A little from “A Stranger for Christmas”
Lucas’s frustration burned hot as his horse trotted steadily home. There was simply no reasoning with Bishop Elmer Yoder, and Lucas was upset with himself for even trying. He had gone to the bishop’s home hoping to get him to rescind his decision about placing him under the Meidung, but the discussion had spiraled.
Bishop Yoder was a righteous and good man. Lucas knew that. But while the bishop seemed to see the Bible in stark black and white, Lucas was starting to see it in vibrant color.
There was so much hope, so much freedom and grace within its pages! But embracing new ideas wasn’t a strong suit for the Amish, especially not for bishops like Elmer, who bore the weight of their settlement’s souls on their shoulders and always took what they thought was the safest choice.

