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For some time I’ve been toying with the idea of sharing more openly about our family's faith. But I never felt like it was fair to say very much on our farm newsletter. After all, you signed up for information about our food and farming ideology and not necessarily our faith.

Of course, since our faith is a huge influence in all of the above, it does shine through. And that can't be helped. Our faith is real. It's a big part of us. It defines us and shapes us. It works. We love it and aren’t apologetic about it even though we try to pretty much keep our news on the farm and food subject.

But, some of you have asked for more details. And we're fine with that. We welcome questions. In fact we embrace transparency and honesty in matters of faith with the same candid straight talk that we do with our foods and farming. But I think you'll agree that it's only respectful to move the faith discussion off to a separate place. It's only polite to those who aren't interest in the faith factor of our lives.

So this is your opportunity to satisfy your curiosity and learn more about our Mennonite faith and practice and community life. We are similar to the Amish in some ways but there are differences.

I think we'll call this faith newsletter Ancient Wisdom on Faith that Works. I loosely base this title off my favorite verses from the book of James: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally, and reproaches not; and it shall be given him... the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by them that make peace."

And always know that if you don't like what we send, there will be an unsubscribe button on every email. Just click unsubscribe... no reason needed... no pressure applied.

Faith, Hope and LOVE and Respect,

Your farmers ~ Edwin and Dawn Shank

Disclaimer and Ground Rules:

• I'm not a minister, deacon or any kind of church leader. I’m simply a 49 year old Mennonite farmer / husband / father / grandfather who loves God, His Word and His Family fervently. I have a joyful faith in God and his Goodness and will be glad to tell you about my personal experience growing up in a Mennonite home and living the Mennonite faith and practice all my life.
• You asked to hear... so please don’t be offended by what we share.
• If you don’t like what you hear... just unsubscribe... we will understand... It’s freedom of choice.
• We want to explain because you asked… we’re not forcing anyone to believe like us or embrace our faith.
• We do NOT want to fight... in fact, we WILL not fight... Please respect that.
• If you are upset at us and can’t find the unsubscribe button we might find it for you... :) No fighting is allowed.