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Mennonite Information Center fields questions and condolences for the Amish community
LANCASTER, Pa. – It’s so modest you almost miss it – the Mennonite Information Center – right before the outlet malls and Dutch Wonderland on Route 30 east of Lancaster.
But in the aftermath of the deadly shootings of five young girls in the Nickel Mines Amish schoolhouse, Wes Newswanger, director of the Mennonite Information Center (MIC), reported that the center became an unusual hub for questions and information about the “plain people.”
Though the center itself seemed strangely lacking in visitors during the crisis, phone calls and e-mails multiplied as people near and far struggled to make sense of the tragedy. A somber aura of grief and respect hung like a shroud over the guests who peered at the murals depicting the lives of 16th century Anabaptist martyrs, as they pondered the 21st century deaths of their descendants.
On a typical day the Mennonite Information Center shows films, arranges tours, and answers questions for hundreds of tourists who wonder about everything from how to find Paradise (the nearby town) to more serious questions about the faith and practice of the Amish and the Mennonites.
But for weeks since the tragedy, MIC has also risen to the challenge of helping tourists and other visitors grapple with the crime that thrust Lancaster County into international news.
Not sure how to convey their grief, prayers, thoughts and condolences to the right people, dozens contacted MIC and the “Pennsylvania Dutch Brethren” – as one writer put it. Besides answering e-mail queries, MIC also provided interested persons with direct contact information to representatives for the Amish community.
Some tourists wrote of changed plans, “In light of the tragedy, we decided our trip would be ill-timed and an interference. We expect tragedies such as this in our communities but never with your families.”
Others took the occasion to check out their own roots in the Amish community or to inquire about Amish or Mennonite communities in their region so they could visit to learn more about the faith that so powerfully showcased forgiveness in a hate- and revenge-filled world.
One wrote to thank the Amish man who granted the rare interview on CNN to talk about the healing power of forgiveness. “This message needs a strong voice,” he said.
Someone mused, “I wonder if this happened so people can compare the reactions of Muslim communities to cartoons and Pope’s statements, to the healing and forgiveness demonstrated by the Amish community.”
Another added, “This tragedy has served to glorify the name of Jesus Christ because of the true faith demonstrated by his people. I will pray for all of you. Please sometimes pray for us who live in ‘modern’ society. It has lost its way.”
And another, “You have shown the whole world how to be good people in the midst of tragedy.”
Then someone wrote to encourage the Amish, “When great trouble happens to a church body it often triggers revival. I think great things are about to happen among you…”
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The Mennonite Information Center has many fair-trade handicrafts for sale from all over the world.
Photo: Tammy Evans |
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An Australian tourist who visited Lancaster last year wrote, “I was impressed then as I am now, by the simple but wholesome nature of the Amish lifestyle. I knew that it would never be my life, but I realize the Amish people have something very special going for them in the way that they look out for each other, and in how they concentrate on God, and keep the clutter away.”
Another Australian wrote, “I have just read about the Amish people attending the funeral of the man responsible for the terrible crime committed against your community. I cried when I saw the amazing faith of your people. I am humbled to live in a world where such compassion is still practiced.”
A Christian psychologist from the United Kingdom asked, “Can you direct me to some readings/teachings which outline the Amish way of dealing with the issue of forgiveness – particularly where there has been either childhood or adult trauma or abuse, but also for the petty little grievances and grudges we are all tempted to hold?”
The Mennonite Information Center has been sharing hospitality and faith with visitors to Lancaster County since 1959. Each year MIC hosts 50-60,000 visitors, provides about 200 bus and 800 car tours, and shows the free movie “Postcards From a Heritage of Faith” to most visitors. MIC is an associated ministry of Eastern Mennonite Missions.
-Jewel Showalter
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