Jerry Eicher was 8 years old in 1969 when his family moved from Aylmer, Ontario, to Honduras to be “part of a grand experiment to see if the Amish faith could survive on foreign soil.” Their initially idyllic existence was eventually marred by religious infighting about Ordnung rules and other issues. Most Amish believe that practicing their faith in the prevailing culture is impossible, so tensions grew as liberal elements made concessions to Honduran culture.
Eicher sums up the community’s dilemma: How do you maintain a vibrant inner spiritual life while preserving the outer shell that gives shelter to that life? In this coming-of-age memoir, Eicher’s conversion experience is particularly moving. (Harvest House)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.
