The Ladies of Lancaster County: The Faithfulness of a Friend: Book 4

By Patty Stansell

The Rohrer place was a buzz with Moses and Amelia Rohrer finally having the kinskinner to love in their golden years as they had dreamed of for the past thirty years. They loved the two couples living there as both couples actually have a genuine walk with their Lord and Savior, and it showed in all they do. The love bestowed upon Moses and Amel

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors Press
• Release date: Jul 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643141237

Patty Stansell

Patty Stansell grew up in southern Oregon. Her passion for the written word was fueled by the Christian mentoring of Pastor Bob Ortega. This combined with her lifelong love of the Amish and Mennonite cultures brought her to write this series, The Ladies of Lancaster County.

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Copyright © 2019 by Patty Stansell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Contents

Dedicated to

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Epilogue

Family Members

Amish Glossary

Look for other books by Patty Stansell

Dedicated to…

All my dear friends across this wonderful land our God made for us. You all have been a big part in the project and my love for each of you will always be in my heart.

May God bless each of you in all you do and know I will never forget the time we spent together.

Prologue

The weeks were flying by and things were in an uproar with some of the state officials and the parties that were found out about after Dr. Mel Getz’ visit into the city to see his life long friend, Dr. Ken Casey and Ken’s pastor, Chet Gibbons.

Pastor Chet Gibbons was relieved from his position at the Southern Baptist Church. There were way too many influential men attending that particular church and the head pastor didn’t have a choice, he made the decision and it was final. The head pastor had justified the Masonic Lodge members by telling Pastor Chet about all the good works they do, especially the Shiners and their good works with the children.

Pastor Chet tried to explain that we don’t get to Heaven by our good works. He agreed the Shiners did do good work for the children, however, they can only serve one Master and that One is God alone. The head pastor waved him off; he didn’t want to hear such nonsense. Pastor Chet left that day feeling that only the Lord could change the head pastor’s heart. He didn’t have the strength left in him to fight the spiritual warfare that is going on. He prayed to God each night for the head pastor and these men who were not serving God but Satan. Chet knew from past experiences that only Jesus could fight the battle for them. So he withdrew, packed his things and left.

Samuel had been in the city rehabilitation center for several months now. It is as though he had just given up and didn’t want to cooperate with his physical therapy. His parents were beside themselves with worry for their son. Pastor Holmstead and his wife, Edna knew they had to turn him over to the Lord. They both knew they needed to step back and let God deal with Samuel. It is probably one of the hardest things to do, watch your child who had always had a heart for the Lord to turn his back on the only One who could bring him inner peace to deal with what he had been dealt. Only time and God could help Samuel now.

The girls were rescued out of the house in the city and placed in homes with Christians who did not judge them. They gave them the love they so desperately needed to heal from what they had been made to endure. There were a couple of the girls reunited with their own families who welcomed them with arms wide open.

Even though Darcy was older no charges were brought against her, Laura felt Darcy had also been a victim. They felt she had suffered enough through the years she had served these men at their parties. Darcy is now working in Dr. Ken Casey’s office. She started at the bottom and in no time advanced to filing clerk. She told Laura on her last visit it is the best job she ever had. She felt sure when the doctor thought she was ready he would move her up to receptionist.

Darcy and Laura became friends during the trials that went on with all the different individuals they pressed charges against. Laura told Darcy that she is truly her friend and even if she didn’t believe it at the time, she would one day trust what she said to be true. After Darcy gave her deposition as did Laura it had drawn them even closer. Even if it were only to see the men locked up for abusing children.

Men that should have known better and they should have protected the children. Darcy learned through that time one cannot serve two masters and God is the Master that will always prevail. It may not seem the situation was resolving itself fast enough; however, we must remember it is always in God’s timing.

Darcy asked Laura one day as they were having lunch, Where do you get your joy from? You went through so much for a girl your age and yet there doesn’t seem to be any bitterness. How can that be? Darcy wanted to know.

Laura never pushed her beliefs on Darcy and only loved her. Not for what had happened but because she also is a child of Gods. Laura wanted Darcy to come to saving grace when she is ready and that would be in God’s timing also. Not in Laura’s timing she thought to herself smiling.

Before the rape and abduction into the city Jacob, my husband, recited scripture to me. While locked up down in that basement I kept hearing the words he had spoken to me. I believe it is the only thing that I did cling to while I was kept from my family and friends. When I returned and attended my older sister’s wedding, my daed gave his life to Christ. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior right there before everyone that had attended the wedding. When he did that, God tugged at my heart to do the same. I could not help but give the Lord my heart, He is the One who never left me nor did He forsake me. I knew at that very moment I must give my life to Jesus, Laura looked off dreamily into the distance.

It is that easy to give your life to Christ? Darcy asked.

Jah, it is that easy my friend. Please pray about it. If you ever have any questions I would be happy to answer them. If I don’t know the answer I know people who do. When I first started the Bible studies I was so lost. It is not the way we had been raised, but with the love of other fellow Christians it didn’t take long before I realized we hadn’t been taught the real Word of God. What a fulfilling thing it is to be in God’s Word. That is another name for the Bible. I think that if you pray about it God will tug at your heart as He did mine, Laura offered.

I will have to pray about it. I saw you with all that joy, even during the time we spent giving depositions and that is what drew me to you. I want that joy you have found, Darcy said softly, if you say it comes from God then I need to seek Him out. I want to learn more and I know it will take me some time.

You were kind to me when I was under your care and I never forgot that. I knew deep inside that you didn’t belong in a mess such as we were in. I remember that story of the little white house with the white picket fences and the gardens. Now you can meet a nice man, get married and have your dreams come true. You will never find a nice man to marry going to the bars or dance clubs. You are more apt to find a true man of God who would treat you as you deserve to be treated in a church surrounding. We have fellowship dinners and everyone brings their favorite dish. Why don’t you come sometime? Laura asked kindly.

I might sometime. I do appreciate the fact that you don’t push your religion down my throat, I don’t think I could stand to be around you if you did, Darcy said.

That is not the way to win someone to the Lord. We plant the seed and then God waters it. It is at that time we turn it over to God to deal with, Laura said kindly as she gathered her things to be on her way.

She had many things to attend to and needed to get the shopping done and back home to help Paula with the bobbelin and the cooking. Besides, Paula is already with child again. It is so much fun living in and amongst everyone at the Rohrer place. Laura smiled, knelt and gave Darcy a hug and made her way out the front door.

Laura felt blessed Darcy had asked her to lunch. She still didn’t feel safe going into the city and Darcy said she wanted to see what a small town would be like anyway. In reality she wanted to know what on earth there is to do in a small town. Laura remembered when Darcy had said that, she had only given her a warm smile.

∞

Chapter 1

Martha, Abby, Karen and Sarah made their way up the drive past Jacob Yoder who stood outside at the beginning of the lane. They all waved at him as they passed, this gave Jacob the opportunity to see who was going to the house.

Jacob had made a habit of knowing who was going up to the house after all that had transpired in the city. Jacob remembered back to the day it had been decided he would use the large shed he now had his own furniture business in. He could not believe the very generous offer to make it his own place to work out of. Moses and Lucas had told him it was not only for Jacob’s use, however, they felt better having him on the property daily to help guard their women. Besides now when there was a lull in business and he felt caught up, he could pop up to pay Laura a short visit. Each visit became more special and it put a glowing smile on her face.

The ladies at the Rohrer home all stepped out to greet their guests. They were some of the first to arrive. Rebeka and Debra as well as Rachael and Allie had arrived about half an hour ago. This would give all of them time to catch up on the kinner and kinskinner from each of the mamms.

Mary would be arriving soon and they hoped she was feeling well enough to stay for the day. This pregnancy had come with its share of morning sickness. Rebeka was ready to be mammi to another sweet bobbeli. She thought Laura was never going to let her hold Joshua again until she promised to stop kissing his little cheeks off.

Come on in here friends, Amelia invited. We have all the help we need today to see Paula’s new quilt finished for the upcoming little one that she has just found out that she is now carrying.

Well, not only did we come to help on the quilt, but we want to see what the room looks like she has fixed up for the new nursery, Martha stated.

How is everyone doing over at your place Martha? Rebeka asked.

Everyone is just fine, denki for asking, Martha smiled on the outside as her mind drifted to her second oldest son, Daniel.

How old is Jon now, he must be thirteen or fourteen? Rachael looked at Martha almost feeling what her friend had on her mind. I know you still miss Daniel more than you ever let on. It must be so hard on all of you. He is one of the few still going to the Old Order Amish with Bishop Malachi. There is the Glick family and one or two others left under the Old Order Amish. I know there are not many left and we all pray for them daily.

You would be the one to pick up on my feelings speaking about my kinner. They are all growing up so fast these days. Jah, you are right about my heart being broken. When we pass each other in the buggies and we get no recognition from Daniel it really hurts. It has been several months since we have seen them though. I thought for a moment our last meeting he was going to speak to us, and even Aaron slowed the buggy as he had the same thought. He has been praying for a door to be opened, Martha said with a catch in her throat. She could barely contain the tears wanting to spill down her soft features.

I’m so sorry my liewi. I thought maybe getting your feelings out in the open with people you know love you would help. I sure didn’t mean to drudge up painful memories. Please forgive me, Rachael reached over and hugged her sister-in-law in a loving manner.

This is not your fault my liewi, nor do we blame anyone. We all know Malachi is misled, who in turn misleads his flock. We just ask that you all keep them in prayer. Why don’t we turn our attention to this quilt for the newest member arriving here at the Rohrer home? Martha was now her bubbly self again.

Mary ought to be here any minute. I know she is anxiously awaiting the birth of her own. We think in about four more months we can expect the arrival at the Micah Miller home. He sure does spoil her with his artwork in the furniture he brings home to her. But then Laura, you my liewi are another one with a very talented husband. We hear great things about the furniture coming from the Jacob Yoder Furniture Shop. He is making quite a name for himself. Rebeka beamed at her very humble daughter.

Denki Mamm, that is very kind of you to say. Not that I don’t agree with you. He spoils me like Micah does Mary. We are most fortunate to have married talented carpenters. Not that I would have cared what his chosen profession is. Laura gushed and her cheeks turned red at her outburst. Another thing we are so grateful for is the building he was given to work out of for his furniture shop.

Sounds as though the rest of our group has arrived and right on time too, Paula said as she got up to go open the door for their guests. Paula did glow when she was carrying a bobbeli. This second pregnancy was so far as easy as the first had been. She prayed the delivery would go as smoothly also.

Mary and Lisa Miller were handing the reins of their horses to Lucas who was tending the horses and buggies while the ladies met for the frolic. Telling him denki as they turned and walked up the path to the back door.

Ladies, please come right in. We are all here now and I have the quilt set up in the living room with a chair for each of us. If Amelia thinks these bobbelin need anything, next thing we know it is here, she just spoils us all so much. We are all so fortunate to have daadi and mammi here with us and I hope for a long time. I don’t think Laura or I could do without them and their help, especially with the kinner and this next one on its way, Paula said laughing.

As the ladies quilted and chatted the afternoon away they were finishing up the new quilt. This would be another family heirloom for the bobbeli.

All of a sudden there were all kinds of commotion going on outside and Lucas came running through the backdoor.

It’s Jon Martha. He said Aaron has fallen, Lucas yelled.

Martha’s face went ashen.

∞

Chapter 2

As Martha knelt in the dirt by the barn she cradled Aaron’s head in her arms. Don’t you leave me. Martha said sternly but lovingly to her beloved husband. She was all choked up and knew she must keep herself together for her kinner’s sake. I can’t be without you Aaron. Please sweetheart, say something. Can you hear me? Martha was coaxing Aaron to respond to her.

Jon, did the operator say how long it would be for the ambulance to get here?

No Mamm, just said they would hurry them along. Jon replied. He was so scared for his daed, but wanted to be strong for his mamm. He was the oldest boy at home these days, it had been like that for more than a year now with Daniel being gone.

Aaron, my liewi, can you see my hand? Ach God, please help us and lay Your healing hands on Aaron. Please Father send help to us now.

Just then the ambulance turned on its siren and made the turn up the lane.

The EMT’s jumped from the ambulance and started checking Aaron’s vitals. The one obviously in charge started asking the questions and asking all but Martha to step back so they could do their job. The one he had delegated to take the vitals was now spouting numbers that meant nothing to Martha or her kinner. Another in the group wrote down Aaron’s vitals and Martha couldn’t stand it any longer.

What is going on? What happened to my husband? My son said they were just finishing up here with the milking and he fell down. When Jon rolled him over he couldn’t get Aaron to respond. That is when he stopped at the end of the lane to call you, then to come get me, Martha was wringing her hands.

By this time there were many buggies sitting just out of the way. Their lifelong friends wanted to be there to see about Aaron, but also be there for Martha and her kinner.

Rachael had stopped by her house and dropped off Allie and Marty picking up Joseph on the way out. Joseph could possibly help in some way. On the way over to the Stoltzfus place they had spoke of Daniel. They both knew no matter how mad Daniel had been back when the separation happened, he would want to be there for his daed now.

Martha reached for Rachael and held on tight. She was so scared. They hadn’t given her any kind of diagnosis at all. Aaron’s eyes were still open and he was breathing, but there was no sign of recognition at all.

They had Aaron loaded in the ambulance and ask if Martha wanted to go with them. She clung to Rachael’s hand looking into her eyes with that pleading look asking her to come with her without a spoken word.

Come on Martha, I will go with you and Joseph said he would go over to the Glick place and tell Daniel his daed is in the hospital. Now don’t look at me like that, Rachael coaxed her friend into the back of the ambulance.

But Daniel should come not because Aaron is sick, but because he wants too, Martha said softly.

You know as well as I do that Daniel is still that softy inside, he always has been and would not forgive any of us if he needed to make amends with his daed and we didn’t give him that chance, Rachael started. Now, I am not saying Aaron is not going to make it. I am simply saying if something were to happen, Daniel would want to be there.

Ach Mei! I guess you are right. Ach, what if he refuses to come? Martha shuddered.

Let’s not read anything into this until we see the whites of Joseph’s eyes. He will have Daniel in tow if I know my Joseph at all. Now, let’s pray. I left the Rohrer place asking for all the prayers we could get from them.

Ach, denki for being such a gut friend as you have been for all these decades now.

Well, let’s not be counting decades, these young men will know our ages, Rachael grabbed her friend and squeezed her hand trying to make light of a very serious situation.

She got a smile out of one of the young men. He nodded knowing she was trying to take some of Martha’s nervousness from her.

It didn’t take but about five minutes to arrive at the hospital only to find Dr. Getz standing by the emergency room door. Come on, get him in here, Dr. Getz hollered orders to the EMT’S.

He knew they were working as fast as they could, however, the relationship he had made with Aaron through Abraham and Joseph went well beyond doctor, patient relationship. He felt he needed to get his diagnosis out of the way to determine if he needed to send Aaron on into the city.

The EMT’S delivered Aaron into the first stall in the ER. Dr. Getz had his stethoscope around his neck getting ready to listen for any abnormalities when the nurse recited the vitals the EMT’S had taken while Aaron was on the ground. At hearing the stats from the vitals taken earlier Dr. Getz was alarmed. However, now it seemed as though he was stabilizing somewhat. Nurse, please retake his vitals. I need to see if there has been any change. Aaron, it is Dr. Getz, can you hear me? If you can hear me, please blink. There was still no response.

Mel, what do you think? Martha wanted to know.

Martha, sweetie, why don’t you let me get Aaron looked over and then I can give you a better diagnosis. Why don’t you and Rachael wait for me in the waiting room and I will have someone call you in just a few minutes.

The nurse led the way to the waiting room. She suggested if they needed some coffee or tea, the cafeteria was just down the hall.

Ach Rachael, I am so glad you came with me. If I had to wait out here by myself with Aaron in there I would be a nervous wreck.

Martha, I am not going anywhere. Joseph will be here with Daniel as soon as he possibly can.

It seemed to take forever, but in fact in was mere minutes and the nurse came out, Martha, Dr. Getz said you two could come back in.

As they hurried from the waiting room and back to Aaron’s bedside he turned his head toward Martha and smiled. It was a little lopsided smile, but none the less it was a smile.

Ach Mei Aaron, you scared me half to death. Are you all right, my liewi? Martha bent and kissed him on the forehead.

Dr. Getz spoke up and offered Martha an explanation. It seems Aaron has experienced a mild stroke. We will want to keep him here in the hospital for observation for the next few days. But if he continues to improve we won’t have to keep him long.

How will a mild stroke affect him? Will he be able to still run our farm? Martha wanted to know. It seemed to bother Aaron and he was trying to get enough saliva to his lips to speak.

Dr. Getz picked right up on the agitation he saw coming from Aaron. Maybe he had made a quick judgment call to say it was a mild stroke. Nurse, can you get a little water for Aaron, just a tad. I don’t want him choking on it. Maybe just rub a little on his gums and lips.

As the nurse tended to the water situation for Aaron he seemed to calm some, but not before he got out his thought to Martha.

Martha, calm yourself. Everything will be just fine. My mouth was a little dry is all, Aaron said with his lopsided grin. He didn’t realize his grin was lopsided as he couldn’t feel that side of his face.

Dr. Getz was taking this all in and just watching. He felt maybe he should have kept his diagnosis to himself until he had heard Aaron speak. As he looked up he saw Martha and Rachael both looking at him to say something.

Well Aaron, it looks like you are going to be just fine indeed. We will have to run some tests and see what is exactly happening. It will take a few days to complete all our tests so we want to make you as comfortable as possible. You don’t need to worry yourself over any of the tests and when they are all completed, then we will talk. Is this all right with you? Dr. Getz asked Aaron but in fact was speaking to both of the ladies as he looked up into Martha eyes.

He could see