resource in finding local businesses to assist you in your needs as well as in your wants. // pages 34
7
DECEMBER 2020
MESSAGE from the PUBLISHER words by: MARLIN MILLER Is it just me, or are we seeing right and wrong switching
may move his heart to compassion at the right time. Here’s
places almost everywhere we look? In Isaiah 5:20 we read, “Woe
my point: let’s not stay silent anymore. No one will know your
to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for
perspective unless you share it. Let’s be bold.
light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet
~
for bitter!” As followers of Jesus, we need to be wary of those who switch right for wrong and those who replaced truth
~
~
~
~
A wise and humble preacher (in his 70s) recently gave a
with lies. We are called to a higher standard of righteousness
beautiful description of life I just can’t forget, and I want to
and truth; God’s standard of compassion and love for the
share his words with you:
downtrodden and those in need.
“God is working out his plan in history through imperfect
A good friend recently made a profound observation. He
people and in less than ideal circumstances. Think about your
said, “the only way to change a person’s view is dialog, genuine
own life, think about your own family history, think about the
deep dialog.” It struck me powerfully because a few days before,
foolish decisions that each of us have made along the way.
I had a great conversation with an older gentleman. We talked
Think about the things that we would go back and repair and
life, history and family. Then it went deep. He said if he was 20
redo and put back in place if only we could. And people say
again and his wife was expecting a baby that was not “normal”
to us, ‘Well you’re stuck now. You just have to live with those
he would push her to look at her choices.
implications forever.’ No! No, because our King, Jesus, he’s not
Then he added, “life is hard enough, I wouldn’t want to
only righteous, he’s faithful, and he’s gentle.”
add that”.
How wonderfully thankful I am for Christmas! His
I sent a barrage of mini prayers for guidance and asked if
coming is what made redemption possible! From our families
I could speak to that exact point.
to yours, Merry Christmas!
He grunted, “sure, knock yourself out.”
~
I told him it just so happens my wife and I have a son with autism and three younger children with Down syndrome.
~
~
~
~
Finally, we have been asked a few times if Room to Bloom
Before I could say anymore, he cut in and said, “What!
has a board in place, and I am happy to say it has had one from
How’d that happen?”
the very beginning. I simply did a poor job of communicating
I shared with him we adopted them all, and then I said, “I
that clearly. I do apologize. Thank you.
understand your thought on life being hard and all that but I
As always, may you find joy in the simple things. //
can tell you from experience… our kids are worth it! They have dignity and they make our life fuller and bring joy to everyone they meet. There are many times it’s not easy but it’s always worth it because our kids are worth it!” He was quiet for ten seconds and then ended our conversation with, “Difference of opinion I guess.” Now, I doubt that old guy will change his mind even in the slightest, but maybe it was a seed planted and could grow to become something more. The words I shared with him
9
DECEMBER 2020
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DECEMBER 2020
PLENTYof ROOM
A Family of Forty-Four, and the God That Brought Them Together
Horace and Phyllis Leister have created a home
words by: ELAINE TOMSKI
for an enormous family. Because their forty-four foster children's identities require protection from
And she brought forth her firstborn son,
public display, the names listed above are fictional.
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
However, there is a real name and a God-stamped
and laid him in a manger;
identity on every single one of them. Their hope
because there was no room for them in the inn.
(in Swahili, tumaini) is in God, and their home is
LU K E 2 : 7
named accordingly. Welcome to the Tumaini Home,
Imagine Christmas dinner is ready, and mothers
PLAIN VALUES
where there is always room for love.
worldwide are calling children to the table by name.
The vision of the Tumaini Children's Home is
If the family is large, she takes a big breath before
"to see children, and people in general, who have
rattling off the list. However, Phyllis Leister must
been orphaned or abandoned know that this is
pause several times for a breath while calling her
not their identity, giving them a new truth. Their
children one-by-one. The call for dinner might sound
identity exists in their Father and Creator. Their
like this. "Leroy, Lydia, Uriah, Cindy, Amy, Ann,
future potential is as large as He is. We hope
Abigail, Ava, James, Hannah, Andrew, Rosemary,
to bring about this new knowledge of identity,
Kyle, Aaron, Thomas, Silas, Noah, Melissa, Lucas,
potential, and a promising future by creating a
Eva, Josh, Leah, Layla, Benson, Dana, Josiah, Lee
loving, Godly home and family environment for
Ann, Jason, Karen, Julianna, Landon, Leon, Lavon,
those who have been set aside and discarded,
Jeremiah, Mary, Isaac, Micah, Jesse, Loretta, Jacob,
giving them value and worth by our actions and
Ethan, Laura, Abe, and Rueben, it's time to eat!"
sacrifices as Godly parents." 12
FEATURE STORY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
GOD OF WONDERS
WIDOW'S PATH
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
New Beginnings
OUR HERITAGE
GREAT OUTDOORS
CANINE CORNER
children worldwide. During this meeting, Horace
How does a family gain forty-four children,
also heard God's call to missionary work in Africa.
you ask? Let's start at the beginning of the story
He first questioned that call because his son, Josh,
and discover how God's plan for the Tumaini
had always been the one with a dream to serve
family unfolds.
in Africa. However, several months later, Horace
Horace and Phyllis were married in 1975 and,
received a word of confirmation. The Leisters sold
in their twenties, committed to fully follow Christ.
their Genesee, Idaho, home of sixteen years and
God gave them a love for children and a desire to
solidified plans to follow the call. In 2006, Horace
provide home and family for children who need
and Phyllis attended Schools for Pastors in Eldoret,
both. Living in the Pacific Northwest of the United
Kenya, and discovered the place where God was
States, they served as foster parents for eighteen
calling them to help orphaned and vulnerable
years,
children.
children. Within a year, they moved to the Eldoret
Their immediate family grew to eight children,
fostering
over
one
hundred
area, with four of their eight children. Their purpose
including five adoptions, with a growing number of
was to build not an orphanage but a home.
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Horace
served
as
a
deacon,
The Tumaini Children's Home is all about and
family. Many children who desperately needed a
ultimately an ordained pastor. Phyllis served in
elder,
family came to the home: there were children who
children's ministry, and together they taught
were rescued from garbage dumps, infants who had
marriage seminars. While attending a conference
been abandoned naked in the hot sun, and a baby
with other church leaders, Horace and Phyllis
who was rescued from a rat-infested latrine. All of
heard a presentation on providing homes for
these abandoned little ones found a place of safety, 13
DECEMBER 2020
HORACE AND PHYLLIS LEISTER // above PHYLLIS WITH HER FOSTER-SON // below
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and love with the Leister family. Children continued to come until Horace and Phyllis thought they could take no more. Thirty-three children seemed like plenty enough for one family. Becoming Family Keys International As the family grew, so did their support, their mission's reach, and their building projects. Their oldest son Josh decided to remain in Kenya with his parents. He became a Certified Clinical Officer, which is similar to a physician’s assistant. Josh, along with his wife Rachel, who is a nurse, tended to the medical needs of the Kenyan people. Many infants come to the Leister family in critical condition, so Josh lovingly tends to their urgent needs and all medical needs of the Tumaini children. Gratefully, all of the abandoned, vulnerable, and malnourished children brought to the Leisters have survived. In addition to their medical mission, Josh, Rachel, and their four children, together with Horace and Phyllis, help abandoned children understand the original intent for the family. "Advancing God's Kingdom through His love of family and the generations." They are Family Keys International (FKI), and they live out the truth of Psalm 22:27, "There are no orphans in God's family and
required. Therefore, God has circled the Leisters with an
our Father lacks nothing."
invaluable team of supporters.
FKI is located on a ten-acre farm, including a vast
One such supporter is the Nussbaum family from
home, workshop, schoolhouse, playground, basketball
Dalton, Ohio. Jeremy and Kelly Nussbaum and their
court, fire pit, prayer garden, vegetable garden, and fields
children have been supporting the Tumaini Home since
of maize and beans. On the back acre is a house and barn
2015, developing a close relationship with Horace, Phyllis,
for Josh and Rachel Leister's family. FKI also leases an
and the children. Kelly is in contact with someone from
additional ten acres adjacent to their farm. Maize, beans,
the Tumaini Home almost daily.
and oats fill these fields with the hope of feeding their
The Nussbaum family first learned of the Tumaini
families and many others who cannot feed themselves.
Children's Home one day during homeschool when
Because many guests and supporters will travel to
Sandi Stoltzfus shared her experience of Kenya. Sandi
Eldoret to lend a helping hand, a guest house is also in
and her late husband, missionary aviator Brian Stoltzfus,
the works. Every structure, garden, and field has been
served with Samaritan's Purse in Eastern Africa. During
built, created, or planted by the Leisters, friends of the
Sandi's visit, she asked the Nussbaum children, "Can
mission, and through the support of generous donors.
you imagine having thirty-three brothers and sisters?"
God supplies the funds, and his people accomplish
Jeremy and Kelly’s seven-year-old son Daylan cried out
the work.
emphatically, "NO!" No way could he imagine having
Room for Support
that many siblings! He also could not imagine the
As the family grows, so must the support grow.
Tumaini children not having their own toothbrushes.
Extra hands, extra hearts, and additional funds are
However, when there are thirty-three children aged
15
DECEMBER 2020
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eight years or younger, it is not possible to keep track of all those toothbrushes. Therefore, Kelly says, "They gather the toothbrushes every morning and boil them, so they don't mix their germs." Although Daylan came to understand why the children couldn’t have their own toothbrushes, he strongly believed they needed some things to call their own. So, he began drawing pictures to sell, raised money, and purchased a new pair of shoes for all thirty-three children. The Nussbaum's seven-year-old son started
"...AT A TIME WHEN MANY PEOPLE ARE READY TO RETIRE, HORACE AND PHYLLIS CHOOSE TO PARENT FORTY-FOUR BLESSED CHILDREN."
the family tradition of raising money every year to help supply Tumaini children's needs. Kelly also uses photographs to memorize the children's names as she prays for each one. Through Kelly Nussbaum's visit to the Tumaini Children's Home in February 2020, we gain an eyewitness account of family love spread across the FKI acres in Eldoret, Kenya. Tumaini Family Life Horace is a builder by trade. The head of the Tumaini household needs building skills to accomplish multiple ongoing projects and repairs. He also manages the farm. His kingdom work requires a strong back, math mind, trowel, hammer, welder, and the patience to teach young ones the same skills along the way. As an ordained pastor, Horace is also well equipped to be the spiritual leader of the family. He shares his open Bible with the children and, no doubt, spends much time on his knees in prayer. Phyllis has always been a homemaker. At times, she taught preschool and kindergarten. She was a school bus driver, a counselor, and served as a foster parent recruiter. It seems God was preparing Phyllis and her mother's heart for their Tumaini family. Can you imagine the massive amount of laundry, shopping, and meals she must manage? On the blessing side, how many hugs does she share every day? And imagine the difference she is making in each of their lives! The Leisters had stopped adding to the Tumaini family when they reached thirty-three children. Horace and Phyllis were becoming old enough to be concerned about raising the children to adulthood. However, they changed their minds when they discovered abandoned babies were dying with no one else to rescue them. Even the local hospital lacked funds to keep the infants alive.
A FAMILY GATHERING TO SHARE A GENEROUS DONATION OF NEW SHOES
17
DECEMBER 2020
"PART OF SHOWING CHILDREN HOW TO BE A FAMILY INVOLVES FORGIVENESS. EVERY ONE OF THE TUMAINI CHILDREN HAS AN ABANDONMENT STORY."
So, in the spring of 2019 Horace and Phyllis reopened
Part of showing children how to be a family involves
their doors. Within nine months, they welcomed eleven
forgiveness. Every one of the Tumaini children has an
more babies, making the total of forty-four children.
abandonment story. The Leisters work with each child
Today at the age of sixty-eight and sixty-three, at
to deal with their trauma, and they help the children
a time when many people are ready to retire, Horace
to find forgiveness for their birth parents. Horace and
and Phyllis choose to parent forty-four blessed children.
Phyllis point them to God, who has graciously provided
Thankfully, Josh, Rachel, and their four children have
a way for the children to know what it is to be loved
come alongside. Family life may take forty-four times
and nurtured in the Tumaini family home.
the sacrifice, but the Leisters also get forty-four times
When a new baby made its way to the Tumaini
the wiggles, laughter, and love.
Home during Kelly's visit, she heard Phyllis say, "I
"Meeting basic needs is really difficult when there
always think of the mom, missing her baby today."
are only two parents and some staff with forty-four
How confused or deceived that young mother must
children to care for," says Kelly. Organization is critical at
be. Phyllis helps the children find compassion for their
mealtime. Each plastic picnic table has an assigned group
birth parents, so children learn how to be loving rather
of children, including older and younger children. The
than confused. The children learn what good parenting
meal is family-style, and the oldest sibling at the table is
looks like through examples in the scripture and the
responsible for seeing every child’s plate gets food. There
example set forth by the Leister family. Choosing
are no second helpings. Kelly says, "When the food is
forgiveness blesses the future of the Tumaini children
gone, it's gone! They do dinner well. They make it work."
as well as the future of Kenya.
Somebody must also organize school time. Kelly
What does the Tumaini family do for fun? An
says, "Their homeschool is like a mini private school
occasional family movie night is always a delight. So
with hired teachers joining to teach a homeschool
are the family volleyball games with plenty of players
curriculum from the States." The school is lovingly
for each team. Phyllis claims, "Dad's team usually
named Shining Light Mission School. Can you imagine
wins." And how about family vacations? How do you
how many pencils, markers, and sheets of paper it takes
take forty-four children on a yearly vacation? You
to homeschool so many children? Recess time ushers in
don't. Instead, the Leisters make four different trips
playground fun and soccer games.
per year, taking eight to ten children along. They plan
When the school day is over, life-skill learning
small group activities over three days and two nights,
continues because there are now eleven babies needing
creating Tumaini family memories to last a lifetime.
care. The older children are helpful in the afternoon and
On one such trip, the rains came. Still, Phyllis said,
evenings. Kelly says, "They do a good job of jumping in
"Life is so good with family, even in the rain." FKI
and grabbing a baby and just playing with them. They're
is grateful for financial supporters who make these
pretty awesome. They know their little buddies and take
opportunities happen.
care of them pretty well."
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19
DECEMBER 2020
THE JOY OF REALIZING SOMEONE LOVES AND CARES FOR CHILDREN LIKE HIM
Room for Jesus Horace and Phyllis face a considerable challenge to
name, visited with them one-on-one, and gave them
provide financially, educationally, and emotionally for
their name-engraved copy of God's True Word. Kelly
so many children. But, Kelly says, "I know their greatest
says, "It was really cool to sit there and hear them say,
heart's desire is that they all love Jesus. After supper,
'Oh, I know God loves me. I know he sees me.' Their faith
everyone gets on their pajamas and ready for bed. They
is pretty awesome." During her one-on-one visits, Kelly
come with pillows and blankets to join together as a
asked how she could pray specifically for each child.
family for a time of devotion and worship."
The children asked her to pray that they don't lash
The Nussbaum family's fundraiser for 2020 creates
back at their sisters and brothers, and they asked her
a lifelong opportunity for each of the Tumaini children.
to pray that their words and actions be kind. She says,
Although the COVID virus traveling restrictions
"It really shocked me how much they are just like any
threatened Kelly's plan to visit in February, ultimately
other person on the planet with all the same fears, all
she was permitted to travel from Ohio to Kenya to deliver
the same dreams. Maybe more fears than some because
the best possible gift. The Nussbaum family raised
of the trauma they experienced early in life. They're
funds to purchase Bibles for all forty-four children. And
just so funny and sweet and kind and happy! I guess I
on each Bible cover, the child's name is engraved.
thought, going halfway around the world, they might be different. But they are just like any other kid who wants
Kelly says, "In a family so large, it's easy to feel
love and attention and care."
unseen." So, during her visit, she greeted each child by
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Do you recall how one of the babies was rescued from a rat-infested latrine? Thankfully, she is now an amazing 12-year-old girl who struggles like every other girl about to enter her teenage years. Even with such a traumatic start in life, she's still a blessed child loved by God and family. Kelly says, "It is amazing to me how Horace and Phyllis saw a need and moved across the globe to meet that need." Room for Sacrifice Being called to serve in Africa does not come without sacrifice. Of their original eight children, Josh's family is the only one living in Africa. Horace and Phyllis's remaining seven children, along with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, have either returned to the United States or never left the country. For the Leisters living in Kenya, not being near their American family is a sacrifice felt by both parents and children. There is no possibility of a Christmas day drive to mom and dad's house from the U.S. to Kenya. Instead, they will celebrate Christ's birth back home in the snow. On Christmas day in Kenya, eighty-five-degree temperatures will not bring snow. However, there will be plenty of snowflake ornaments on the tree. This Christmas, the flurry is to be found in the excitement of forty-four children who cannot wait for the celebration to begin. Brothers and sisters will wrap gifts for one
How to Support Family Keys International:
another. Children, ages nine-months to fourteen, will circle on the floor to sing out Christmas carols and wait to peek into the stockings all hung in a very long row of nearly four dozen stockings.
If the Lord is urging you to support Family
Although the little town of Bethlehem struggled to
Keys International, please find our donation
find room for the birth of baby Jesus, you can be sure
card on page 34. Complete it with your donation
there will be room at the table for all the Tumaini children
information, tear it out, and mail it, along with
when their mother calls each one to the table by name.
your check, to:
Perhaps, there was no room for the Christ-child at the inn because that is not where he chooses to be born.
Room to Bloom
Rather, in our humble hearts, He will dwell. And when
P.O. Box 201
we invite Christ in, there is plenty enough room, energy,
Winesburg, OH 44690
provision, forgiveness, faith, hope, and love to accomplish any task our heavenly Father gives us to complete. Horace
Funds designated to Family Keys International
and Phyllis, Josh and Rachel, and forty-four blessed
will be passed onto the ministry of Horace and
Tumaini children, live this truth out every day. They
Phyllis Leister.
understand the key to a family is God's love. //
21
DECEMBER 2020
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23
DECEMBER 2020
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FEATURE STORY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
GOD OF WONDERS
WIDOW'S PATH
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
OUR HERITAGE
GREAT OUTDOORS
CANINE CORNER
words by: NIC STOLTZFUS Lester Miller was frustrated. He was working with his logging crew to pull trees out of the woods with a twelve-volt high-power winch on his logging cart, but the batteries they were using weren’t strong enough to keep up with the work. Lester and his crew went through up to eight lead acid batteries a year, and he was tired of constantly having to replace the batteries. Plus, it seemed like it was an unnecessary expense. Wasn’t there something better out there on the market that could handle the heavy amperage? So one day on the way home from work, he asked his driver to Google “best batteries on Earth.” The result that his driver came up with was a new and upcoming kind of battery promising to replace lead acid batteries: lithium. Excited to see if they would work, Lester ordered some lithium batteries, but they didn’t work well. Undeterred by this, he bought his own lithium cells and assembled his own batteries. These batteries worked much better, and he found that they could handle the heavy amperage for the winch better than the old lead acid batteries.
25
DECEMBER 2020
reminded what his Dad told him growing up: “Lester, if
His friends found out about what he had done, and
you’re not honest, people won’t be honest with you.”
they asked him to build batteries for the work they were doing. Pretty soon, Lester found himself assembling
Today, MillerTech has expanded beyond just selling
forty to fifty batteries a month in his shop at home.
lithium batteries; they are a wholesale distributor of
People were impressed by the quality of the batteries,
renewable energy products. Their mission is the same
and Lester realized that there was a strong demand for a
now as it was from the beginning: to provide the highest
high-quality lithium battery. He realized that there was
quality products possible at prices that make sense.
enough demand that he could make batteries full-time.
When experimenting with developing high-quality
However, he had his concerns: he was newly married,
lithium batteries, Lester realized that you had to have
and he didn’t feel as if he had enough saved up to start
high quality every step of the way. Many lithium batteries
his own company. Besides, his dream was to own his
are produced in China, and Lester did his research to
own sawmill, not start from the ground up in a different
find out which companies produced the highest quality
industry! But Lester saw that it was a good time to get
Grade-A cells. As a result, all MillerTech batteries are
into the battery market: many Amish were transitioning
sourced from two of the top five Chinese lithium battery
away from propane and natural gas to more efficient
manufacturers. The batteries may be manufactured
energies and cost-effective energies such as solar,
in China, but they are designed by MillerTech here in
battery, and LED lighting. So, in 2017, Lester left his job at
America. Each battery is manufactured according to
the logging company and started MillerTech.
MillerTech’s rigorous specifications.
He started out making 40-amp lithium iron
In particular, MillerTech’s premium lithium batteries
phosphate batteries. Like other lithium batteries, they
are backed by a five-year warranty. Lester Miller realized
put out a high amperage and last a long time. From the
that, in order to have longevity in the batteries, it is
very beginning, Lester decided that it was important that
essential that you not cut corners.
he make a battery that was based on quality first and
For customers who don’t need a premium battery
foremost. He knew that it was easy to make a cheaper
for high-cyclical applications, MillerTech has developed
battery and not tell the customers about it, but he was
an economy line. These batteries are just as safe as the
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26
premium line and are backed by the same level of safety
One of the promises that MillerTech has for its
precautions. MillerTech’s economy batteries are backed
customers is that all products manufactured and
by a three-year warranty and are good for 1500 cycles.
distributed by MillerTech Energy Solutions have a
Another innovation in the market MillerTech
warranty ranging from 1 to 5 years, with all MillerTech
has provided is with using lithium batteries as solar
premium lithium batteries backed by their five-year
batteries. Many solar installations are still using lead
warranty. With MillerTech you can rest assured, that if
acid batteries, but these types of batteries are inefficient:
by chance, you have a warranty claim, it will be solved
they lose energy and take longer to charge. MillerTech’s
with an honest, understanding, hometown approach. //
batteries are 98 percent efficient and charge quicker than the lead acid batteries. In addition, there is not as
To request a catalog, order a product them, or
much heat build-up, which makes them safer and at less
inquire about dealership opportunities, give them a call
risk of starting a fire.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm EST, at (855) 629-5484.
MillerTech Energy Solutions has expanded beyond the battery market, with a focus on renewable lights. One of their bestselling lights are their renewable-
“As one of Lester’s distributors, it’s
battery headlamps. Built with an aluminum frame, with
interesting working with his company and
bright LED lights that are highly visible and clear to see,
a privilege…I actually speak with Lester
they come backed with MillerTech’s 5-year-warranty
on a weekly basis, sometimes daily basis,
and up to 1,000 charges.
and I don’t have that kind of a relationship
Instead of having to worry about the constant
with other businesses that I work with on a
expense of buying AA or AAA batteries for your
business-to-business level, so I’ve developed
headlamps, all you need to do is continue to recharge the
a friendship with Lester.
same battery. Now in its second generation, these lights
“And I’ll back that up on the warranty: he’s
have a USB-C charging port, which is more heavy-duty
got more of a Costco thing going on where
and proven to charge better than the old USB ports.
customers are trusting him because they
A new product that MillerTech has developed is
know that he is going to stand behind those
LED directional lighting. Instead of using the corncob
batteries. He’s not looking for a loophole.
style bulbs that shine bright light directed outward,
He’s going to honor that warranty.”
MillerTech’s LED directional lighting is focused on only lighting up the area where you need the most light. This
JASON LEE
way you can use less energy and still light up the area
LDS Reliance - MillerTech Distributor
you need lit up just as well. 27
DECEMBER 2020
SKIN OUR LIVING ARMOR
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FEATURE STORY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
GOD OF WONDERS
WIDOW'S PATH
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
OUR HERITAGE
GREAT OUTDOORS
CANINE CORNER
words by: DR. DAVID MENTON Only a few millimeters of skin separate our bodies from the dangers of the outside world. Yet skin’s multilayered design provides us with the perfect combination of strength, flexibility, and durability. Unlike any spacesuit or body armor designed by man, this protective covering is alive, constantly repairing and renewing itself. You have perhaps heard that “beauty is more than skin deep.” While that is certainly true, the skin itself is beautiful and tells us a lot about people. For example, we recognize one another mostly by the skin on our face. The skin’s blood supply and facial muscles even permit us to tell on sight when people are happy, sad, angry, or embarrassed. The skin is the largest organ in our body (weighing about 10 pounds [4.5 kg] in the adult) and covers the entire surface of our body, including our eyes, where the skin covering is conveniently transparent. Being on the surface, skin is the most accessible organ of our body, and thus must be marvelously resistant to our vain efforts to “improve” it with pigments, chemicals, punctures, and tattoos.
Skin, Thick and Thin Skin is generally classified as thick skin (on our palms and soles) and thin skin (on the rest of our body). With callouses, thick skin can reach thicknesses of nearly half an inch (13 mm). Thin skin varies in thickness from about 0.5 mm on the eyelid to about 2 mm on the back (1 mm is about the thickness of a dime). Skin is made up of three major layers called the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Each of these layers serves its own vitally important functions.
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DECEMBER 2020
"...LET US THANK GOD FOR OUR SKIN, WHICH IS SO ESSENTIAL FOR OUR VERY LIVES." Epidermis–The Skin's Outermost Layer
If the epidermis just kept adding new cells, our skin would grow thicker and thicker. To prevent this, the
The Body's "Miracle Wrap" The outer layer of our skin, the epidermis, is
dead cells on the outer surface must regularly loosen
subdivided into two layers: a thin surface layer of dead
their tight bonds and fall off the surface of the skin
cells, called the stratum corneum, and a deeper layer of
in a precisely controlled manner. In fact, every minute
living cells. The stratum corneum is made up of tightly
we lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead corneocytes from
connected dead cells called corneocytes that form a
the surface of our skin. That comes to about 9 pounds
barrier between the living cells of our body and the
(4 kg) of dead cells every year! We are not aware of the
outside world.
loss because normally these cells fall off individually.
If we suddenly lost our stratum corneum, death
The outer cells can’t fall off too quickly, however. If
would quickly follow from massive fluid loss and
cell loss exceeded cell production by only a few percent,
bacterial invasion. Amazingly, over most of the surface
we would quickly lose our stratum corneum and die.
of our body, this critically important dead layer
Amazingly, cell loss precisely matches cell production.
measures less than half the thickness of refrigerator
Dermis–The Second Layer of Skin
shrink wrap. Indeed, we might call the stratum
The Body's "Leather"
corneum “miracle wrap.”
The dermis, which lies just below the epidermis, is
In thin skin, the dead cells are flattened like thin
comprised of very strong fibers made of a protein called
pancakes and are stacked on top of one another in
collagen. The collagen fibers are exquisitely woven into a
precise columns (Figures 1 and 2). Each cell is tightly
very complex tissue that in animals, such as cows, serves
attached to its neighbors on top and bottom by over
as our source of leather. The dermis accounts for most
a hundred little “spot welds” called desmosomes. This
of the skin’s strength and is highly resistant to tearing.
tight bond is necessary for the dead layer to resist wear
While the dermis must be strong, it must also be elastic
and tear.
and flexible to permit us to move comfortably. Though
In the thick skin on our palms and soles, the
the collagen fibers themselves are very inelastic, the
epidermis, and particularly the stratum corneum, is much thicker than thin skin. Here the corneocytes
way they are woven permits the skin to stretch much
themselves are thicker and interlock like jigsaw puzzle
like a double-knit fabric. Special elastic fibers woven
pieces (Figure 3). Thick skin is designed to provide high
through the dermis help restore stretched skin back to
resistance to wear and shearing on the much-used
its relaxed condition, much like the rubber strands in
surfaces of our palms and soles.
the elastic waistband of underwear.
Cell Turnover in the Epidermis
The Body's "Radiator"
The main function of the living layer of the
Another important function of the dermis is
epidermis is to produce the dead cells of the stratum
regulating our body’s temperature. When our body gets
corneum. As they mature, these cells become filled
too warm, heat in our blood needs to reach the surface
with strong protein fibers called keratins. It takes
of the skin so that it can dissipate into the air. To control
about 28 days for the new cells produced in the lowest
how much heat reaches the surface, blood vessels in
level of the living epidermis to rise up to the surface of
the dermis have valves that can divert the blood into
the skin.
smaller vessels (capillaries) in different levels of the
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dermis (Figure 4). Under control of the brain, blood
skin. Without these numerous sources of new skin
is diverted to fill these capillaries and dissipate heat.
cells, we would require a skin transplant for even a
The regulation of heat is further aided by sweat glands
skinned knee.
that pass through both the dermis and epidermis.
Conclusion
We have about three million sweat glands in our skin
God’s
that can secrete up to about three quarts of sweat per
handiwork
in
creation
is
evident
in
everything He has made—even our skin. Like so many
hour. Sweat, which is largely water, evaporates off the
other things, we take the protective functions of skin
surface of our skin, giving a cooling effect.
for granted. But let us thank God for our skin, which is
Hypodermis–The Skin's Deepest Layer
so essential for our very lives. Most of all, let us thank
The hypodermis, the skin’s deepest layer, can vary
our Lord and Savior who endured those who pressed
immensely in thickness. Most of this layer is body fat
a crown of thorns through the skin of His brow and
that serves as the principal source of energy when we
lashed the skin of His back to shreds. By His stripes we
are deprived of food. Strands of collagen pass through
are healed from sin, death, and hell (1 Peter 2:24). //
the fat of the hypodermis, anchoring the skin to For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand
underlying muscle and bone, limiting the mobility of
at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed,
our skin.
this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I
Most of the length of our hair follicles and sweat glands resides in the hypodermis. Indeed, it is here that
shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not
hair grows and the sweat glands produce their sweat.
another. How my heart yearns within me!
When we lose skin in a deep abrasion, the surviving
JOB 19:25–27
sweat ducts and hair follicles serve as a source of new 31
DECEMBER 2020
Holding Hands PLAIN VALUES
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FEATURE STORY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
GOD OF WONDERS
WIDOW'S PATH
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
OUR HERITAGE
GREAT OUTDOORS
CANINE CORNER
words by: FERREE HARDY
2020 has been a hard year. It seemed like
bake. Would you rather send Christmas
our nation crashed into one disaster after
cards? Then send cards. But if you don’t
another with hurricanes, the Iowa derecho,
have the energy, time, or money for these
floods, enormous wildfires, political riots
things or some of your other traditions,
and fights, a divisive election, and to top it
then allow yourself to skip them this year.
all off—an invisible enemy called COVID-19.
Perhaps you would like to hibernate
Who could have imagined one year ago
like a groundhog until next spring. While
that industries would switch to sewing face
that’s just not possible, it is alright not
masks, that schools would close, businesses
to do some of the Christmas activities
would go bankrupt, unemployment would
that will cause you undue anxiety. But
soar, and millions of people would huddle
only you can decide what’s right for you.
alone behind locked doors, afraid to go out?
Some people need to cocoon and rest.
As if preparing for a blizzard up north
Others need to be around people and give
or a hurricane down south, people stormed
of themselves. You might cry, but that’s
the grocery stores and bottled water, bread,
normal and to be expected.
and milk flew off the shelves. I won’t even
Many people tell me that memories of
mention the toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
the first Christmas without their loved ones
And then we waited to get sick. Some did, and sadly, some died. Worse yet, some died alone and some grieved alone. And in some cases churches had to close. 2020 was extremely stressful and lonely, and that was magnified even more for everyone who lost a loved one. As we turn our calendar pages to December, we’re reminded that Christmas is coming. What will it be like? I can assure you that it will be different, but it doesn’t have to be another disaster. If this is the first Christmas without your loved one, my heart goes out to you. Please be kind to yourself. Decide ahead of time what changes you will make. Do you love baking Christmas cookies? If so, then
33
DECEMBER 2020
are a blur. The first Christmas seemed very important
first times back to church after Bruce died, a lady saw
as it approached, but in hindsight it wasn’t all that
me sitting all alone. She slid in next to me and grabbed
they made it out to be. It’s good to relax a bit; grief is
my hand. She held on tight through the whole sermon.
exhausting enough. (If you’re like me that’s very hard to
Sometimes she’d groan a little because she had chronic
admit.) Please don’t force yourself to try to do all you’ve
back pain and sitting there was very uncomfortable for
done in the past; pray about it and then do what’s most
her. With her aching back and my aching heart, we were
meaningful for you and your children.
together in our pain. No words were necessary.
Despite the difficulties of widowhood, the challenges
We usually don’t need to talk much when we’re
of COVID-19, and the deep loneliness and stresses
holding hands. The simple togetherness says it all. Did
brought on by 2020, the true message of Christmas is
you know that God also will hold our hand? “You hold
evermore powerful this year.
me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23). Can you believe God
If I could design a Christmas card to mail to you,
is holding your hand? Can you believe he never lets go?
here’s what it would look like: the front of it would
In John 10:28-29, Jesus explains that no one can ever
show two people holding hands. Not shaking hands,
break his grip on us.
that’s done for greeting or agreement. What I mean
The Christmas story reminds us that, “God is with
is the “togetherness” way of holding hands. The two
us” (Matthew 1:23). The picture of holding hands on the
people might be a grandson holding a grandma’s hand
front of my imagined Christmas card is just right for
as they cross the street together. Or picture how you
this year, especially if you picture that it’s Jesus holding
used to hold hands while sitting on the couch with
your hand.
your husband or wife. That was a special kind of
Now, still using your imagination, slowly open my
togetherness, wasn’t it? Many other ideas could come
Christmas card to you. It will show all of us holding
to mind, too. Envision two little 3-year-olds enchanted
hands! We are kneeling together to worship at the birth
with each other and not letting go, or a newborn baby
of this wonderful Savior—the One who holds our hands.
clutching her mama’s finger...
He has led us through this dark and discouraging year.
I also love to see elderly couples holding hands.
He’s been with us in our sorrow and pain. He will never
In August, a man and wife in Ecuador, South America,
let go of us and nothing can break his hold on us. His
set the world’s record as the world’s oldest married
name, Immanuel, which means “God is with us,” is also
couple. Cameras flashed snapshots. In each picture,
his promise. He has been, he is, and he will continue to
they were holding hands or touching shoulders. He’s
be together with us. All the calamities, grief, and stress of 2020 have not
110 and she’s 105. In February, they’ll celebrate their
separated us from his love and care. Tears may flood
80th wedding anniversary.
our eyes, grief may break our hearts, but nothing can
There’s something special about holding hands.
separate us from his grip of love. In spite of everything,
I will always cherish the time my Great-Aunt Millie
we have a reason to rejoice!
visited from California and came to church with me in
Merry Christmas everyone! //
Ohio. Her husband had died a few months after mine. She held my hand all through the service; it was unusual
Until next month,
for me because I’m not much of a hand-holder, but we
ferree l
were together in our sorrow. Another time, one of my
NEW ADDRESS! 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 49860. Allow 2 – 3 weeks for delivery. Free shipping for all Plain Values readers! www.WidowsChristianPlace.com
PLAIN VALUES
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35
DECEMBER 2020
FEATURE STORY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
GOD OF WONDERS
WIDOW'S PATH
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
homestead
+
OUR HERITAGE
GREAT OUTDOORS
CANINE CORNER
roots
words by: MERISSA A. ALINK Ricotta Cheese is one of those things you should never need to buy from the store. Why? Because it’s just so easy and so cheap to make at home! Yes, I realize this recipe isn’t for “traditional” Ricotta Cheese (made from whey), but it’s a perfect homemade ricotta cheese recipe when you need a frugal and quick substitute in a recipe. Once you learn how to make Ricotta Cheese, you will see that it takes just 5 minutes of prep time and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, so there’s no need to make a trip to the store and no need to spend more money. Quick, easy, frugal…What’s not to love?
.............................................................................. homemade ricotta cheese .............................................................................. Start by prepping your draining bowl. All you need to do is stretch some cheesecloth over the edge of a bowl and secure it with a rubber band. Place your milk and the pinch of salt in a saucepan on the stove top. Turn the heat to
what you need • 2 c. Whole Milk
medium-low and place a candy thermometer in the pan. Stir occasionally until the temp
• 1 T. Vinegar (or lemon juice)
reaches 165 degrees.
• 1 Pinch of Salt
Once the milk reaches 165 degrees, turn off the heat and add the vinegar. Give it a little stir, just enough to move around the vinegar and let the whole mixture sit for a
• Cheesecloth • Candy Thermometer
minute or two. You’ll see the milk begin to curdle, much the same way it does when you add vinegar to milk to make homemade buttermilk. Strain the mixture through the cheesecloth into your bowl slowly and gently. Let the cheese set on the counter for about 20 to 30 minutes to drain. Once the cheese has drained you can place it in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to use or you can use it right away! This recipe makes about 1/2 cup of homemade ricotta cheese per 2 cups of milk used and will store for a few days in the fridge, but make sure to use it up within a week. Extra ricotta cheese can be frozen for later use.
37
DECEMBER 2020
FEATURE STORY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
GOD OF WONDERS
WIDOW'S PATH
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
OUR HERITAGE
GREAT OUTDOORS
CANINE CORNER
Colonies of Wealth words by: MARCUS A. YODER Last month we began the journey east into Russia as Dutch and German Mennonites settled in the Ukraine under the invitation of the Russian government. Here they were granted large parcels of land, and colonies developed. These were not communal colonies like the Huttterites; rather, each family was given a parcel of land that was their own. Most of the people lived in small villages and traveled to their land, which they farmed. As the colonies grew, new villages were started to keep the people close to their farms. This pattern follows an age-old European tradition where families often did not live directly on the lands they farmed. This was for safety, and also allowed the best land to be farmed rather than settled in villages. Since the colony was first settled in 1788-1789, it was often called the “old Colony.” At its peak, the colony owned 405,000 acres and had a population of 14,000 people in 19 villages. Each family who initially settled here was given 175 acres. The people could farm
A SECTION OF THE "BEHALT" CYCLORAMA PAINTING
39
NOVEMBER 2020
“LIKE THE HUTTERITES, THE RUSSIAN MENNONITES GREW RAPIDLY AND HAD A TREMENDOUS FINANCIAL, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE ON THE SOCIETY AROUND THEM.” or develop other economic structures, such as factories and shops. The government promised these people freedom in religious matters, but they were not permitted to try and convert their non-Mennonite neighbors. They were exempted from military service and not forced to swear oaths.1 It appeared as though the Mennonites had finally found their place. Here they farmed, worshiped, and raised their families. As the colonies grew, they appealed to the government for more land, and other colonies were developed. By the late 1800s, the Mennonites owned several million acres of land and were a significant factor in the agriculture industry in Russia. By the early years of the 1900s, there were over 100,000 Mennonites in these Russian colonies, with none of this growth coming as a result of outreach, but rather family growth and resettlement by other Mennonites. Mennonites developed not only farms and farm-related businesses, but also numerous factories and businesses, and at their height they accounted for over six percent of Russia’s industrial output. Some of the factories and farms employed hundreds of people, including Russian peasants and other Mennonites. Their villages were well developed, and many of the wealthier Mennonites lived in large brick homes, with magnificent gardens and orchards. Old people’s homes, orphanages, schools, and hospitals were started to take care of their own people. These colonies were often seen as model success stories and were noted as the “most prosperous and well-developed rural communities in all of Russia.” 2 Since each colony was responsible for not only their religious governance but also their civic world, they soon became enclaves of culture much different from the Russian world that surrounded them. In order to hold office in the colonies, one needed to be a Mennonite, which resulted in a small group of men who had tremendous power and influence. This murky relationship between religious and civil government is ultimately what led to the demise of the Russian Mennonites. The first fissure that developed within the group was in 1814, about 25-30 years after the group had moved to the colony. A small group felt that the spiritual life of the church was beginning to diminish. Of specific concern was the lack of personal and corporate morality, the power that some of the leaders used in punishing civil crimes, and the support of the Russian military through taxes, etc. This group became known as the Kleine Gemeinde (small church), a name they continued as they later emigrated to Canada and the Americas. Like the Hutterites, the Russian Mennonites grew rapidly and had a tremendous financial, cultural and social influence on the society around them. And like all groups that focus on self-goverance and isolation, the colonies grew rapidly but faced unique issues that would eventually lead to their demise. It was these issues that would eventually lead their neighbors to retaliate and strike against them. That is story that will come a bit later in history. For now, we leave them in their colonies and move back to America to see what has become of their spiritual cousins, the Amish and Mennonites who had Swiss and South German roots. //
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If you would like to learn more about these people, or any other areas of history, please call or visit the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center. We offer guided tours of "Behalt" - a 10 ft. x 265 ft. cyclorama oil-on-canvas painting that illustrates the heritage of the Amish and Mennonite people from their Anabaptist beginnings in Zurich, Switzerland, to the present day. Behalt means “to keep” or “remember.” We are open Mon-Sat 9:00-5:00 and are located near Berlin; you can find us at 5798 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH 44654. Please call (330) 893-3192 for more information or to schedule a day or evening group tour. MARCUS A. YODER IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMISH & MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTER AND THE OHIO AMISH LIBRARY. HE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF CATHEDRALS, CASTLES, & CAVES: THE ORIGINS OF THE ANABAPTIST FAITH.
1) WALLY KROEKER, AN INTRODUCTION TO THE RUSSIAN MENNONITES, (INTERCOURSE PA: GOOD BOOKS, 2005) 11-12. 2) KROEKER, 23.
41
DECEMBER 2020
FEATURE STORY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
GOD OF WONDERS
WIDOW'S PATH
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
OUR HERITAGE
PT Part
Two
II
FEAR
Turn Your fears Into focus
words by: DAVID AND KARIN HOLDER ~ Continued from the November 2020 issue of Plain Values ~ If you don’t face your fear, it can cripple you. But harnessing the power of fear can propel you forward into adventures you never dreamed possible. What you are afraid of doesn’t matter; what matters is how you handle it. Tanner Webb was determined to harness his fear, and the result would be life changing. We settled into the blind, hoping today would be the day Tanner took his first bear. We hadn’t been there long when I heard a limb crack. My heart pounded in my ears, making it difficult to tell which direction the noise was coming from. I could see flashes of black dipping in and out of the timber in front of us. Tanner’s breathing accelerated, and I could sense his tension. I could imagine his heart must be slamming against his chest the same way mine was. As a 175-pound bear appeared to my left, his excitement grew, and I’m pretty sure fear was the last thing on his mind. The bear cautiously moved down the trail toward the blind. The bear stopped 17 yards away. This was Tanner’s big chance. With a deep inhale, he lined up his crossbow... Zing. PLAIN VALUES
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GREAT OUTDOORS
CANINE CORNER
43
DECEMBER 2020
TANNER WEBB, ALONG WITH HIS 175-POUND BEAR IN CANADA
“TANNER’S FEAR OF BEARS, AND MY FEAR OF FAILING HIM, HAD BOTH BEEN CONQUERED. THANK YOU, TANNER, FOR HELPING ME REALIZE THAT FEAR TURNED INTO FOCUS IS A GOOD THING.”
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The arrow passed through the vitals of the bear, sending a red spray into the air. A perfect shot! Tanner
ANCHOR POINTS
was all smiles, and so was I. He had done it.
•
Tanner had killed a bear, but that wasn’t all. He
If you don’t face your fear, it can cripple
had faced his greatest fear, and in the process, he
you. Harnessing the power of fear can
discovered that what he feared most wasn’t nearly as
propel you forward into adventures you
terrifying as he thought.
never dreamed possible.
We waited in the blind just to make sure the bear was dead.
•
Pray about it; don’t worry about it.
•
You can conquer fear when you begin to see yourself doing what terrifies you.
I clapped the proud boy on the shoulder the way •
I would have congratulated Warren or Easton. “You
Conquering fear begins where self-reliance ends.
know who I bet is looking down today and cheering •
you on?” I asked. According to Tanner and his dad,
Fear holds you back and keeps you from fulfilling God’s purpose.
Tanner’s mom, Amy, had loved her son more than anything in this world. She’d always been his biggest cheerleader—which explained a lot about how Tanner had the tenacity to face his fear and do what a lot of
CONFESSION FIRE
grown men wouldn’t have attempted. Sadly, two years before, Amy had gone to work and, at lunchtime, had
•
laid her head down on her desk and passed from this
Fear can stop you dead in your tracks when you refuse to confront what terrifies you.
life into the next. Without warning, and only in her forties, she suffered a massive heart attack. “She’d be proud.” Tanner’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “She also would have wanted to come with us. Her worrying about me would’ve ruined all the fun.”
Fear holds you back and keeps you from doing
We found Tanner’s bear less than 50 yards from
what God intends for you to do. If I hadn’t allowed
where he had taken the shot. Its coat was coal black
God to help me with my fear of tree stands, I’m not
and made a beautiful rug. Tanner’s fear of bears, and
sure what role I’d be playing at Raised Hunting. I know
my fear of failing him, had both been conquered. Thank
I wouldn’t be in front the camera as often. My fear
you, Tanner, for helping me realize that fear turned
would have set lim- its around me.
into focus is a good thing. Thanks for reminding me
Facing your fear is never easy, but neither is
that life begins where fear ends.
anything worth doing. Don’t give up, and if you fall out of the tree, climb back up. Staying at the bottom will
~ KARIN
~
~
~
get you nowhere. //
~
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for
- Like David, I believe faith helps us overcome
I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll
fear. For me, conquering fear begins when I admit to
hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
God that I’m human and need His help. I’ve learned to
ISAIAH 42:10
trust Him and believe He’s got my back. Keep in mind
MSG
that God is kind, loving, and patient. The more you talk to Him about your shortcomings, the more He’ll
TAKEN FROM: RAISED HUNTING: TRUE STORIES OF FAITH, FAMILY, AND
support and lead you in the right direction. I had no
THE ADVENTURE OF HUNTING. COPYRIGHT © 2019 BY DAVID HOLDER, KARIN HOLDER, AND LARRY DUGGER. PUBLISHED BY HARVEST HOUSE
real reason to be afraid of heights or tree stands; I was
PUBLISHERS, EUGENE, OREGON. WWW.HARVESTHOUSEPUBLISHERS.COM.
just unfamiliar and unskilled.
USED BY PERMISSION.
45
DECEMBER 2020
46
FEATURE STORY
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
GOD OF WONDERS
WIDOW'S PATH
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
OUR HERITAGE
GREAT OUTDOORS
CANINE CORNER
WORMS
The Internal Parasites
words by puppy expert: DR. TERESA HOXWORTH As a follow up to last month’s article on external parasites, this month we will cover internal parasites. The internal parasites that affect the intestines— excluding coccidia and giardia (which I covered in a recent article)—are worms. Worms are more commonly seen in puppies, but also sometimes in adult animals as well. The most common worms which I diagnose are roundworms and hookworms, but I’ve also seen isolated cases of whipworms and tapeworms as well. I will be writing a brief summary of all four of these common internal parasites. Although most people have their dogs on a very strict deworming protocol, this article will serve as a reminder for why it is essential to continue these protocols and not miss any doses. Roundworms are large worms that can be seen when passed in the feces of dogs. They are often described as looking like spaghetti. Roundworm eggs are large eggs, but you will need a microscope to see the eggs that are passed in the stool. These eggs are infective between dogs by fecal-oral transmission. Roundworms 47
DECEMBER 2020
can also be passed from the female to puppies from larvae that become dormant in muscle or other tissue and then during stress situations (such as pregnancy) become reactivated. The larvae can then pass through the placenta and enter the puppies while the female is pregnant or enter the mammary glands and pass through the milk and infect the puppies. Puppies may get very sick from a roundworm infestation because roundworms eat the puppies’ blood through the intestinal wall. Signs include vomiting and diarrhea, distended abdomen (potbellied appearance), coughing and general poor condition. Pyrantel and fenbendazole (Safeguard or Panacur) are treatments for roundworms and need to be given every two weeks to puppies starting at two weeks of age and to adults monthly or every other month. Females also need to be dewormed every two weeks along with their puppies. These eggs are hardy and can live in the environment for a long time, so it is very important when controlling these parasites to be careful about cleaning up stool to prevent animals from becoming exposed more than necessary. This includes cleaning up stool in play yards and outdoor areas as these eggs can live in soil. Hookworms
are
much
smaller
worms
than
roundworms and will likely not be seen in a dog’s stool. They will need to be diagnosed by looking at a stool sample under a microscope and seeing the hookworm eggs. These worms are spread from eggs being passed in the stool, the eggs hatch and larvae can either be ingested or they can penetrate the skin and migrate to the lungs where they are coughed up and ingested where the worm develops in the intestine to produce more eggs. The larvae can also be passed in milk to nursing puppies. Hookworms also ingest the animal’s blood, so signs include pale gums, weight loss, weakness, and diarrhea. Treatment for hookworms is also either pyrantel or fenbendazole. You will need to start deworming puppies and their dam at two weeks of age and then continue every two weeks until they are sold at eight weeks. It is also recommended that females be dewormed in late gestation to help control the larvae’s passage into the mammary glands. It is also important to clean runs and outdoor areas to help with control, as these eggs can stay in the ground for a long time, so it is important to pick up stool in outdoor areas frequently. Whipworms are also small worms that can only be diagnosed by finding the eggs in a stool sample. They
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48
are less common than roundworms and hookworms.
may have no signs from tapeworms other than seeing
They are spread by fecal-oral transmission and most
the worms passed in the stool, occasionally weight loss
dogs do not show signs when infected, although they
and diarrhea may occur. Treatment depends on the type
may show weight loss and chronic diarrhea. Treatment
of tapeworm ingested and may include drugs such as
for whipworms is fenbendazole (Panacur or Safeguard),
praziquantel and epsiprantel and possibly fenbendazole
but must be given for three days in a row and repeated
for the rodent/animal tapeworm if given for extended
two more times, one month apart. These eggs can also
times. Since this parasite can only be spread by an
live in the environment, so cleaning up stool in pens and
infected host, control involves controlling fleas and not
play yards is vital for control
allowing the animal to hunt prey, and by not feeding the
Tapeworms can be seen in stool samples and
animal raw meat.
appear as smaller flat, white worms that are about the
It is important to work with your veterinarian on
size of a grain of rice. This is actually the best way to
an internal parasite treatment and control plan for your
diagnose tapeworm as they are rarely seen under the
specific situation. Routine stool samples and excellent
microscope. These eggs must actually pass through an
sanitation are important procedures that will be helpful
intermediate host before they can be infective to dogs.
in a parasite control program. //
There are two types of tapeworms, the flea tapeworm and the rabbit, rodent, or animal tapeworm. The flea or animal ingests the larvae of the tapeworm and then the tapeworm matures inside them. If a dog eats a flea, rabbit, rodent, or other animal that has been infected by
DR. TERESA HOXWORTH IS A VETERINARIAN AT DANVILLE VETERINARY
these tapeworms, they can become infected also. A dog
CLINIC IN DANVILLE, OHIO.
49
DECEMBER 2020
FUNDS an d BENEFITS //
URIAH AND LIZZIE HOSTETLER FUND
A fund has been set up for Uriah and Lizzie Hostetler. Their 5-year-old son has acute leukemia and is going to Akron Children’s Hospital every other week for chemotherapy, blood tests, and blood infusions. Each hospital visit takes anywhere from a day to over a week, and this process may take up to three years. All contributions and prayers are greatly appreciated. God bless you. Tax-deductible donations can be made to Mt Hope Charities Inc., Po Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660. Attn: Hostetler NE District #134-1.
//
ELI AND AMANDA MAST FUND
Eli Mast is 25 years old and has Sarcoma cancer. A tumor is pushing his hip out, and he has developed a blood clot the length of his leg. He had to go to the ER multiple times for help and is now on pain medicine and unable to work. Eli and Amanda lost their son Andy when he was a baby due to health conditions, and there are many hospital bills that they are still trying to pay off from that. They have two little girls at home. A fund has been set up at their local bank. Eli & Amanda Mast, First State Bank, PO Box 910, New Castle, WY 82701. The need is real, thank you for helping.
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ELI M. TROYER FUND
A fund has been set up for the Eli M. Troyer Family. On July 15th, their three sons were in a pony accident taking the life of Eli Jr. (7); their son Nathan (11) has been at Akron Children’s Hospital since then. He is still unconscious at the time and expenses are high. Thank you and God bless you for sharing. Tax-deductible donations can be made to: Mt Hope Charities, Inc. and mail to: Mt Hope Charities, Inc., PO Box 19, Mt. Hope OH 44660. Attn: Shreve SW Church 74-1.
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CLEMENS AND CHRISTINE BORNTRAGER FUND
Christine Borntrager has a chronic medical condition and she is in need of financial help to help pay her medical bills. Over the past few years, Clemens and Christine have traveled many miles to seek help for her condition, including two trips to Mexico and a trip out-of-state to Duluth, Minnesota. Handling these costs has been difficult enough, but recently they had to move out of their old house because of mold issues. If your heart is moved to help them, please send payments to BTC Bank, 3606 Miller Street, Bethany, MO 64424. In the memo line, write “medical fund,” with checks payable to Roman Borntrager. May God bless you for your help!
//
EDWARD YODER FAMILY FUND
Edward (55) and son Kenneth (11) were with a driver when a lady with three children in her back seat ran a stop sign and hit their driver’s car. Both drivers were killed. Kenneth and the three other children only had minor injuries. Edward had 9 broken bones and a collapsed lung. He was in the hospital and rehab for nearly 2 months and will have a long recovery. A fund has been opened at: Edward Yoder Family Fund, Choice One Bank, 1423 West Main St., Fremont, MI 49412.
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HENRY AND LEONA BEECHY FUND
A fund has been set up for Henry and Leona Beechy. Leona has been fighting cancer, and she is currently in Arizona for treatments. Not only are they burdened with costs from the cancer treatment, they also have responsibilities for their children, ages 3-20. Any help would be appreciated. Make checks payable to: East Church #2. Mail to Mose Burkholder at 660 SW 65th St., Jamesport, MO 64648.
//
TIM FISHER FAMILY FUND
A fund has been set up for the Tim and Miriam Fisher Family. Tim is currently residing at Sunrise Meadows seeking healing for his mental health. Miriam is at home alone with their children; two of them are adopted children with special needs. With Tim away from the home, they have very little income. Their special needs children require a lot of care and generate a lot of expenses. Your prayers and contributions are greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to: First National Bank, c/o Tim Fisher Family Fund, 16652 Conneaut Lake Rd., Meadville, PA 16335. /
P L E AS E N O T E
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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. PLAIN VALUES
50
Hey, what’s the good word!
appreciation for people, opportunities, and possessions.
Gratefulness. What better time to talk about this
They don’t take anything for granted and are not entitled.
than during the season of Thanksgiving, as well as with
Once you get used to looking for things to be grateful
everything going on in our world.
for, you will find that you begin to appreciate simple
As Oprah Winfrey once said, “be thankful for what
pleasures and things that you previously took for granted.
you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on
Gratitude should not be just a reaction to getting what you
what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
want. Gratitude should not just be a sometime thing, it
This is something that I feel affects all of us from the
should be an all the time thing, the kind where you notice
inside out. It allows us to place our focus on all the things
the little things, and where you constantly look for the
we have been blessed to receive and not on the lack of what
good even in unpleasant situations. Today, start bringing
we don’t have.
gratitude to your experiences instead of waiting for a
Being grateful can affect you personally in many
positive experience to feel grateful; in this way, you’ll be on
positive ways, such as an increase in happiness as well as
your way toward becoming a master of gratitude.
a reduction of negative emotions and depression. Grateful
So, ask yourself this: what is one specific thing I can
people have better relationships, more resilience, less stress,
do to show more gratefulness? Write a thank you card to
and better health. Who doesn’t want any or all of that?
someone. Say a prayer for that close friend. Write down
When discussing this value with others, I tend to
five things you're grateful for every morning. Express
hear excuses: people create barriers that get in the way
appreciation for your possessions and opportunities. You
of displaying gratefulness more consistently. One such
become more pleasant to be around when this is a key
barrier is that we get caught up in going after what we
value in your life. Now that’s GOOD STUFF! //
want instead of being grateful for what we already have. We take that which is precious and dear in our lives for granted. Another barrier to gratitude is this assumption: “People already know I’m appreciative, so why do I need to say it again?” Practicing gratitude for others is like watering
Please feel free to reach me anytime with your thoughts at kevin@plainvalues.com or:
a flower: you need to keep repeating it over and over again to nourish the spirit. To me, gratitude is a choice and mindset that we can
Plain Values Attn: Good Stuff with Kevin PO Box 201 Winesburg, OH 44690
control. We need to make a conscious effort to choose it every day. Even when we get busy, it is important to slow down and choose gratitude. Grateful people have a deeper
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DECEMBER 2020