Far-flung Amish-Mennonite congregations documented in new global publication

Cory Anderson and Jennifer Anderson, both converts to the Beachy Amish church, have compiled a comprehensive resource detailing the global presence of Amish-Mennonite congregations. Their work, *The Amish-Mennonites Across the Globe* (Volume 2 of the Amish-Mennonite Heritage Series), expands on their earlier publication, *The Amish-Mennonites of North America*, by highlighting 93 current churches and six extinct Amish congregations across five continents. The book includes nearly 5,000 members and provides cultural, historical, and geographical insights into these communities.

The Andersons conducted extensive research, including around 200 interviews with converts and missionaries. They identify Amish-Mennonites as a broader group encompassing various traditions, including the Beachy Amish, Mennonite Christian Fellowship, Maranatha Amish-Mennonites, Berea Amish-Mennonites, and unaffiliated congregations. Their work aims to bridge the gap between mission support and understanding of the history and culture of these groups.

Anderson’s journey began with a visit to Belize in 2009, where he took photographs of churches but decided not to include them in the North America-focused volume. A more intentional trip to Central America in 2013, supported by a research grant from the Mennonite Historical Society, marked the start of a global exploration. Subsequent grants enabled visits to Paraguay in 2014 and to Kenya, Romania, and Ukraine the following year.

Each entry in the book includes an overview of local culture and history, photographs of church buildings and members, and maps of church locations and migrations. While primarily relevant to the approximately 25,000 Amish-Mennonites in North America, the book also serves as a valuable resource for other conservative Mennonite and Amish groups. These groups often lack detailed knowledge of the history and culture of the communities they support through missions.

Anderson emphasized the importance of providing historical context, noting that many supporters of missions do not have a deep understanding of the places they help. The book aims to offer this context, fostering greater awareness and connection. The Andersons’ work reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing the heritage of Amish-Mennonite communities worldwide.

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