Drawing in a deep breath, she began to feel an undeniable peace. She wept with strange relief, confident that the God of Moses, who had parted the roaring waves of the Red Sea, could make a path where there had been none before. This same Jehovah God would make plain and straight the path of her own life, wherever it might lead.
Walking toward home, she looked ahead to the wood’s edge, where beams of sunlight flooded the opening that led to Dat’s pastureland . . . and the mule road. Then and there she knew she was no longer Abram’s Leah, although the People would continue to reckon it so. Neither was she Jonas’s Leah. In this clear moment of understanding, she knew she was wholly the Lord’s. From tip to toe.
‘‘I belong to you, Lord God,’’ she whispered, quickening her pace. ‘‘Forever and always, I am your faithful Leah.’’
acknowledgments
The procedure for the baptismal service described in this book was adapted from the Amish ministers’ manual, Handbuch. I am especially thankful for Plain church members in both Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Holmes County, Ohio, who were willing and gracious, indeed, to verify essential information regarding baptismal instruction and the baptism service itself.
I offer my truest gratitude to Carol Johnson, my editor and dear friend, along with Rochelle Glöege, Barbara Lilland, and David Horton, all vital members of Bethany’s expert editorial team.
My deep appreciation also goes to my husband, David Lewis, who encourages me daily with his prayers, love, and keen interest in my many writing ‘‘journeys.’’
My brother-in-law, Dale Birch, was a wealth of information regarding the work of a master carpenter. And an unexpected blessing came from Larry Quiring, retired U.S. postal worker, who eagerly answered my questions regarding mail delivery in 1947.
To my partners in prayer, a heartfelt thank you! I value your ongoing spiritual encouragement. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your faithfulness.
For readers who wish to probe deeper into the Plain culture, I recommend the following books:
Amish Society, by John A. Hostetler
The Riddle of the Amish, by Donald B. Kraybill
Strangers at Home, Amish and Mennonite Women in History, edited by Kimberly D. Schmidt, Diane Zimmerman Umble, and Steven D. Reschly
Plain and Amish, An Alternative to Modern Pessimism, by Bernd G. Langin
Martyrs Mirror of the Defenseless Christians, or The Bloody Theatre, compiled by Thieleman J. van Braght
Look for ABRAM’S DAUGHTERS Book Three, The Sacrifice, at your local bookstore!
More From Bestselling
Author Beverly Lewis
Annie Zook, the only daughter of an Old Order Amish preacher, desperately wants to please her parents and her Plain community. Yet her art is strictly forbidden, as is her friendship with the mysterious and handsome Englisher, Ben Martin. With a life-altering decision on the line, Annie must choose between her desires and the only life she knows.
ANNIE’S PEOPLE
The Preacher’s Daughter, The Englisher, The Brethren
MORE EXCITING FICTION FROM
Beverly Lewis
Meet Merry Hanson, a fifteen-year-old girl who happens to live in Amish country—only she isn’t Amish. When strange things seem to be happening there, it’s up to Merry to get to the bottom of it. Like when her friend’s mom mysteriously disappears.
Whether solving mysteries, learning the ways of the Amish, helping friends, or just trying to stay out of trouble, you won’t want to miss a single adventure with Merry.
SUMMERHILL SECRETS: Volume 1
Whispers Down the Lane
Secret in the Willows
Catch a Falling Star
Night of the Fireflies
A Cry in the Dark
SUMMERHILL SECRETS: Volume 2
House of Secrets
Echoes in the Wind
Hide Behind the Moon
Windows on the Hill
Shadows Beyond the Gate
The Betrayal Page 27