Slavery Still Exists: The Secret No One Wants to Talk About

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

Cultivating Anchored Community MARLIN MILLER

Publisher

KEVIN BILLE

General Manager

MATT YODER

Sales Advisor // Ohio

AARON STUTZMAN ELAM STOLTZFUS

Sales Advisor // Indiana Sales Advisor // Penn.

NIC STOLTZFUS

Editorial Director

JAN SCHLABACH

Customer Service

BETHANY TROYER ISAAC HERSHBERGER

Bookkeeping Production Manager

SETH YODER

Graphic Artist

LANDON TROYER

Photographer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Elaine Tomski

Marcus A. Yoder

Merissa A. Alink

Jim Zumbo

Ferree Hardy

JUNE AD SALES DEADLINE

May 5, 2021

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 © 2021, 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.

MAY 2021

CONT

PHOTO © JE R E MY S NE L L

ISSUE 95

FORGET-ME-NOT BASKETS // 25 Families who experience loss need our support and care.

SLAVERY STILL EXISTS: THE SECRET NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT

// 13

According to International Justice Mission (IJM), “there are more children, women, and men trapped in slavery than ever before in human history."

PLAIN VALUES

WIDOWS HELPING WIDOWS // 37 The friendship of two widows can be the most wonderful friendship of all.

MINUTE WITH MARLIN

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

ON THE COVER

The mother of a child lost to labor trafficking wading through fishing waters in Ghana.

ENTS

M AY 2 0 2 1

PRAYERS FOR THE NATIONS: SPAIN // 28

HyR BRIX®: HEALTHY FERTILIZER // 31

HOMEMADE REED DIFFUSERS // 35

This month, we turn our attention to the country of Spain in Europe.

Discover the origins of this Ohio-based high-quality fertilizer.

This month, Merrisa teaches us how to create a simple oil diffuser.

AN ANABAPTIST KINGDOM IN THIS WORLD // 41

BLUEGILLS: A FAVORITE FAMILY FISH // 45

GOOD STUFF WITH KEVIN: INTEGRITY // 49

Today, three cages still hang from the cathedral spire in the city of Münster.

Catching bluegills isn’t much of a challenge, though there are exceptions.

There is never a RIGHT time to do the WRONG thing.

This 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. // after page 50

MAY 2021

I am a history nut, and the older I get, the worse I become. I didn’t start out this way, but the older I get, the more I understand how important history is to the way we perceive today. Forgive my oversimplification here, but the exact moment that we live in every second–the thing we call the present–is a thin line converting the future into the past. If we have a wrong interpretation of history, it will warp what we think about the present and the future! Many of our history books have been rewritten

ONE MINUTE WITH MARLIN

to remove any trace of God or His sovereignty over the affairs of mankind. For example, the Mayflower Compact, which was the Pilgrims’ first attempt at self government, included, “We whose names are underwritten...having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith.” You will not find those words in today’s textbooks, I can assure you. Nearly a year ago, I went on a search for a trustworthy source for news. My research ended with a newspaper that I enjoy and trust more as time passes. The Epoch Times doesn’t shy away from telling the truth, even when they get hammered for it. If you have wondered, as I have, as to the truthfulness of the media, I would encourage you to give them a try. They are not perfect, but they are one of the best I have found at relaying facts without bias. As always, may you find joy in the simple things. // MARLIN MILLER publisher of Plain Values // always looking for more friends

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

MAY 2021

Feature Story

Prayers for the Nations

Business Spotlight

Homestead + Roots

Widow's Path

Our Heritage

All Things Outdoors

THE SECRET NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT

words by: ELAINE TOMSKI

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” - LUKE 4:18 40,000,000. Forty million people are slaves, and we are not even aware. According to International Justice Mission (IJM), “there are more children, women, and men trapped in slavery than ever before in human history. People are beaten, raped, and starved for the profit of others around the world.” The reality of forty million people enslaved by human trafficking cuts to our hearts. Each number represents a human being, made in the image of God, not a commodity to be bought or sold. When an act is this horrible, we are tempted to turn our eyes away because the reality is too hard to see. Surely, such an evil cannot be happening in our communities, right? The truth is human trafficking happens everywhere vulnerable people live. This month and next, we will present the difficult subject of human trafficking to you because leaving forty million defenseless people MAY 2021

P H OTO S © JE RE MY S NE L L

in the dark is not what Christ-followers

as Foli went with Grandpa to market, the

can do. In the four years I have been

sweet man was struck by an automobile.

writing for Plain Values magazine, human

Now confined to his bed for recovery, how

trafficking is the most challenging subject

could Grandpa care for Foli? A relative

I’ve yet to research and write. Please know,

stepped up to say, “No problem, I will

I have written this with sensitivity, bathed

take Foli and see that he goes to school.”

in prayer, with the hope of informing you

Grandpa agreed, “Go, Foli. Things will be

about this difficult topic.

better for you there.”

What is human trafficking? According

The next morning, Foli’s relative did

to Jocelyn Hamsher of Toward the Goal

not take him to school. Instead, an uncle

Ministries, “Basically, it is someone stealing

took Foli to the lake, pushed him onto a

someone’s freedom for profit.” A person’s

fishing boat, and forced him to spend long

freedom is stolen through force, fraud,

hours diving into the water with other

or coercion for the purpose of labor or

young boys. Their job was to untangle

commercial sex acts. In this issue, we will

fishing nets caught on trees along the

examine labor trafficking. Expect the hard

bottom of the lake. Foli said, “The first

facts, true stories, and information we all

time I went to the lake, I wanted to escape,

need to help shield, protect, and rescue

but I didn’t know the way.”

vulnerable people from slavery.

Day after day before dawn, Foli’s uncle doused him with a bucket of water to

Foli and the Ghana Fishing Industry Little Foli loved to follow Grandpa into the fields, hand-packing the soil around newly planted seeds, and tending the plants until harvest. Foli wanted to be a farmer, just like Grandpa. One day,

PLAIN VALUES

rouse him from the sleep he still needed. In the darkness, they traveled to the lake where he and other boys spent nineteenhour days of dangerous diving. Kept in line with threats of punishment and refusal of food, Foli was helpless to escape. Even as

authorities in rescue boats came near, Foli and the other boys were instructed to hide underwater. One of the other trafficked boys was Foli’s best friend. “Fofo helped me,” said Foli. Then one day, Fofo was commanded to dive into deep water to free the net. Both boys knew the water was too deep. Foli waited and waited for Fofo’s ascent until only air bubbles rose to the surface. ‘The air bubbles stopped, and the water went still. Foli’s best friend was trapped in the net, lost to the lake. Day after day, as Foli plunged off the boat, muffled splashes filled his ears, and silent prayers went up. Foli was not with Grandpa, but he felt God nearby. God, don’t let the nets go into the deep places. When the net holds me under the water, give me breath. Keep me alive today. Not only was Foli in danger, but he was also missing out on childhood, school, and soccer. Foli was trapped, a slave, until the day he could take it no more. As a rescue boat sped their way, Foli’s uncle shouted, “Get into the water!” But Foli would hide no longer. He remained in plain sight. The police pulled alongside Foli and invited him onto the rescue boat. “Don’t be afraid,” they said. For the first time since Foli was enslaved and taken to the lake, someone cared enough to give him a life jacket. He no longer needed to fear. Foli was finally free. After two traumatic years on Lake Volta, Foli was returned to Grandpa’s loving arms, and his uncle received justice.

International Justice Mission in Action Foli’s story demonstrates how labor trafficking works. By definition, labor trafficking is the use of deception or violence to force another person to work for little or no pay. People who are already impoverished make easy targets for traffickers because they think no one will come to their defense. Poor people who have been enslaved cry out for justice; meanwhile, their abusers become wealthy. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), human trafficking is a 150-billion-dollar business. Even more devastating is that many abusers have a personal connection to the person who is trafficked. Much like Foli’s uncle. Out of the forty million people who are

MAY 2021

trafficked, ten million are children. That means one out of

According to Jenn Petersen, Director of Church

every four victims of human trafficking is a child.

Mobilization for the U.S. Northeast Region, “IJM is a

After his rescue, IJM continued to help Foli by giving

global organization made up of social workers, leaders,

him the care he needed to heal. They helped him recover

pastors, and everyday Christians who have the heart to

from the trauma of slavery and grow in the strength he

see human trafficking end. IJM is an extension of the

needed to live freely again. Loving, respectful people

gospel. We are a community of spiritual formation doing

helped Foli find the courage to tell his story so his healing

the work of Jesus.”

will be complete and others can come to understand the

Founded in 1997 by Gary Haugen, the work

dangers of human trafficking. Aftercare is an essential

accomplished at IJM begins with prayer and moves

part of what IJM does, but they do even more. IJM’s

forward with integrity. Every IJM office around the

model is three-fold:

world stops twice a day to pray. They schedule thirty

Rescue and Restore Victims – We find enslaved

minutes of personal stillness every morning so that IJM

people, bring them to safety, and walk alongside them

team members across the globe can connect with God.

until they are restored.

Then each office joins for corporate prayer at another

Bring Criminals to Justice – We relentlessly pursue

time during the workday. Jenn says, “We stop at 11:00 a.m.

justice in court. We ensure that traffickers, rapists, and

to pray together every single day. So, we get to share the

other criminals go to jail so they cannot abuse, exploit or

ways we see God at work.”

enslave others.

An incredible answer to prayer came early this year

Strengthen Justice Systems – We provide training,

when IJM rescued four thousand labor slaves from

mentoring and support to police, judges and other

a brick operation in South Asia. This amazing rescue

community leaders to slow down and stop the cycle of

of men, women, and children happened even amid

violence.

worldwide Covid-19 restrictions. Much like the Hebrew

PLAIN VALUES

slaves in Egypt, these people worked twelve-hour

pointing to the Kingdom of Heaven and the way

days in blistering heat under close supervision

God intended things to be.” Jenn explains the

and the threat of violence. Now they are free.

work IJM does through the Hebrew word shalom.

From its base in Washington, DC, IJM reaches

Shalom means “peace,” and it is commonly used as

worldwide with operations in Latin America,

a greeting (Jesus uses it as a common greeting, see

Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Eastern

Matthew 10:12). But it has a deeper connotation:

Europe. Across the globe, people work together to

peace between people, harmony and safety within

end slavery and violence for good.

a group of people. The interconnectedness of

When Jenn Petersen speaks at churches, she

shalom can be thought of like woven fabric. “You

says, “My role is to come alongside churches to

can throw thousands of pieces of thread on a

say Jesus invites us into partnership with him

table, but that doesn’t make it fabric. What makes it fabric is when all of those pieces are connected. The more interwoven they are, the stronger that fabric becomes. It is God’s heart that we would

"Earlier this year IJM

have that strong, beautiful fabric (shalom). But injustice comes in and breaks that fabric. We go

rescued four thousand

to those places where the fabric is broken and help repair it. Obviously, we don’t do it ourselves.

labor slaves from a brick

It is the work of the Holy Spirit within us.” As the church, we get to be part of Christ’s call to proclaim

operation in South Asia."

the Good News to the poor and bring them into shalom: harmony, wholeness, completeness. 17

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

MAY 2021

Who is vulnerable? Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking, but certain risk factors increase vulnerability. •

Low self-worth or feeling unloved

•

Unstable home life

•

Lured by promises of a better life

•

History of childhood sexual abuse

•

Involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare system

•

Substance abuse/addiction in the family

•

Young people exposed to substance abuse

•

Unaccompanied minors

•

Homeless or runaway youth

•

Has a developmental disability

Jocelyn Hamsher says, “We’re getting churches involved along with community members so all can be aware. People sitting at our dining room tables can be victims of trafficking. That’s how well it’s hidden. That’s how much victims are manipulated and controlled. We need to start talking about it in our homes, with our children, in our churches, and our communities.” Secrecy allows evil to grow and thrive. Openness prevents crime, helps victims, brings recovery from trauma, and provides strength to live freely again. Being open and honest about the harsh realities of human trafficking supplies courage for victims to serve other victims, brings healing full-circle, and repairs the broken fabric. Preventing our children from becoming vulnerable to traffickers begins in the home. When we raise our children to know they are made in the image of God and therefore valuable, they have real confidence. When we love our children and treat them with respect and dignity, they are more likely to see through the false flattery of someone who wants to use or abuse them. When we help our children develop a love relationship with God, we give them a reality so much more important than rules. We present them with true freedom.

Not only there, but here “We’re (the U.S.) one of the biggest consumers of labor trafficking. It’s not something that happens across the world. It’s something that happens here.” BROCK D. NICHOLSON,

special agent at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Many of us are shocked to discover human trafficking happens in our communities. Jocelyn Hamsher is the director of Toward the Goal Ministries (TTG) in Sugarcreek,

PLAIN VALUES

Ohio. The mentoring arm of TTG works together with

In 2018, ten Guatemalan victims, two adults, and

Tusc Against Trafficking in New Philadelphia, Ohio, to

eight minors were convinced by a trafficker that a better

end human trafficking in Tuscarawas County and its

life awaited them in the U.S. They were delivered to

communities. I spoke with Jocelyn to learn how human

Trillium Farms, an Ohio egg farm, with a $15,000 debt

trafficking happens locally and how we can help. The

for the opportunity. Housed in filthy trailers with no

stories shared took place near where I live, but the same

running water, these enslaved victims were forced to

evil likely occurs where you live, too. According to the

work long hours with no breaks. They received only a

Associated Press, as many as 180,000 unaccompanied

tiny portion of their paychecks, making it impossible to

minors live in the U.S. in conditions unknown. Human

pay off their debt. If they dared to protest, they received

trafficking is hidden everywhere.

death threats in return. Given so little freedom, it took

In 2019, eighty-three unaccompanied minors were

four long months before one of the teenagers could

placed in Tuscarawas County from Guatemala. Often,

secretly phone his uncle in Florida for help. Two months

these children are sent to the U.S. by family members

later, federal and local authorities found and rescued the

who are promised a better future for their children.

victims in the trailer park where they were being held.

Family members arrange the children’s passage with

People with cognitive disabilities also fall victim to

an organizer, known as a “coyote.” In exchange for safe

trafficking. Sue (name changed to protect her identity) is

passage to the U.S., the child then owes the coyote

one such person. For more than two years, Sue and her five-

money for travel and entry expenses. However, instead of

year-old daughter were forced to perform manual labor for

offering the child safe passage, some coyotes exploit the

a couple in Ashland, Ohio. The woman and her boyfriend

situation. Instead of the promised chance of a better life,

forced them to cook, clean up after the dogs, and do other

the child is labor trafficked for little or no money with no

household chores. They exploited Sue’s welfare aid and

possible way to pay the debt. They are trapped, enslaved

made her use that money to buy them groceries. They

in the U.S. as illegal aliens with nothing but threats to

humiliated Sue by ordering her to eat dog food and crawl on

keep them obedient and working.

the floor while wearing a dog collar. The couple threatened

MAY 2021

Sue and her daughter with snakes, pit bulls, and guns. During the hours she wasn’t required to work, the woman and her boyfriend locked Sue and her daughter in their cold, damp basement with no bathroom. Sue was bodily injured three different times and taken to the emergency room for narcotic pain medication prescriptions. The couple then used the narcotics to satisfy their drug addictions. It is difficult to imagine why Sue did not admit her abuse to the hospital staff, but she must have felt threatened into silence. Finally, the day came when Ashland police became involved. Desperate, Sue hoped to be arrested for stealing a candy bar. When the officer stopped her, she asked to go to jail because the people she lived with were abusing her. Sue found the help she needed, and her traffickers were sentenced to prison for more than thirty years. Beyond justice served, these two criminals can no longer manipulate vulnerable people like Sue.

Red flags mean danger If trafficking happens so secretly, how can we know if someone is enslaved and victimized? There are danger signs, possible red flags, of human trafficking we can see. A trafficking victim may: •

Be fearful, anxious, passive, and avoid eye contact.

•

Look malnourished and show signs of physical abuse (bruising, burn marks, cuts, etc.)

•

Have a parent or older boyfriend who seems too concerned or controlling.

•

Not be allowed to speak for self.

•

Have gifts or cash that can’t be explained.

•

Suddenly lack needed clothing or be improperly dressed for their age.

•

Continue to run away or stay in other people’s homes.

•

Not be in control of IDs or money.

•

Be unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips.

•

Work unreasonably long hours or live where they work.

•

Lack personal possessions, be unable to provide their address, claim they’re just visiting, or not know where they are.

•

At school, a child who is often overly tired, stays to themselves, doesn’t have friends, or may have trouble learning; has unexplained absences from class or a drop in grades.

The above lists provided by Tusc Against Trafficking serve to educate us, but Jocelyn suggests we need to listen to “our gut.” When we see something strange happening to another person, something off, we need to pay attention to that still small voice. The Holy Spirit is often prompting us to help. So, how can we help? What action is the best to take? Jocelyn Hamsher says, “collect as much information as you can and call the police. Victims can get beat up or even killed by their trafficker if we try to intervene.” Make a note of the time, location, vehicle, license plate, physical features of both the child and suspected trafficker to share with the authorities. Anything you can communicate will be helpful. The State Highway Patrol, Sheriff, and local police have the proper training to handle traffickers and release survivors. Jocelyn says, “Please, don’t be afraid to call.” In case of emergency, call 911. For more information, to report concerning activity, or for the trafficking victim to receive help, call The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733. Trained people are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to help protect and free victims of human trafficking.

PLAIN VALUES

You may want to schedule a human trafficking awareness presentation for your church or youth group. The following groups are all faith-based organizations who are willing to provide education and awareness in their communities. In the Tuscarawas area of Ohio, church groups can make contact at www.towardthegoal.net or call 330-231-7121 during the day for resources and to schedule an awareness talk. Jocelyn says, “For general trafficking information visit the website www.TuscAgainstTrafficking.org, or call them at 330339-2504.” In the Goshen, Indiana, area, Steve Riikonen of the Bashor Children’s Home is willing to receive your call at 574-875-5117. In the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area, you may visit the North Star Initiative website at www. northstarinitiative.org or call 717-568-2700 and ask for Janelle. Together, we can stop human trafficking in our communities. Across the globe, IJM brings hope and change through

consistency.

They

continue

train

people, social workers, judges, police, churches, and communities to rescue and help survivors heal and thrive. They step into God’s heart for justice around the world. A meaningful way to help trafficking victims is to pray for the work of IJM. Jenn Petersen asks, “Please, pray for the church around the world, that Christians would share God’s heart for justice and for the most vulnerable. Pray that we would use our voices, prayers, gifts, and actions on behalf of those trapped in slavery and suffering from violence. Just as Jesus left the ninety-nine to go after one lost lamb, may we be willing to sacrifice our comfort to come alongside the one who is trembling at the hand of violence.” For more information about IJM, visit www.IJM.org. There is hope. There is help. Forty million people are counting on us to talk about modern-day slavery even though it’s uncomfortable. Together we can help the poor and vulnerable. Their freedom depends on it. // ELAINE TOMSKI IS THE AUTHOR OF PREGNANT AND PRAYING, A GIFT BOOK FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS. SHE AND HER HUSBAND CALL OHIO’S AMISH COUNTRY HOME.

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

A quick word from: MARLIN MILLER I learned recently how many families have to say goodbye to a baby prematurely due to miscarriage or stillbirth. I knew the percentage was high, but I was shocked! One in four! For every four babies who are born, one is lost. I struggle for the words to convey my concern for all the Dads that find themselves in this spot. You have to be strong for your wife and yet you must grieve the loss on your own. Please don’t misunderstand me, it's not that I don’t care about the Moms, but the reality is when people learn of a loss, they invariably gravitate to the woman. I fear the men are forgotten and I want to say to them that you are not forgotten. Hang in there and know they simply beat you Home!

words by: ELAINE TOMSKI One of the loneliest aches tucked inside a mother or father’s heart arrives when they lose a child. Families who experience loss during pregnancy, birth, or soon after birth need our support and care. Forget-Me-Not Baskets exists to provide items of comfort, peace, and remembrance to such grieving families. Nothing will ever replace a life lost. Forget-Me-Not Baskets simply provides families something to see and hold, a touchable reminder of the precious child they hoped for. Founded in 2007 by Sara Ringle, Forget-Me-Not Baskets is a non-profit organization based in Wooster, Ohio. It began with one basket, placed in one hospital by

MAY 2021

one mom’s group with hopes of comforting a young

Included in some of the baskets are books created

mother. Soon the hospital put the basket into empty

by women in the plain community. Clara Nisley’s book

arms and called to request another basket. There was

Safe in the Arms of Jesus ($13.95) includes eighty-five

no original plan to create a non-profit organization, but

stories of pregnancy/infant loss in the plain community.

God opened the door to a flood of need, so Sara and her

Ruth Troyer offers a memory book, Too Special to Stay

crew followed his lead. Sara says, “We never know who

($14.00), so that families can record and remember their

receives our items. We donate our baskets in bulk to

precious little ones who were stillborn or died shortly

hospitals, and they give them away. It doesn’t matter if

after birth.

someone is eight days or eight months pregnant. Our hope is that women know they’re not alone.”

Do you know mothers with children in heaven are remembered each year on the Sunday before Mother’s

Now families in twenty-four states have received

Day? This year, Bereaved Mother’s Day falls on May

comfort from items purchased and shipped from

2nd, and Forget-Me-Not Baskets will host their first

the online store. In addition, 5,300 baskets have been

Bereaved Mother’s Brunch. When women who carry

donated to hospitals and other locations. Forget-Me-

the same loss come together to share stories, tears, and

Not Baskets has placed items in hospitals, emergency

laughter, they leave stronger. There is no need to suffer

rooms, and OB/GYN offices and will continue to expand

in silence. Forget-Me-Not’s grief support program is

its reach as financial support allows. Sara says, “We

gracefully named Loved...Lost…Remembered. //

are excited to have recently donated items to birthing centers in plain communities.” Tragically, one in four pregnancies ends with a

For more information, to purchase a basket

miscarriage or stillbirth, making the work of Forget-

or book, to create a fundraiser, or to donate,

Me-Not Baskets even more essential. The baskets,

please call or write:

boxes, and bags they assemble and donate to hospitals can also be purchased and shipped by you from their online store to someone in need. Because mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and grandparents grieve differently, Forget-Me-Not Baskets provides thoughtful remembrance items for each of them.

Forget-Me-Not Baskets 127 E. Liberty St., Suite 390, Wooster, OH 44691 330-435-6004 • www.forgetmenotbaskets.com

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

MAY 2021

Backyard berry patches are increasing in popularity. The HyR BRIX office frequently fields calls on berry product of all types. The HyR BRIX Fruit and Berry Fertilizer is excellent for all types of berries and fruiting trees.

PLAIN VALUES

Feature Story

Prayers for the Nations

Business Spotlight

Homestead + Roots

Widow's Path

Our Heritage

All Things Outdoors

An Accidental Success Dan and Jennifer Lane never intended to make and sell fertilizer. As a fourth-generation farming family, they were plenty busy raising their children and managing their farm in Delaware County, Ohio. But when they couldn't find the kind of high-quality fertilizer they were looking for on the market, they decided to make their own. The couple had one non-negotiable requirement: their fertilizer had to be full of nutrients that would replenish the soil and, in turn, improve plant health. For the Lanes, healthy soil was the absolute key to healthier plants that would deliver higher yields, better flavor and better nutrition. After some trial and error, they ultimately hit on a formula that contained an ideal blend of essential nutrients, micro-nutrients and minerals, and was completely free of fillers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and GMO ingredients. It also—unbelievably—delivered maximum results in a single application per season. It wasn't long before parishioners at the Lane's church started asking the couple for growing advice and, with their servants' hearts and mindset, Dan and Jennifer began handing out fertilizer samples wanting nothing more than to help their friends. Word spread quickly and, almost before they realized it, the Lanes were in the fertilizer business.

MAY 2021

“We like HyR BRIX® because you can apply once and be done. It’s natural, fruits & veggies are more uniform and larger, better quality. Easy to apply with no dangerous chemicals. Our customers are saying “We can grow potatoes now!” While in the last year they had given up trying. Same with the other veggies. Great stuff!” – BET T Y GRABER Graber's Greenhouse, Grabill, Indiana

HyR BRIX® is Born, and Fertilizer Will Never be The Same

The Right Fertilizer For The Right Plant To date, the company has developed more than a

As they moved closer to putting their fertilizer on

dozen different fertilizers, each formulated specifically

the market, the Lanes realized they needed a name

for the needs of particular plants. Vegetable Fertilizer

and quickly settled on HyR BRIX. Brix is a measure of

and All Natural & Organic Vegetable Fertilizer are

the overall nutrient content of a plant, and the higher

all-purpose formulas that not only grow bigger,

the Brix (°Bx), the healthier and tastier the harvest.

healthier vegetables, but also work equally well on the

Jennifer is quick to point out that, "If you compare the

entire garden. Fruit and Berry formula is designed to

flavor of store-bought produce to the flavor of produce

improve bud vigor, protect against disease and insect

grown with our fertilizer, you'll notice a huge difference

damage, and product more, better-tasting fruit. One

because ours delivers a ‘higher Brix’ level."

of the company's most popular blends, HyR BRIX

And Brix levels matter. When soil is amended to

Tomato Fertilizer, contains the multiple sources of

provide maximum nutrient value, the resulting produce

calcium tomatoes crave, and helps prevent disease

generally exhibits higher simple and complex sugar

and blossom end rot, all while maximizing yield. Sweet

content, higher protein content, greater density, sweeter

Corn Fertilizer delivers different forms of nitrogen,

flavor, longer storage attributes, and less disease and

which ensures plants develop big, uniform ears with

insect damage.

exceptionally sweet flavor. In addition, the company produces a renowned Lawn Fertilizer line, Soil Alive Soil

So Much More Than N-P-K

Amendment, a Pasture Fertilizer, and Buck Stampede Food Plot Nutrients.

Diving more deeply into the subject, Dan explains

Both Dan and Jennifer seem a little bit awed by

why N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium), which

the way their business has grown over the years. "We

is the backbone of most fertilizers, isn't enough to give

created a dry granular fertilizer for our own family

plants exactly what they need for maximum Brix levels.

farm," Dan recounts, "but we quickly found a following

"Plants are incapable of producing their own minerals."

of professional growers who were thrilled with our ease

he shares, "so if you're not adding minerals to the soil,

of application, soil-enriching capabilities, increased

plants simply will not get the nutrition they need.

yields, and exceptional results. And of course, everyone

Every HyR BRIX formula we've developed is a perfectly

loves the one-time application."

balanced formula with not only the ideal amount of N-P-K, but also the optimal amount of nutrients needed

At HyR BRIX®, Family Comes First– Theirs AND Yours

to grow the healthiest plants possible. And all of the minerals used in HyR BRIX formulas are naturally

As they talk, however, the secret to the Lane's success

mined in the U.S." In addition to supplying nutrients, HyR BRIX

becomes clear. Yes, they make a remarkable product that

products contain soil conditioners and bio-stimulants

delivers stellar results, but it's the way they do business

like humates, probiotics, worm castings, yucca, seaweed,

that keeps people coming back. Jennifer relates a story

and diatomaceous earth that improve soil biology and

that shows their commitment to always doing the right

make nutrients more available to plants.

thing. "In one of our first two or three years of doing

PLAIN VALUES

business, we found an error in our labeling," she recalls. "Rather than chalk it up as an irreparable mistake, we took a four-day road trip to personally relabel every single one of our bags. We go to great lengths to avoid mistakes, but if we discover an issue with one of our products, we fix it. Period." Dan nods in agreement. "We are, and always will be, a farm-to-farm, family-to-family kind of business," he asserts. "No matter how large we grow, we'll always stick to the ideals and values that have been handed down through four generations. We tell people all the time, 'Call us, and ask us anything; we'll answer the phone!' One of the most popular blends, HyR BRIX® Tomato Fertilizer

We promise to be here for our customers because we

provides multiple sources of calcium to prevent blossom end rot.

only win when they do." //

Great for all types of tomatoes and peppers!

You can order HyR BRIX® online at: www.HyRBRIX.com

"This was our first time using HyR Brix® and we had our first good pea crop in 20 years of living here!"

Or call the company at 855-497-2749 to get answers to any questions you may have.

– NORMAN STAUFFER Shady Grove Ag Products, Bainbridge, OH

The Lane family are fourth generation farmers in Delaware, Ohio who happened into the fertilizer business on accident.

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

Feature Story

Prayers for the Nations

Business Spotlight

Homestead + Roots

homestead

Widow's Path

Our Heritage

All Things Outdoors

roots

words by: MERISSA A. ALINK These homemade diffusers are particularly perfect to have in the bathroom if you don’t care for the “typical bathroom smell”! You probably already have the things that you need to make these since they are so easy. Let’s get started!

Pour some unscented oil in the little bottle. The amount you use will depend on the size of the jar you use. You only need to fill about 1/4 of the jar with oil. I used grapeseed oil because that’s what I keep on hand. If you have a different unscented oil that should work fine. For the scented oil, I use a peppermint-mocha essential oil blend, but use whichever scent you enjoy most!

..............

.............................................................................. homemade reed diffusers .............................................................................. what you need • Empty small glass bottle • Uncented oil • Skewers, dowels, or reed diffuser rods • Essential oils

Now all you have to do it place the reeds in the open jar of oil and leave it setting out. I used plain wood skewers that I found at the grocery store, however if you want to get fancy you can get actual reed diffuser rods, but they will be more expensive. If you're using a small jar, use shorter skewers.

correction

We apologize for a mistake in last month's chocolate pudding recipe. The correct measurement is 2 tablespoons of flour rather than 2 teaspoons. We apologize if you made chocolate milk! 35

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

Feature Story

Prayers for the Nations

Business Spotlight

Homestead + Roots

Widow's Path

Our Heritage

All Things Outdoors

WIDOWS HELPING WIDOWS words by: FERREE HARDY

Widowhood is like a club that nobody

there would be a connection, a spark, an

wants to join. All over the world, thousands

understanding. It might be as fleeting as the

of members mill around, mostly unknown

flare of a flint, but the truth remains: no one

to each other. They are of all ages, from

can understand a widow like another widow.

teens to the elderly. Would you believe

Subconsciously we know many things

that some are pregnant? Some have great-

about one another that don’t make sense to

grandchildren; others have no children at

those who haven’t been there:

all. They are from all professions: doctors, teachers,

nurses,

scientists,

mothers,

homemakers, farmers, secretaries, artists, writers, cooks, bakers, business owners, airplane pilots, seamstresses… They are of every religion and race in the world; every country. No two are alike. I daresay that if you put two widows into the same room, each as different from the other as could be, as soon as they found out the other woman was a widow—

MAY 2021

•

Her loss is deeper than words can explain.

•

She has a history that the new people in her life will never truly understand.

•

She feels like a piece of her is missing.

•

She wants a place to belong.

•

Not everyone dies peacefully in their sleep; she

"The best part was she did not talk about her own season of grief in widowhood until I had unloaded. She made it all about me.”

might have seen some very hard things. •

Courage, strength, secrets, and love are locked inside of her.

When I first meet readers of this magazine, they often tell me, “I feel as if we are friends already;” or we will happen to look each other in the eye, and touch our hands to our hearts. No words are necessary—we’re connected. I’m grateful, too, for the readers who come from beyond widowhood and find a bit of solace here, yet I’m sorry that the shadow of grief seeped into their world. Their sorrow and loneliness is also profound. The old saying, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle,” is a good one to follow. Amongst many widows, though, is that unspoken bond and understanding. They know they can learn from each other about the steps to take on the widows’

how to feel, or what was expected of me. But she had

path. It’s like the widows up ahead can call back to

buried one husband, and she knew exactly what I was

the ones behind them, “Sharp corner!” Or, “Big pothole

feeling. We quickly became what I call “sister friends.”

ahead! Don’t get hurt!”

We spent many, many hours together thereafter. She gave me “permission” to feel however I needed to feel.

A widow friend in New York told me that a lady from

She is still a treasured friend.”

her church, whom she did not know very well, invited her out to lunch one day. The lady tenderly talked, let

“A friend of mine in our neighborhood lost her

this widow vent, and then she prayed for the widow and

husband,” a widow in California told me. “As a widow

paid for the entire lunch. She also gave out her phone

myself, we talk and laugh about all the things that go

number and said, “Call anytime; I will be praying for

along with the death of a husband. She knows I get it—

you.” It turned out that she was a remarried widow, but

really get it. I think widows have a huge opportunity to

another widow had treated her to lunch the same way

reach out to new widows to be a light; we can show that

when she first “joined the club.” My friend now does

they will get through this. I’ve also asked her to walk

the same for new widows that she meets. My friend

with me around the neighborhood for fresh air, a little

said, “The best part was she did not talk about her own

exercise and some company that we both need.” A widow friend in Ohio, who I met through my

season of grief in widowhood until I had unloaded. She

blog on the Internet, gave a lot of credit to having a co-

made it all about me.” A widow friend in Texas had this unusual

worker who was also widowed. They supported each

experience: “At my husband’s funeral a dear lady came

other a lot, she told me. When one saw that the other

up to me, introduced herself and stuck beside me the

was overwhelmed and needed some fresh air, the words

entire time. I was so grateful for that simple gesture. I

"Let's take a walk," got them out of the office together for

was so lost and didn’t know what I was supposed to do,

a quick break. She and her co-worker coined a phrase—

PLAIN VALUES

"THE FRIENDSHIPS OF WIDOWS HELPING WIDOWS CAN BE THE MOST WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIPS OF ALL."

“Swiss cheese brain”—which meant “widow fog”—when

each other like none other. We have conversations that I

your brain is clogged up with grief and stress and you

would never tell the world we had! We are a safe place to

can’t think straight. They pictured all their thoughts

share our gut feelings, our worst fears and our dumbest

running out through holes in their heads like holes in

‘widow actions.’ We tell stories about ourselves that only

Swiss cheese. One would say “Swiss cheese brain!” as a

a widow would understand…We hate doing life without

funny code word for needing help. Together they’d then

our best friend, but we are determined to have a good

figure out the problem.

life; so we ask God for courage, and we brave our new adventures,” she concluded.

Four years into her journey, Mary Ann Zook (name used with permission) wanted to help other widows by

Welcome to the club no one really wants to join. But

hosting a Valentine dinner at her Java Blend Café in her

once you settle in and meet the members, it’s far different

small town of Rural Retreat, VA. Widows had become

than ever imagined. The friendships of widows helping widows can be the most wonderful friendships of all. //

her best of friends during those years, and she wrote the following on her blog at the time:

Until next month,

“Common grounds connect people like nothing

ferree l

else will. We can talk and laugh and cry and understand

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

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

Feature Story

Prayers for the Nations

Business Spotlight

Homestead + Roots

Widow's Path

Our Heritage

All Things Outdoors

ANABAPTIST

KINGDOM IN THIS WORLD

words by: MARCUS A. YODER

One of the more tragic events in the early Anabaptist movement is what happened in the German city of Münster in 1534-1535. Bernhard Rothmann (1495-1535) was a talented author who began to preach a strong evangelical doctrine in the early 1530s. By 1533, he was preaching and writing of the need for a believer’s baptism and other Anabaptist ideals. Around the same time, a charismatic young Dutch Anabaptist leader named Jan Van Leyden (John of Leyden) visited Münster and began to teach that the city was to become the “New Jerusalem,” and that Anabaptists should move to the city. In this city, said Leyden, a great battle to eradicate the wicked unbelievers would happen after Christ’s return. Many Anabaptists from the Netherlands moved to the city. In early 1534 the civil government of the city broke down and Jan Mathijs, Rothmann, and Leyden proclaimed themselves the leaders of the Anabaptist Kingdom of Münster. The Catholic Bishop—who was also the prince of the city—appealed to both Catholic and Protestant authorities to restore order. In a very rare event, the Catholics and Protestants joined forces and laid siege on the city. The city of Münster, whose population was around nine thousand, suffered greatly as the siege tightened and food and other necessities of life became scarcer. Mathijs, the self-proclaimed leader, proposed “cleansing” the city of all who refused adult baptism,

MAY 2021

"What we do with the “problems” of our history is as important as what we do with the good. If we do not learn from stories and events, it is possible that we could repeat them." and he proposed killing all Lutheran and Catholics

Nearly five hundred years later in the present world

who remained. Ultimately, those who did not embrace

of religious pluralism and multiculturalism, we look

this compulsory baptism were forced to leave the city

back into a world that was much different than our

during a vicious sleet and winter storm, with Mathijs

own. The most pressing danger in the Western world

admonishing them as they left.

today, at least according to most standards, is terrorism.

On the morning of April 5th, 1534, Jan Mathijs

Whether home-grown or imported, most people fear the

claimed special revelation that he alone should go out

strength of religious followers that have little regard for

and fight the Bishop’s forces who were besieging the city.

their own lives for the sake of their way. Hanging over

He was finally convinced to allow twelve other men to

Europe in the early modern years is that same deep fear.

go with him. On Easter Sunday morning in 1534, Mathijs

The Turks and other Islamic armies were pressing into

and the twelve other men rode out into the face of the

western Europe from the Middle East, and from within

armies and all thirteen were hacked to death.

Europe came this threat of “home-grown” terrorists

After Mathijs’ death, Jan van Leyden immediately

willing to kill and die for their own ways. The effect of

claimed power and had himself crowned as King David.

Münster was for many Europeans to equate Anabaptists

He immediately instituted polygamy and married

with anarchy, which is seemingly what Matthijs

Mathijs’s widow. Women were forced to marry whether

intended when he stated, “We preach the separation of

they wanted to or not, and in several cases men were

the world. The state is to be used to destroy the state.”

killed so their “widows” could be remarried to leaders

Münster became the haunting specter of the disorder

of the city. There were many other abuses of power

of what would happen if the church and state were

during this time. Many of the people of the city were

separated. The constant dark memory of this would

afraid and a few escaped. In June 1534, two men left the

hang over Europe and be used for years to come to

city and told the Bishop’s force how to gain entrance.

persecute Anabaptists. As Diarmaid MacCulloch states, “peaceable, inoffensive Anabaptists were burned and

The following day, the Bishop’s forces broke down

harried because of what John of Leyden had done.”

the gates and entered the city. In a pitched battle the citizens of Münster stood no chance against the

The beliefs and views of the radicals of Münster is

trained armies of the Bishop. All the men in the city

certainly not that of many of the other Anabaptist in

except three principle leaders (including Leyden) were

this era. Most were distinctly interested in separating

killed. Three thousand women were asked to renounce

church and state. It also ensured that the center of

their baptism and leave the city or face death. Most

Anabaptism began to put much more focus on the

fled the city. Leyden and the two other leaders stood

separation of church and state. The Anabaptists after

a short trial and were executed. Their bodies were

Münster turned from militancy to a political quietism

hung in cages on the cathedral spire in the city as a

that eventually led to their migration to Russia and

reminder that to break the social and civic order was

immigration to the New World. One could argue that

punishable by death. Today, three cages still hang from

Matthijs and his followers should not be considered

the cathedral spire in the modern city of Münster to

Anabaptists, they certainly were not orthodox or

remind the citizens of their history.

even the majority, yet at the same time they followed

PLAIN VALUES

some of the other tenets of Anabaptism such as adult baptism. It is also logical that at its core, Anabaptism could not sustain a kingdom such as Münster with its view of the free church and its two-kingdom theology.

If you wish to hear more historical stories like this,

A militant, magisterial church could not be built on

please call or visit the Amish & Mennonite Heritage

their kingdom theology.

Center. We offer guided tours of "Behalt" - a 10 ft. x 265

While it would be easy for us to suggest that these

ft. cyclorama oil-on-canvas painting that illustrates the

were not Anabaptists, the truth is that in the eyes of

heritage of the Amish and Mennonite people from their

the European world they were considered Anabaptists.

Anabaptist beginnings in Zurich, Switzerland, to the

The debacle of the Anabaptist kingdom of Münster

present day. Behalt means “to keep” or “remember.” We

would haunt Europe and western Christianity to

are open Mon-Sat 9:00-5:00 and are located near Berlin,

today. What we do with the “problems” of our history

you can find us at 5798 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH

is as important as what we do with the good. If we do

44654. Please call (330) 893-3192 for more information

not learn from stories and events, it is possible that we

or to schedule a day or evening group tour.

could repeat them. The Anabaptist theology and belief system is not designed to engage the world on a civil and governmental level. If we follow that route, we run the

MARCUS A. YODER IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMISH & MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTER AND THE OHIO AMISH LIBRARY. HE IS

risk of creating an “Anabaptist Kingdom” like Münster.

ALSO THE AUTHOR OF CATHEDRALS, CASTLES, & CAVES: THE ORIGINS OF THE

What we must do is work to build the kingdom of the

ANABAPTIST FAITH.

Lord of Heaven and Earth. His kingdom, whose primary weapons are love and repentance will ultimately prove more powerful than any army or earthly weapons. //

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

Feature Story

Prayers for the Nations

Business Spotlight

Homestead + Roots

Widow's Path

Our Heritage

All Things Outdoors

O P L A I N VA LU W T ES

all things outdoors words by: JIM ZUMBO Jim Zumbo is Plain Value’s newest columnist, writing for the “All Things Outdoors” column. Jim has hunted all fifty states for deer, has fished in most states, has hunted elk 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 and has two degrees in forestry and wildlife management. Jim has been able to draw on these experiences to share with the wider public: he has hosted a TV show on the Outdoor Channel, was a full-time editor/writer for thirty years for Outdoor Life magazine, and has written 23 books on hunting, fishing, and conservation. He currently lives in Cody, Wyoming, with his wife Madonna, two Labrador retrievers, and one cat. For more information, visit www.jimzumbo.com.

Most of us have early memories of our first fishing trips. And if you were asked to name the first fish you ever caught, you’re most likely to say a sunfish. There’s good reason for that. Sunfish, also known as sunnies, panfish, bream, or brim, are found all over the US and many parts of Canada. As far as size goes, they aren’t very big. A 10-inch sunfish is considered very large in most waters. But what they lack in size, they make up in eagerness to attack your bait or lure, the ability to put up a good fight on the end of your line, their abundance in places where they’re found, and of course, their culinary delights on your dinner table. You usually don’t have to travel very far to find sunfish. Most farm ponds will have plenty, as well as local reservoirs and other waters. Fishing tackle doesn’t need to be expensive, either. You can get by with a willow branch,

MAY 2021

a string, a hook and a worm, but most folks use a spinning rod and reel. Nowadays you can buy a decent combo for less than $30. The term sunfish includes many species of fish, but the bluegill is considered to be the most popular. I’ve caught bluegills all over the US, from coast to coast, and from Canada to Mexico. Once I drove a thousand miles with my family to catch really big bluegills. These little fish have many fans, which is a good thing because they often occur in such large numbers that they need to be thinned. Because of their high reproductive potential, an overabundance will lead to stunting, where too many fish occupy a pond or lake to the point where there’s not enough food, space, or shelter for all. When that happens, fish can’t grow and they remain small. The answer is for bluegills to be adequately harvested by people and predators. One of the reasons for the bluegill’s ability to overpopulate is their reproductive behavior. The male will build the nest, which is typically a shallow depression or bowl which is usually the size of a small bicycle tire. Once completed, a female shows up, and when the eggs are laid and fertilized, the nest is guarded by the male. Since the eggs and resulting young are considered as highly desirable food by other fish, the parent bluegill drives them away. Depending on the size and vigor of the female, anywhere from 1,000 to 100,000 eggs can be laid. That seems to be a huge number, but mortality among fish eggs and the young is very high. Of all those young, very few actually survive to maturity. That’s how nature provides for all the creatures in the watery environment. Some young go on to reach adult size and continue the reproduction cycle, while most of them will be consumed by other fish and creatures that rely on them for necessary set the hook. If you don’t, the fish will spit out the

food. And so the circle of life continues. Catching bluegills isn’t much of a challenge,

bait. To me, using a bobber and worm rekindles old

though there are exceptions. My favorite method

memories of when I was a youngster. Nothing quite

is simple. I use a worm and a bobber. I’ve caught

matches the thrill of watching a bobber dancing on

countless bluegills under a boat dock or by making

the surface of a lake, pushed around by the wind, and

short casts in shallow water. When fish are feeding

suddenly disappearing. Bobber fishing is the best way

well, they’ll readily suck in the worm. Your bobber will

to introduce youngsters to the sport. My dad was my

tell you that. There’s no question that you’ve had a

mentor and took me fishing when I was barely out of

bite. But when they’re finicky and not very interested

diapers. A bobber and worm was our strategy.

in food, they’ll nibble at the bait and barely move the

Setting the hook is typically the biggest challenge

bobber. That’s when you need to be alert and promptly

to a beginning angler. This means you must jerk or

PLAIN VALUES

yank back on the hook briskly to drive the hook into the fish’s mouth. Most newcomers don’t jerk at all or just rear back slightly. That usually doesn’t work. My dad would row us around in a rowboat, and we’d fish for bluegills around lily pads. In those days, the bobber was unlike the light plastic ones used today. It was a piece of wood about as big and fat as a medium carrot, painted half red and half white with a screw eye on each end. We attached the line with the worm on one end and the other end to the fishing rod line. Those bobbers were so bulky even a hefty bluegill couldn’t pull it under. I remember my dad telling me to jerk

"Bobber fishing

back every time the bobber wiggled. It was frustrating at first, but I finally figured it out. Today, the small

is the best way to

bobbers readily indicate the slightest of bites. Worms are the most popular baits. They’re easy to get and

introduce youngsters

they’re free, as long as you don’t mind doing a little digging or hunting them on a rainy night with a

to the sport."

flashlight. Otherwise, you can buy them in bait shops or even convenience stores. Crickets and grasshoppers are also great baits.

MAY 2021

Besides worms and other natural baits, bluegills can be caught on flies and a variety of lures. I like using a small jig about three feet under a bobber or by itself. You can tip the jig with a mealworm, a small piece of garden worm, a wax worm, or no bait at all. The best strategy is to twitch it frequently as you slowly reel it in. Spinners can be deadly. My preference is an “O” size Mepps with a silver blade. If the fish aren’t hitting it frequently, try attaching a small piece of worm to one of the treble hooks. One thing is for sure about bluegills. They’ll bring a smile to your face if you’re troubled or depressed and

"Bluegills are famous for feeding on the surface and will readily attack a

If you want to have lots of fun, try fly fishing with

bug with a vigorous

a popping bug. Bluegills are famous for feeding on the surface and will readily attack a bug with a vigorous splash and swirl. The popping bug is a small piece of

splash and swirl."

cork with a hook embedded in it. The cork is painted in a variety of colors and also has some feathers and rubber legs that wiggle, offering a tantalizing morsel to a hungry fish. Bluegills can be tough to catch on hot summer days. They’ll typically seek cooler, deeper water and

need a remedy. Or maybe you’ll just want to have fun

hang out in large schools. It might take some doing

with family and friends. Take youngsters with you

to find them, which is best done with a boat, but you

and share their joy—not only when you’re fishing, but

should have plenty of action when you do.

when you’re feasting on the little fish at the dinner

I think it’s great fun to “sight” fish for bluegills,

table as well. //

but the water needs to be clear, shallow and calm. It’s best to do this around lily pads and weed beds where fish are often congregated. Once you spot a school,

JIM HAS HUNTED ALL FIFTY STATES FOR DEER, HAS FISHED IN MOST

you can lower your bait and watch closely as the fish

STATES, HAS HUNTED ELK IN ALL THE MAJOR WESTERN ELK STATES, AND

dart toward it. Not all the fish will be the same size. By

HAS HUNTED ON FOUR CONTINENTS. HE WORKED FOR FIFTEEN YEARS AS A FORESTER, GAME WARDEN, AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST. JIM DRAWS ON

being able to watch and control your bait, you can jerk

THESE EXPERIENCES FOR HIS MONTHLY COLUMN “ALL THINGS OUTDOORS.”

it away from smaller fish and offer it to bigger bluegills.

PLAIN VALUES

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.JIMZUMBO.COM.

Hey, what’s the good word!

Lastly, be particular about who you allow in your circle,

INTEGRITY. The quality of being honest and having

whether that’s personally or professionally. If you want to

strong moral principles; committing to doing what is right

build a reputation as a person of integrity, then surround

at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone

yourself with people of integrity.

is watching. Sounds good on the surface, right? But, as you

Just remember that in life, success will come and

and I know, this is a challenge for all of us.. And I don’t

go. But integrity is forever. Dishonesty may provide

think it’s a matter of if as much of it being a matter of when.

gratification in the moment, but it will never last.

I had a great conversation with our 11-year-old at

And as I told my son the other day, “there’s never a

breakfast the other day. I asked him, “how much harder is

RIGHT time to do the WRONG thing.”

it to do the right thing when you’re surrounded by people

Now that’s GOOD STUFF! //

with lower standards?” It’s a great question and one with more of a

And a quick side note: It’s been one year now that

consistent answer than one would expect, regardless of

I’ve been writing this column. I am extremely

how old you are. All of us have been in difficult situations

grateful to Marlin for the opportunity. Also, I

of knowing right from wrong. And building a reputation

want to personally thank you, the reader, for

of integrity takes years, but it takes only a second – or one

taking the time to read this column; it means

incident– to lose.

a lot. And a big thanks for those of you who

We will inevitably be exposed to these situations and

connected with me by mail or via email –you’ll

influences at some point, no matter how hard we try to

never know how much I enjoy and appreciate

avoid them. So, what are some things we can do to make

your words. God Bless!

that easier on us? First, we can put our guard up and decide what and/or who we allow in our lives. As I once read, “uninvited guests

Please feel free to reach me anytime with your thoughts at kevin@plainvalues.com or:

might arrive at your home, but you don’t have to ask them to stay for dinner. You don’t have to let them in your mind.” Next, have self-awareness. It’s difficult to communicate

Plain Values Attn: Good Stuff with Kevin PO Box 201 Winesburg, OH 44690

who we are and what we value without this. Your capacity for self-reflection is essential. Be clear about what you believe in order to live your life by your values. Hungry for more Good Stuff? Join Kevin as he discovers it.

Listen to dozens of eye-opening podcasts on www.youtube.com.

MAY MAY 2021

FUNDS and BENEFITS //

25TH CRIPPLED CHILDREN'S AUCTION

June 25–26, 2021

Friday: Supper is served at 4:00 pm, sports auction begins at 5:00 pm.

Mt. Hope Event Center

Saturday: Breakfast is served 6:30–9:00 am, auction begins at 8:30 am.

8076 State Route 241, Millersburg, OH 44654

Health Expo and Grilling Demo:

(330) 674-6188

Friday, 3:00–8:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–3:00 pm

A lunch stand will be serving veal sandwiches, pork, and barbecue chicken. Donations are needed. If you are interested in donating items, please call (330) 674-6188. All sports items for the Friday night auction will be new. Quilts from across the area are donated, with more than one hundred quilts being auctioned. When donating quilts, have all quilts marked with name and size. Friday night Sport Auction and Saturday Auction funds will go for children born with birth defects and medical problems. Thank you for all your continued support.

DAVID ALLGYER FUND

David and Annie Allgyer’s son Aaron was injured in a hunting accident, and the family has a large hospital bill. Thankfully, Aaron is on the way to recovery! To support the Allgyer family, make checks payable to the David Allgyer Medical Fund. Memo: Account #737408401. Mailing Address: First National Bank, PO Box 35, Logonton, PA 17747. Thank you for your generosity!

MOSE AND SUSAN MILLER FUND

Mose P. & Susan Miller’s 17-year-old son Samuel was in an accident where he broke his back and suffered other internal injuries. He was in an Akron Children’s Hospital for 2 months and underwent multiple surgeries. The family has a large medical bill and any help is great appreciated. Send checks to Mt. Hope Charities, PO Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660. Attn: Trail Southeast District 83.

RUDY AND FANNIE MILLER FUND

Rudy & Fannie Millers’ 10-year-old son Jonathon age was hit by a vehicle on his way to school in December 2019. It was a horrible accident and left him in a wheelchair. He is scheduled to have spinal surgery at Shriners in Pittsburgh. Jonathon is one of 8 children and, with the multiple hospital trips and medical expenses, Rudy & Fannie have more expenses than they can bear. Funds can be sent to Deacon Steven Troyer, 9995 State Route 534, Middlefield, OH 44062. May God bless you all who are led to help and care.

ERMA MILLER FUND

A fund has been set up for Erma Miller and girls ages 2 & 4. Her husband Dannie had his third open heart surgery and was in the hospital for almost a month. He was home for 2 weeks and seemed to be recovering when he passed away suddenly in March. Erma was left with a large hospital bill, house payments, and no income. To support Erma and her family, you can make checks payable Chili Valley South Church, Erma Miller Fund (on memo). Send to: Commercial and savings Bank PO Box 136 Charm OH 44617. God bless you for helping a widow in need.

AMOS AND BETSY FISHER FUND

Betsy is in the hospital with colitis and other health problems. It takes Amos 3 hours to reach the hospital and he can only be with his wife 4 hours each day, due to Covid restrictions, so the driver bills and medical expenses are high. If you wish to help, make checks payable to the Betsy Fisher Fund and send checks to: NBT Bank, 41 Canal St. Fort Plain, NY 13339. Thank you for your support.

ESTHER MILLER FUND

A fund has been set up for Esther Miller, widow of Leon Miller, to help pay off a mortgage loan. Leon died suddenly last October, and Esther has 3 children ages 10, 15, and 18. Send checks to Mt. Hope Charities Inc. PO Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660. Attn. Mt. Eaton SW. God bless you for helping a widow in need.

JEREMY AND CHRISTINE HERSHBERGER FUND

In January, Jeremy and Christine had a premature girl, Alana, who spent 3 months in the hospital. They have many medical expenses. To help the Hershbergers with their medical expenses, you can make checks payable to Mt. Hope Charities, PO Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660 Attn: Walnut Creek Lower Church 191. Thank you for sharing and God Bless. /

P L E AS E N O T E

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

MAY 2021

PLAIN VALUES

Slavery Still Exists: The Secret No One Wants to Talk About | May 2021