The concept of Amish aid is a 300 year tradition brought to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Amish immigrants who settled in this portion of the country. An Amish Aid Society was founded by church members, serving as insurance in case disaster strikes someone in their community. This practice has been illustrated by the hit television series Amish Mafia, produced by the Discovery Channel, often using Lebanan Levi to collect money from the Amish community. However, the origin of Amish Aid may very well be found in Genesis 50:24-25.
During the Great 7 year Famine in the days of Pharaoh, Israel was forced to relocate his family to Egypt, supported by his son Joseph who was governor. When every Egyptian citizen was forced to become the slaves of Pharaoh, selling their land and labor for food, the only remaining land owners were the priests, Genesis 47:22 and 70 descendents of Israel, Exodus 1:5. Prior to his death, Joseph forces his grandchildren to make an oath to God. Based upon the slavery that follows in Exodus, God appears to have given Joseph one more glance into the future. Thus, Joseph convinces his family to believe “God will surely come to your aid!” – Genesis 50:25.
When trials come, like experiencing 400 years of slavery in Egypt, Nazi death camps under Hitler and imminent attacks from terrorists today, God’s remnant has no other option but rely on the promise of Genesis 50:25. These severe conditions make individuals realize quickly that you can’t help yourself. Yet, the prayers of the dead, dying and imprisoned were answered by people like Oskar Schindler whose life story is revealed in the 1983 epic film Schindler’s List. Therefore, whether you are Amish, Catholic, Jewish or Presbyterian, cry out to God and believe that He will come to your aid!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 