MINUTES

The Missions Interest Committee met at the Daniel Beachy home near Millerburg, Indiana on December 22 and 23, 1952. Besides the Committee members, the secretary and treasurer, the following brethren were also present when the meeting opened: Elam Hochstetler, Harvey Bender, A. J. Beachy, Tobe Borntrager and Amos Yoder. The meeting opened at approximately ten o’clock with A. A. Miller in the chair. After singing several verses of song, Daniel Beachy was called upon to lead in prayer. The chairman then asked for sentiments toward mission conference in the various localities represented. This, to determine whether or not the past meetings were instrumental in enlarging the Great Kingdom.

He began by reporting that they were able to start a local Bible Study in Ohio since the last conference was held, and that in general the interest was encouraging. The Indiana brethren stated that opposition was either quiet or indirect. Eli Helmuth from Kansas said that relations show marked improvement at home. The Iowa brethren agreed that opposition was strong and active. Harvey Bender stated that he sensed improvement of attitude on the part of certain individuals. Tobe Borntrager reported that a bishop expressed disapproval to the conference rather than evangelism for the following reasons:

(1) It is headed by a non-Amishmen

(2) It has been held in English instead of German.

(3) It has been too inter-denominational.

A. J. Beachy added that we are criticized for obeying R. Maniaci rather than the Amish ministers. Brother Tobe further added that adjustment in the language area world, in his opinion, help relations immensely. (in Iowa) There appeared to be general agreement that something might be gained by eliminating the use of the English language. (especially by Amish ministers) Any possible losses by such a move were not discussed at this point. The feeling was expressed that we will be handicapped to make further decisions appropriate to the circumstances as long as we have among us a prominent figure, who by reason his background and present church affiliation, is unable to fully understand the Amish people. This expression was echoed by general assent. A motion was made that steps be taken to publish our own official bulletin, thus removing the necessity of the circulation of the “Amish Mission Endeavor.” The motion was seconded. (It was later voted on and it carried unanimously)

Discussion on the above motion:

AAM suggested that the work of editing and printing might well be divided. In addition there might be several contributing editors, to ensure suitable material for publication. The reaction to this thought appeared favorable.

The question was raised as to the wisdom of printing obituaries, marriage announcements, etc. The reaction was negative. Someone asked if it would be practical to print the publication in German. The response was again unfavorable. The meeting was dismissed for lunch

The following brethren came after the meeting was in session, most of them arriving in time for the afternoon session to begin: Henry S. Miller, Daniel Bontrager, Harry Weirich, and Harvey Graber. After some waiting, the meeting was resumed with Daniel Beachy in chair in Bro. Andrew’s illness. The acting chairman announced that the meeting was in order for nomination for an editor for the proposed publications. Harvey Graber nominated. All endorsed the nomination and called on Harvey to express himself if he cared to. Bro. Harvey responded by saying, in effect, that he felt his insufficiency, but was willing with God’s help, to do what he could. Hen then left the room in order that discussion might be unhindered. Discussion that followed was contributed by Tobe Borntrager, Harry Weirich, Daniel Beachy and Harvey Bender. A recommendation from Eastern Mennonite College was read. All was favorable; the nomination was voted on and unanimously carried.

AAM made motion that the responsibilities of editing and printing be carried by separate persons. He also proposed that the mailing list and handling of funds be taken care of by the secretary. He agreed to do the printing himself, tentatively. After some discussion the motion was seconded and unanimously carried.

It was agreed that the size of the paper should be not more than four sheets and not less than two.

After considerable discussion as to the name for the new publication, the following names were suggested:

(1) “Gospel Light Bulletin”

(2) “Mission Endeavor”

(3) “Witnessing” (This title received the highest number of votes)

It was agreed that there would be two contributing editors for the purpose of regularly furnishing material of their own writing. It was stated that others should be free to write, also. Roy Schlabach and Willie Wagler were elected by ballot, among two other nominees, namely Noah Keim and A. J. Beachy.

Harry Weirich raised the question whether the Youth Organization should have a separate publication, or occupy a part of “Witnessing”. This question was not satisfactorily answered.

All non-committee members left in order to get home before dark, except those attending from out of state. In the meantime, Bro. Maniaci had been contacted by telephone, and had agreed to meet the committee that evening. The following resolutions were drawn up before his arrival around 6:00 P. M.

1. Be it resolved that the General Board (now Missions Interest Committee) express its sincere appreciation to R. Maniaci for his interest and perseverance in promoting missionary interest in the Amish church. This is said with particular reference to the work involved in his publication of the “Amish Mission Endeavor”.

2. In view of the fact that the work has developed to this point without an official publication, we feel the need of having a paper, published and edited by members of our own affiliation. A motion was made to this effect, and it carried unanimously.

3. Be it further resolved that we make satisfactory settlement with Brother Maniaci for services thus far rendered and material used, insofar as they were not offset by personal donations.

AAM called attention to our meeting and deliberations and asked the secretary to read them as they are written above. Brother Maniaci responded by expressing himself at length. His talk included the following ideas:

1. Disappointment at not having been notified before resolutions were formed.

2. Personal conviction that he should continue.

3. Fear that we would see our mistake too late.

4. Evidence of visible results of his work. (size of mailing list)

5. Reluctant agreement to our terms, if we insist.

6. Further agreement that his lack of cooperation would be detrimental to the cause that we are commonly interested in.

Eli Helmuth asked what would be lost by “changing over”. Brother Maniaci seemed to think that his unofficial relationship to the church is advantageous rather than detrimental, so that the work could not be curbed by “official opposers”. He also stated that he had reasons for being skeptical about our move that he did not wish to voice. After some consideration, we felt that it would be best to wait to being the new publication until the December and February issues are out. Brother Maniaci preferred meeting us at the depot the following morning 25 minutes before train time, in Elkhart, to discuss the matter further. So it was agreed. After he left, we had a prayer service before retiring for the night.

Tuesday morning the meeting began with AAM back in chair. The matter of language that the 1953 conference was again taken up, trying to evaluate deliberate action against the use of the English language. The chairman mentioned the fact that “letter killeth” and expressed the feeling that language restrictions might deaden spirituality. He motioned that the choice of language be subject to each speaker’s choice as in other years. This motion was seconded and voted on. It carried unanimously.

Eli Helmuth stated that there was a place in Kansas available for the conference meeting next year. AAM moved that we accept this invitation. It carried unanimously. AJB motioned that the conference be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Seconded and carried unanimously. The program was discussed only briefly. A tentative outline was presented by AAM. He encouraged solid Bible teaching followed by practical application. The following brethren were suggested as qualified speakers:

1. Roy Schlabach Barrs Mills, Ohio

2. Noah Keim

3. Jacob Yoder Sugarcreek, Ohio

4. Jonas Gingerich Kalona, Iowa

5. David A. Miller Thomas, Okla.

6. Clarence Wingard “ “

7. Daniel Bontrager Goshen, Ind.

8. Perry Yoder Shipshewana, Ind.

9. Harvey Graber

10. Harry Weirich Middlebury, Ind.

Omer Lapp and Ben D. Yoder from Gap, Pa. and Stuarts Draft, Va., respectively were named as additional “contact men”. The secretary was urged to get in touch with all “contact men” to get names of additional ministers and laymen to serve on the coming program. It will be left to the local group to decide what hymnals to use. The chairman, assistant and third member were appointed to plan the program by motion and unanimous vote. It is expected that the program be planned well in advance, but not published.

Financial discussion was started by the treasurer. He asked for suggestions concerning a support plan for John and Elizabeth Bender. Eventually a motion was made that ten dollars ($10) per month per member be accepted as a beginning standard, subject to change with varying needs and circumstances. The treasurer also asked for advice on how to maintain a traveling fund, and who should be eligible to draw from it. The non-committee members present agreed that the committee members should have their fare reimbursed upon making application to the treasurer.

The matter of meeting Brother Maniaci was again brought up, and it ended with the decision that we would be begin publishing “Witnessing” not later than April 1, 1953. AAM and DHB did not go along to Elkhart. Brother Maniaci was there and had his mailing list and “everything” along and agreed reluctantly to hand it all over. He stated that a permit to mail them at the Elkhart post office costs ten dollars a year and that it would have to be renewed January 1. We encouraged him to do his best, for relation’s sake, and the board would pay the fee. That is, he issue two more issues with the understanding that we would begin on the date specified above. Eventually, Bro. Maniaci suggested that our plan be followed except that the new editor write the editorials for the coming issues. This plan appealed to those who were present as the ideal plan. So it was accepted and later confirmed in letters to Bros. Maniaci and Harvey Graber.

David l. Miller,

Secretary