I've always been interested in the Amish culture and have read extensively about their lifestyle; however, it's only in recent years that I've realized how very lost many of them are. Plain Faith is a revealing look at how very ignorant these sweet people are to the basic truths of salvation and a relationship with Christ. I think this book is an excellent ministry tool for the Amish as it's written with the language and point of view of an ex-Amish couple who deeply love and long for the salvation of their Amish friends and family.

I could relate to parts of the Eash's story, on a much less heartbreaking level. My husband and I have also chosen to raise our family in a different way from how we were raised. We homeschool, we have a much larger than normal amount of kids, we encourage our sons to be providers and our daughters to be homemakers. We've been met with a lot of opposition from family---especially in the early years---and have had to get rid of that "fear of man". Even though God is always with us, going a different path can often be lonely.

Going a different path can also bring about a critical and haughty spirit in the one making the change. I've had to fight feelings of superiority when faced with family or friends who are still living the unBiblical ways I used to. I know that the only good in me is what Christ has put there and I was really encouraged by a memory from the wife in this book. She asked a friend how she was supposed to handle situations with people who weren't acting in a godly way. The friend said, "just show love. Love is what you're supposed to do." She said, "That was a big challenge for me. It was hard to love people and not think, 'that is right' or 'that is wrong'." There is a lot of patient forgiveness and redemption in this story!

The really awesome thing about this story, besides salvation of course, is that the Eash's walked through this together; keeping their marriage in tact and actually watching it grow stronger. One part that really blessed me was when the husband pulled up in his newly purchased truck. He said he saw his wife nod in approval and relief washed over his face. It's hard to go a different direction than what you know---I'm thankful they could do it in unity. ( )

I have read a lot of books about and by people raised Amish, and this one added to what I already know. I did find that this book rang more true than some others I have read. It portrays the Amish as being individuals in how they handle challenges to their beliefs, rather than everyone thinking the same. I've always wondered how a family can turn their backs on a child who has chosen to leave the church, and this book gives an indication of just how hard and complicated that issue can be. This book was written to encourage faith in Jesus rather than traditions and worldly things. I can appreciate that, of course, but it does get a little repetitious after a while. ( )

A tragedy causes one Amish family to question some long held beliefs and seek a deeper relationship with God. A fascinating look into the Amish way of life. ( )

Eternal Joy!

Ora Jay and Irene Eash suffered a tragedy that no parent should have to endure. The death of their two young daughters due to an accident.

It was through soul searching and reading the scriptures that lead the Eash’s to leave their previous Amish belief and trust in Jesus. They even left their Indiana home and moved to the wilderness of Northwest Montana.

I admired how they stepped out in faith, trusting the Lord to lead them. The road was not an easy one but they held steadfast. The joy of knowing Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone was worth it all.

What an amazing family. There were many trials to overcome. It wasn’t an easy road; yet they trusted Jesus Christ through it all.

Plain Faith is a book I highly recommend. ( )

Plain Faith
Irene Eash, Ora-Jay Eash, & Trisha Goyer

Book Summary: This is the true story of Ora-Jay and Irene Eash, Amish farmers from northwest Montana whose lives changed in an instant when a semi-truck struck the family buggy, killing their two young daughters. After the accident, the couple turned to their Amish community for comfort, but they remained haunted by the thought that they might not see their girls again in heaven. Would their deeds be good enough? Eventually Ora-Jay and Irene learned that grace---not works---was enough to ensure their place in eternity. But with that knowledge came the realization that they could no longer live in an Amish community that didn’t share this precious belief. Could they sever their connection to the Amish family they loved? This is the story of their journey to the hope that is heaven, a hope stronger than the loss of children, family, and a way of life. Fans of Amish fiction will appreciate such a real-life look into the Amish community, co-written by bestselling author Tricia Goyer, and readers of all kinds will resonate with this tale of courage, resilience, and the redemption found in the grace of Jesus.

Review: This is a well written book about an amazingly tender, sad, joyful and tragic story. I loved the switching back and forth between Ora-Jay and Irene. Trisha Goyer did a remarkable job of keeping their voices while working with them to write this book. I loved their honesty in telling of their leaving the Amish life. It was beautiful and tragic insight into the Amish life. I came to respect their love and care for their families and friends. It truly painted a fair and loving account of their community and the difficulty leaving that way of life. I have read other books about leaving the Amish life which demonstrated the challenges of leaving along with being under the ban, but this story was mature and more tragic because they were leaving for a greater life and desperately wanted their family and friends to enter into this greater life. I enjoyed everything about these people and found them to be open and honest. It seems to me it would be a privilege to know them!

I would like to thank Net Galley and Zondervan Non-Fiction for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. ( )