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Plain Faith: A True Story of Tragedy, Loss and Leaving the Amish
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.
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.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
26 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 7, 2014
Loved this book! We were an "English" family that lived up the road from the Eashes, and were a small part of their lives, so much of info was so fascinating to me, hearing the other side of it.
They did an excellent job of showing how they were the amazing, loving and caring family we knew, but also their struggles with leaving the Amish.
If you want an inside view of what it is really like to be Amish, you have to read this book. You will understand who they really are, real people that just happen to dress differently, but also really sometimes need something more of the Lord.
The testimony that Ora Jay and his wife put forth in this story is so lovely, I believe it will touch many hearts.
They did an excellent job of showing how they were the amazing, loving and caring family we knew, but also their struggles with leaving the Amish.
If you want an inside view of what it is really like to be Amish, you have to read this book. You will understand who they really are, real people that just happen to dress differently, but also really sometimes need something more of the Lord.
The testimony that Ora Jay and his wife put forth in this story is so lovely, I believe it will touch many hearts.
August 10, 2014
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.
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.
December 11, 2014
This book gives you an inside look into an authentic journey of a young Amish family who had to struggle with the loss of their beautiful daughters. It chronicles their journey as they choose to leave the Amish in search of a deep relationship with God. Despite some of the traditions they love and close family ties, they are looking for something more than meaningless rules and blind following of men. I really felt what Ora Jay and Irene were going through as I read. Tricia did a great job of capturing their emotions and struggles. When reading this you will get to glimpse what being Amish is really like.
May 1, 2014
I love reading about the Amish lifestyle and immediately knew that Plain Faith by Irene & Ora Jay Eash with Tricia Goyer would be of great interest to me.
It's a true story about losing two children in a buggy accident and the following decades of finding a different religious mindset and leaving the Amish faith.
Reading about the Amish lifestyle from a couple who lived it was fascinating. Some things didn't sit well with me, for example how they stressed the pecking order within the Amish community...bullies, more popular families, etc. This isn't an Amish problem, but rather a life problem. It happens everywhere. This was a recurring issue in the book with me - many issues they had with the Amish were issues that us "Englischers" also deal with. It seemed a little naïve' to me.
Otherwise, I loved reading about their Amish lifestyle as well as their new lifestyle. I may not agree with everything they said, and may have found some of their letters home to family preachy and annoying (they at least admitted this towards the end - so they felt the same way!) it's a rare glimpse into the journey from one religion to another. I stayed up late just to finish it, which proves it was a good book!
It's a true story about losing two children in a buggy accident and the following decades of finding a different religious mindset and leaving the Amish faith.
Reading about the Amish lifestyle from a couple who lived it was fascinating. Some things didn't sit well with me, for example how they stressed the pecking order within the Amish community...bullies, more popular families, etc. This isn't an Amish problem, but rather a life problem. It happens everywhere. This was a recurring issue in the book with me - many issues they had with the Amish were issues that us "Englischers" also deal with. It seemed a little naïve' to me.
Otherwise, I loved reading about their Amish lifestyle as well as their new lifestyle. I may not agree with everything they said, and may have found some of their letters home to family preachy and annoying (they at least admitted this towards the end - so they felt the same way!) it's a rare glimpse into the journey from one religion to another. I stayed up late just to finish it, which proves it was a good book!
May 8, 2014
LOVED!! Tricia Goyer's books are never disappointing. This is a true story of am Amish couple who learn the truths in the Bible and decide is best for them and their family to leave the Amish faith and become Christians.
December 28, 2016
Here we find the story of Christ drawing to himself a humble and sweet Amish couple. A story told candidly and concisely, I was encouraged and blessed by it. I never get tired of hearing about God's work in the hearts of men and women.
March 30, 2017
Very interesting and encouraging. I learned a lot about Amish believers. And was encouraged in a faith vs works way.
June 30, 2025
“You feel that your rules help you stay away from the world when the world is in the heart”.
(Quoted from a letter written back to Irene and Ora Jay’s Amish family)
It is no small thing to begin questioning the very infrastructure that makes up your community and identity. What Irene and Ora Jay came through to find Truth inspired me to keep seeking Jesus - to really stay grounded in what He came to bring us.
Their candid stories also helped me to better understand the Amish living around me, providing a glimpse into how they see life and the world.
(Some of the things they praised or feared did leave me feeling like maybe I come up short, but recognizing how they were raised and trained, I heard past that to the bigger theme of questioning every “ought” and “should” towards seeking what God really has for us to be and do each day)
(Quoted from a letter written back to Irene and Ora Jay’s Amish family)
It is no small thing to begin questioning the very infrastructure that makes up your community and identity. What Irene and Ora Jay came through to find Truth inspired me to keep seeking Jesus - to really stay grounded in what He came to bring us.
Their candid stories also helped me to better understand the Amish living around me, providing a glimpse into how they see life and the world.
(Some of the things they praised or feared did leave me feeling like maybe I come up short, but recognizing how they were raised and trained, I heard past that to the bigger theme of questioning every “ought” and “should” towards seeking what God really has for us to be and do each day)
December 21, 2019
The story of a family leaving the Amish after finding Jesus. Personal letters to friends and family are included throughout the book so the reader can follow their changing thought. I liked the glimpse into a culture I've seen (I live in an area with a fairly large Amish presence) but don't know much about. It was an interesting enough story, but much of the book felt to me like the authors glossed over things that would have added to the story. More details would have helped me connect with the story, I think.
January 28, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book!! The message in this book will stick to my heart! This family went through so much but their faith in Jesus grew bigger and bigger!! Such insperation!!!
July 11, 2018
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 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.
June 26, 2014
Plainfaith-3dcover-transparentTitle: Plain Faith
Author(s): Irene & Ora Jay Eash with Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Zondervan
Year: 2014
Pages: 208
Cripple Creek Horse Ranch
Tricia Goyer
[Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of Plain Faith by Zondervan in exchange for my faith and unbiased review. I hope that helps clear up any confusion.]
I'm going to go out on a limb and break my book review tradition by stating upfront how I feel about this book: I loved it!! This is a book that I will definitely read again and will share with others too. In fact, I cannot wait for my wife to read it and my landlord.
I live in a rural community in the southernish part of Ohio. We are surrounded on all sides by Amish folks and their families. In fact, two out of my three years teaching I have had a young Amish girl as a student. The community where we live is largely populated by Mennonites and there is a fairly large Mennonite congregation about 500 yards from our rented house. Living in this community has given us a new perspective on simplicity and quietude. After reading this book, maybe some of my opinions will change.
There is a verse in the Bible that reads thus: "As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields see for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish the purpose for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11). I intend someday that this verse will be inscribed on my headstone because it is the very foundation upon which I constructed my ministry when I used to be a preacher. The problem I believe we have in our world today is that most preachers simply do not believe it. So concerned are they with growth, so concerned are they with ideas, so concerned are they with themselves they fail to have the simplest of faith in the unadulterated, unfiltered word of God. Does that sound too simple? Does it make no sense that if a preacher stood up on Sunday morning and simply read from Scripture that the congregation would go home filled and satisfied? Is that too naive?
"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near" (Revelation 1:3). It seems to me that the Scripture is powerful to effect such results that we can scarcely imagine. Yet we think we have to be so innovative and imaginative in order to 'get results'--I'm not sure yet what the word 'results' means just yet--but that's what I constantly see from leadership gurus: get results! results matter!
Well this is all so much of a rant to say that this book proves exactly the opposite is true. It tells the story of a man and a woman, Amish, who were thrust into a wilderness none of us would every wish upon anyone: the death of two of their children. This event in their lives began to reveal the emptiness of their Amish way of life, their Amish way of Christianity, and their Amish way of thinking about the God they claimed to worship. In other words, it thrust them into a wilderness not of their own making and the Enemy, taking every advantage to keep them enveloped in pain and sorrow, kept pressing the issue of their faith. But the enemy is shortsighted and did not foresee what his pressure and chaos would give birth to in their lives.
What may seem at first glance as arbitrary, as pointless, as utterly devoid of anything remotely resembling fairness ended up being the very thing that opened their hearts to a greater and more fuller expression of faith and trust in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. And to think that all of this, happened simply because at some point during their journey they opened up a Bible and started reading for themselves what it said: "As God's Word grew clearer, we found more freedom" (105). They go on:
Even as our eyes were opened, change came slowly over time. Our Amish traditions were deeply ingrained, including the belief that it was by our works that we are saved. But as we read, we saw a little spark of grace. The Word of God came alive, almost as if God was tapping us on the shoulder and saying, 'Take a look at this.' (104)
Isn't that just like God though? They tell the story about getting in trouble for reading the Bible on their own. "Bible reading was for preachers," they were told, and "to read too much was to make one 'wise in their own eyes'" (99). And prayer was "taking pride in your own words" (99). They conclude by writing, "Yet that taste of reading God's Word wasn't something we could shake" (99). Wow. I mean it is amazing that as the book went along they kept seeking and hoping and eventually, naturally, they became who they became. There didn't seem to be anything acting on them save for the Word of God and God's Holy Spirit.
For me this book is far less about their conversion from an Amish way of life--which brought them great struggles as a family--or the tragedy that in its own way served as a catalyst for their exodus and far more about how the Word of God continued to provoke them, prod them, and pursue them down every alley, every struggle, and every step. I was in awe at their development and growth in Scripture and how they continued pleading for their family to see the grace that God was leading them in and to.
This is a remarkable book. I love the alternating style of hearing from both Irene and Ora Jay. I enjoyed reading the letters they sent to family members and the circle group (for grieving families). I enjoyed very much learning about the Amish culture. The main point for me though was simply reading about how the Word of God did exactly what it was sent forth to do: it went back to the Lord with results.
The reader will enjoy this book too. It is a quick read, but not shallow. This is a book to be shared with people who are going through their own struggles with faith. This is a book to be shared with someone who is struggling with the legalism of a church. This is a book for someone who needs encouragement to simply and daily read the Bible. It is packed with raw emotion that is not easily shaken off. In other words, it's a difficult book to put down or to forget. Read this book and marvel at God's mysterious ways, and his amazing Grace.
5/5 stars
Author(s): Irene & Ora Jay Eash with Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Zondervan
Year: 2014
Pages: 208
Cripple Creek Horse Ranch
Tricia Goyer
[Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of Plain Faith by Zondervan in exchange for my faith and unbiased review. I hope that helps clear up any confusion.]
I'm going to go out on a limb and break my book review tradition by stating upfront how I feel about this book: I loved it!! This is a book that I will definitely read again and will share with others too. In fact, I cannot wait for my wife to read it and my landlord.
I live in a rural community in the southernish part of Ohio. We are surrounded on all sides by Amish folks and their families. In fact, two out of my three years teaching I have had a young Amish girl as a student. The community where we live is largely populated by Mennonites and there is a fairly large Mennonite congregation about 500 yards from our rented house. Living in this community has given us a new perspective on simplicity and quietude. After reading this book, maybe some of my opinions will change.
There is a verse in the Bible that reads thus: "As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields see for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish the purpose for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11). I intend someday that this verse will be inscribed on my headstone because it is the very foundation upon which I constructed my ministry when I used to be a preacher. The problem I believe we have in our world today is that most preachers simply do not believe it. So concerned are they with growth, so concerned are they with ideas, so concerned are they with themselves they fail to have the simplest of faith in the unadulterated, unfiltered word of God. Does that sound too simple? Does it make no sense that if a preacher stood up on Sunday morning and simply read from Scripture that the congregation would go home filled and satisfied? Is that too naive?
"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near" (Revelation 1:3). It seems to me that the Scripture is powerful to effect such results that we can scarcely imagine. Yet we think we have to be so innovative and imaginative in order to 'get results'--I'm not sure yet what the word 'results' means just yet--but that's what I constantly see from leadership gurus: get results! results matter!
Well this is all so much of a rant to say that this book proves exactly the opposite is true. It tells the story of a man and a woman, Amish, who were thrust into a wilderness none of us would every wish upon anyone: the death of two of their children. This event in their lives began to reveal the emptiness of their Amish way of life, their Amish way of Christianity, and their Amish way of thinking about the God they claimed to worship. In other words, it thrust them into a wilderness not of their own making and the Enemy, taking every advantage to keep them enveloped in pain and sorrow, kept pressing the issue of their faith. But the enemy is shortsighted and did not foresee what his pressure and chaos would give birth to in their lives.
What may seem at first glance as arbitrary, as pointless, as utterly devoid of anything remotely resembling fairness ended up being the very thing that opened their hearts to a greater and more fuller expression of faith and trust in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. And to think that all of this, happened simply because at some point during their journey they opened up a Bible and started reading for themselves what it said: "As God's Word grew clearer, we found more freedom" (105). They go on:
Even as our eyes were opened, change came slowly over time. Our Amish traditions were deeply ingrained, including the belief that it was by our works that we are saved. But as we read, we saw a little spark of grace. The Word of God came alive, almost as if God was tapping us on the shoulder and saying, 'Take a look at this.' (104)
Isn't that just like God though? They tell the story about getting in trouble for reading the Bible on their own. "Bible reading was for preachers," they were told, and "to read too much was to make one 'wise in their own eyes'" (99). And prayer was "taking pride in your own words" (99). They conclude by writing, "Yet that taste of reading God's Word wasn't something we could shake" (99). Wow. I mean it is amazing that as the book went along they kept seeking and hoping and eventually, naturally, they became who they became. There didn't seem to be anything acting on them save for the Word of God and God's Holy Spirit.
For me this book is far less about their conversion from an Amish way of life--which brought them great struggles as a family--or the tragedy that in its own way served as a catalyst for their exodus and far more about how the Word of God continued to provoke them, prod them, and pursue them down every alley, every struggle, and every step. I was in awe at their development and growth in Scripture and how they continued pleading for their family to see the grace that God was leading them in and to.
This is a remarkable book. I love the alternating style of hearing from both Irene and Ora Jay. I enjoyed reading the letters they sent to family members and the circle group (for grieving families). I enjoyed very much learning about the Amish culture. The main point for me though was simply reading about how the Word of God did exactly what it was sent forth to do: it went back to the Lord with results.
The reader will enjoy this book too. It is a quick read, but not shallow. This is a book to be shared with people who are going through their own struggles with faith. This is a book to be shared with someone who is struggling with the legalism of a church. This is a book for someone who needs encouragement to simply and daily read the Bible. It is packed with raw emotion that is not easily shaken off. In other words, it's a difficult book to put down or to forget. Read this book and marvel at God's mysterious ways, and his amazing Grace.
5/5 stars
January 9, 2019
Great true story. Ora Jay and Irene face major changes and handle it together, for better or worse. Heartbreak, the move, new friends, all so worth every second. They ended up where they truly feel they belong. A beautiful story of family and faith. Easy read. I enjoy how the book shares Ora Jays part and than Irene's part separately. And vice a versa. I highly recommend to read. 🙂
February 27, 2024
This book was hard. It made me cry. This woman is so strong! She had lost her 2 daughters in a buggy accident and had several miscarriages. I don’t know why but I’ve always liked amish books and seeing how they live. And we are friends with some amish and ex-amish so we hear some interesting stories. Anyways, of course you can tell that by the book they leave the amish, and I can’t say blame them, amish think that your good works and living a “plan” life gets you to heaven, which is simply not true.
Read this book, well actually maybe don’t if you don’t want to cry. But it’s soooo good!!
All in all~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read this book, well actually maybe don’t if you don’t want to cry. But it’s soooo good!!
All in all~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
September 9, 2014
It’s the way things are done. Tradition. Looking good to others to allow them to see your quiet, simple faith. Being peaceful.
But what happens when things are no longer quiet and simple, let alone peaceful? How do you live these things when your world has been turned upside down? When your faith is tested and you find it lacking? This is one couple’s story.
Ora Jay and Irene Eash were coming home from visiting friends. It had been a long day, and when driving an Amish horse and buggy, unlike a car, it’s okay to doze off except for intersections. But when Ora Jay dozed off, he was awakened to the sound of a semi truck, his buggy being shattered into pieces, and screams. He found his two daughters dead, and the peaceful life was no longer peaceful.
He and Irene joined a “circle letter” for those who had lost children. With eternity so close, yet so far away, they began questioning their faith. This is the story of loss, both of daughters, and the faith they had once so willingly embraced. In its place, they found faith that gave them hope and peace. Ironically, the peaceful life didn’t give them peace on the inside.
Leaving the Amish community is difficult. You lose your family, friends, and basically everything you have ever known. Their journey is a fascinating one that spans many years.
I very much enjoyed this book. I would have liked for there to have been a bit more about losing their daughters and that painful time — how they coped and got through each day. But I realize that was the tragedy that happened which changed the course of their lives from Amish to “English”, so while it is a heartbreaking event, the focus on the book was more the journey away from the Amish community.
This book was co-written with author Tricia Goyer, and her books are always a delight. They are well written, and something you can feel good about reading.
I highly recommend Plain faith to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction (although this is a true story) as well as to anyone who has lost a child.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
But what happens when things are no longer quiet and simple, let alone peaceful? How do you live these things when your world has been turned upside down? When your faith is tested and you find it lacking? This is one couple’s story.
Ora Jay and Irene Eash were coming home from visiting friends. It had been a long day, and when driving an Amish horse and buggy, unlike a car, it’s okay to doze off except for intersections. But when Ora Jay dozed off, he was awakened to the sound of a semi truck, his buggy being shattered into pieces, and screams. He found his two daughters dead, and the peaceful life was no longer peaceful.
He and Irene joined a “circle letter” for those who had lost children. With eternity so close, yet so far away, they began questioning their faith. This is the story of loss, both of daughters, and the faith they had once so willingly embraced. In its place, they found faith that gave them hope and peace. Ironically, the peaceful life didn’t give them peace on the inside.
Leaving the Amish community is difficult. You lose your family, friends, and basically everything you have ever known. Their journey is a fascinating one that spans many years.
I very much enjoyed this book. I would have liked for there to have been a bit more about losing their daughters and that painful time — how they coped and got through each day. But I realize that was the tragedy that happened which changed the course of their lives from Amish to “English”, so while it is a heartbreaking event, the focus on the book was more the journey away from the Amish community.
This book was co-written with author Tricia Goyer, and her books are always a delight. They are well written, and something you can feel good about reading.
I highly recommend Plain faith to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction (although this is a true story) as well as to anyone who has lost a child.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 30, 2014
I truly enjoyed this book. This is a true story of Ora Jay and Irene Eash of Montana. God was calling them, as they grew up. He called them from man-made rules to His grace and mercy. They developed a relationship with Christ, but this is not how it began.
Both Ora Jay and Irene grew up Amish in Indiana. They were in seperate communities, but knew the rules of the church. Irene's dad first was a preacher then bishop. Ora Jay and Irene were both goody-two shoes when their running around started, because they had always been taught if you dabble in the world your are not good.
They took a trip out to Montana. Little did they know it would change their life. A change that was worth it but the journey getting there would have trials.
Will Ora Jay and Irene discover true peace?
What will happen to their relationship with their friendships with friends and family?
Both Ora Jay and Irene grew up Amish in Indiana. They were in seperate communities, but knew the rules of the church. Irene's dad first was a preacher then bishop. Ora Jay and Irene were both goody-two shoes when their running around started, because they had always been taught if you dabble in the world your are not good.
They took a trip out to Montana. Little did they know it would change their life. A change that was worth it but the journey getting there would have trials.
Will Ora Jay and Irene discover true peace?
What will happen to their relationship with their friendships with friends and family?
January 16, 2018
Helped me to see that even the "very religious" do not necessarily know Jesus Christ personally
October 3, 2024
The Amish life isn’t Little House on the Prairie meets Christianity. It’s much more tragic.
Ora Jay and Irene Eash were a model Amish couple in Indiana. They were in good standing in the community, were slowly building and expanding their farm, had two young daughters, a toddler son, and another baby on the way. But one night, an accident ripped their family apart. While the Amish community rallied around them, offering comfort and care, they couldn’t answer the one question Ora Jay and Irene desperately wanted to know: would they truly see their daughters in heaven someday?
As the years went by, God slowly worked on their hearts, poking and prodding them to move from Indiana to a smaller Amish community in Montana, forcing them to wrestle with aspects of Amish parenting, and nudging them to compare the truths of the Bible with what they had been taught. Soon, the Eash family had a new question to answer: what would they be willing to give up in exchange for a relationship with Christ?
Pros: Wow. I walked away from this book filled with sadness and gratitude. The darkness in the Amish community doesn’t come from the lack of electricity, it comes from the hopeless works-based “salvation” and endless pressure to be “better” than everyone else. You can’t pray out loud - it’s too prideful. You can only pray the prayers in the prayer book. Studying the Bible is a bad idea - you’ll become “Bible-wise” and think you know more than the preachers. If you die in “English” clothes you won’t go to heaven. If you do certain things, you're “more righteous” than the next person. The list goes on and on. Yes, the Amish sense of community is a wonderful thing, but they’re also there to pressure you into following the rules or else.
After reading this book, I was so grateful to know that I could open my Bible and study it, compare translations, and pray. But I was saddened to know that a few blocks away from me, in the darkness, that kind of thing is discouraged.
Cons: This book isn’t a deep, educated theological study. The writing style is plain and redundant at times. A lot of the material is drawn from letters the authors wrote to family and friends, often restating the previous text. Sections of the book that would have benefitted from more emotional depth were glossed over with the dry facts of daily life. While a bit aggravating to read, it is understandable as Irene and Ora Jay had never set out to be authors. I’m just confused why Tricia Goyer, the best-selling co-author, didn’t tighten things up a bit more.
Bottom Line: The crux of the problem is found towards the end of the book. Irene, a new Christian and attending a new church, was confused when faced with the variety of dress, technology, worship styles, etc. She said to a friend: “I’m just not sure who’s supposed to be doing what. Who are we supposed to shun?” The friend replied, “you don’t have to worry about shunning anyone, Irene. Just show love. Love is what you’re supposed to do.”
Ora Jay and Irene Eash were a model Amish couple in Indiana. They were in good standing in the community, were slowly building and expanding their farm, had two young daughters, a toddler son, and another baby on the way. But one night, an accident ripped their family apart. While the Amish community rallied around them, offering comfort and care, they couldn’t answer the one question Ora Jay and Irene desperately wanted to know: would they truly see their daughters in heaven someday?
As the years went by, God slowly worked on their hearts, poking and prodding them to move from Indiana to a smaller Amish community in Montana, forcing them to wrestle with aspects of Amish parenting, and nudging them to compare the truths of the Bible with what they had been taught. Soon, the Eash family had a new question to answer: what would they be willing to give up in exchange for a relationship with Christ?
Pros: Wow. I walked away from this book filled with sadness and gratitude. The darkness in the Amish community doesn’t come from the lack of electricity, it comes from the hopeless works-based “salvation” and endless pressure to be “better” than everyone else. You can’t pray out loud - it’s too prideful. You can only pray the prayers in the prayer book. Studying the Bible is a bad idea - you’ll become “Bible-wise” and think you know more than the preachers. If you die in “English” clothes you won’t go to heaven. If you do certain things, you're “more righteous” than the next person. The list goes on and on. Yes, the Amish sense of community is a wonderful thing, but they’re also there to pressure you into following the rules or else.
After reading this book, I was so grateful to know that I could open my Bible and study it, compare translations, and pray. But I was saddened to know that a few blocks away from me, in the darkness, that kind of thing is discouraged.
Cons: This book isn’t a deep, educated theological study. The writing style is plain and redundant at times. A lot of the material is drawn from letters the authors wrote to family and friends, often restating the previous text. Sections of the book that would have benefitted from more emotional depth were glossed over with the dry facts of daily life. While a bit aggravating to read, it is understandable as Irene and Ora Jay had never set out to be authors. I’m just confused why Tricia Goyer, the best-selling co-author, didn’t tighten things up a bit more.
Bottom Line: The crux of the problem is found towards the end of the book. Irene, a new Christian and attending a new church, was confused when faced with the variety of dress, technology, worship styles, etc. She said to a friend: “I’m just not sure who’s supposed to be doing what. Who are we supposed to shun?” The friend replied, “you don’t have to worry about shunning anyone, Irene. Just show love. Love is what you’re supposed to do.”
February 18, 2022
Book review: Plain Faith by Irene and Ora Jay Eash with Tricia Goyer
Topic: The journey of an Amish couple through loss and eventually separation from the Amish
Who it may interest: Anyone who loves reading peoples stories. Anyone wanting to peek into the Amish lifestyle. Anyone wrestling with religion over faith, works over grace.
Helpfulness: This book was filled with insights on the Amish lifestyle. It really drew me in and I felt like I was friends with Irene and Ora Jay. In many ways I could relate to parts of their story. I could relate to the wrestle of fear of man’s opinions over the leading of the Spirit. I felt their tension, I understood their struggles, and I really resonated with the conclusions they came to as Christ followers.
Ease of reading: It’s an easy read, one filled with not only facts but emotions too. It really puts you in the characters shoes.
Main takeaway: A relationship with Christ is the foundation of our faith, it’s what saves us. The leading of the Spirit holds incredible power.
Extra thoughts: As a child I had an Amish babysitter. It was fascinating for me to read a story from an Amish perspective since I had observed their life being partially in their community. This book was incredibly special to me because of the proximity I had with Amish. The reality was, this couple ended up leaving the Amish faith and that was so hard, but their story is told in a very honoring respectful way, despite it being a hard topic.
Topic: The journey of an Amish couple through loss and eventually separation from the Amish
Who it may interest: Anyone who loves reading peoples stories. Anyone wanting to peek into the Amish lifestyle. Anyone wrestling with religion over faith, works over grace.
Helpfulness: This book was filled with insights on the Amish lifestyle. It really drew me in and I felt like I was friends with Irene and Ora Jay. In many ways I could relate to parts of their story. I could relate to the wrestle of fear of man’s opinions over the leading of the Spirit. I felt their tension, I understood their struggles, and I really resonated with the conclusions they came to as Christ followers.
Ease of reading: It’s an easy read, one filled with not only facts but emotions too. It really puts you in the characters shoes.
Main takeaway: A relationship with Christ is the foundation of our faith, it’s what saves us. The leading of the Spirit holds incredible power.
Extra thoughts: As a child I had an Amish babysitter. It was fascinating for me to read a story from an Amish perspective since I had observed their life being partially in their community. This book was incredibly special to me because of the proximity I had with Amish. The reality was, this couple ended up leaving the Amish faith and that was so hard, but their story is told in a very honoring respectful way, despite it being a hard topic.
May 11, 2024
By His Grace
I rated this a five because I feel is was not a book putting down the Amish but showing how much more there is beyond what they believe. This is a book anyone that is stuck in a situation that you have been raised to think if you keep the rules you will be "saved". God took on the flesh as Jesus and died for our sins and by his grace with repentance and belief, Acts 2:38, we can be saved, with the Holy Spirit as our guide we can have a relationship with Him. I really enjoyed their story! No one can save themselves by being good enough, no one can do horrible things to others and a pastor/bishop, shun them for a time, it takes the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father. None of us are without sin and cannot cast the first stone, but there is concern what happens if this is a Cult of rules and not relationships with Jesus Christ! We need to pray very hard for the Holy Spirit to work in this group!
I rated this a five because I feel is was not a book putting down the Amish but showing how much more there is beyond what they believe. This is a book anyone that is stuck in a situation that you have been raised to think if you keep the rules you will be "saved". God took on the flesh as Jesus and died for our sins and by his grace with repentance and belief, Acts 2:38, we can be saved, with the Holy Spirit as our guide we can have a relationship with Him. I really enjoyed their story! No one can save themselves by being good enough, no one can do horrible things to others and a pastor/bishop, shun them for a time, it takes the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father. None of us are without sin and cannot cast the first stone, but there is concern what happens if this is a Cult of rules and not relationships with Jesus Christ! We need to pray very hard for the Holy Spirit to work in this group!
April 4, 2021
I enjoy stories. I like first hand accounts of life. This is one such account of a family that chose to find a life outside of what they were raised with. It came at a great cost for them and their story is a heart breaking one, but they find a life and the sacrifices they make are remembered and shared in this story.
I didn't know much about the Amish culture, so reading this book was a bit of introduction into the story. I am grateful for stories like this that widen my world view. Thank you Eash family for sharing your story and enlightening me on your journey. I am saddened at the loss you experienced. I weep with you. Thank you for sharing this story. I am better for reading it.
I didn't know much about the Amish culture, so reading this book was a bit of introduction into the story. I am grateful for stories like this that widen my world view. Thank you Eash family for sharing your story and enlightening me on your journey. I am saddened at the loss you experienced. I weep with you. Thank you for sharing this story. I am better for reading it.
February 19, 2019
Simply refreshing
A clearly written confession of heart about God's work in it for a family once Amish, but ultimately redeemed by Grace alone. Being only 3 generations separated from my Amish ancestors, it is an honest glimpse of the sad reality of judgment the culture throws at it's own. Having experienced a great-uncle and his sweet family being shunned brings this close to heart. I highly recommend this book for a glimpse into not just the Amish way, but into every works based religious teaching. If there were any way we could earn our way to heaven, then why was Jesus ever on the cross? A deep look at how God changes hearts and proves himself faithful always.
A clearly written confession of heart about God's work in it for a family once Amish, but ultimately redeemed by Grace alone. Being only 3 generations separated from my Amish ancestors, it is an honest glimpse of the sad reality of judgment the culture throws at it's own. Having experienced a great-uncle and his sweet family being shunned brings this close to heart. I highly recommend this book for a glimpse into not just the Amish way, but into every works based religious teaching. If there were any way we could earn our way to heaven, then why was Jesus ever on the cross? A deep look at how God changes hearts and proves himself faithful always.
July 14, 2022
Interesting, but not my cup of tea
I read this book as a book club selection. Very enlightening to learn more about the Amish people, their culture and beliefs. The life experiences of Ora Jay and Irene Eash are certainly compelling and moving. The writing was, at times, difficult to follow, making me wonder if there was a language barrier involved. I thought this would be more of a life story, rather than an opportunity to evangelize. Good effort, but difficult to get through.
I read this book as a book club selection. Very enlightening to learn more about the Amish people, their culture and beliefs. The life experiences of Ora Jay and Irene Eash are certainly compelling and moving. The writing was, at times, difficult to follow, making me wonder if there was a language barrier involved. I thought this would be more of a life story, rather than an opportunity to evangelize. Good effort, but difficult to get through.
July 3, 2022
This was a re-read for me and it was just as interesting the second time around. This is about a young Amish couple on a journey to finding faith outside the Amish community. After losing their two young girls in an accident they begin to question themselves and their faith. After moving away to make a new start for themselves & their children , they discover that they find their faith strengthening without the restraints and rules of the Amish community.
May 23, 2018
This was a good book. The loss of a child is very difficult no matter which culture or religion you come from. I can't imagine losing two children at the same time. This book is not just about leaving the Amish community. It's about the process this family had to go through to reach that decision.
July 19, 2020
I didn’t know very much about the Amish culture, but this book has given me a real insight. Written by a husband and wife born-again Christians, who started their lives and marriage in the Amish culture. They suffered an awful tragedy at the beginning of the book. An encouraging read, beautifully written from a Christian perspective.
April 7, 2025
Fascinating story of a family leaving the Amish church. We have dear friends who are Amish, what a tool this testimony could be in conversation. Also helpful to reflect on how fear of man has influenced my faith simply because I live in a culturally Mennonite/amish area. Freedom in Christ and what He has done on our behalf is the entire point. Yes and amen.
August 15, 2020
Een prachtig geloofstestament waarin opnieuw duidelijk wordt dat de beste (enige?) manier om mensen uit een cult(achtige omgeving) te halen liefde, meelevendheid en mededogen is, zonder oordeel en vol openheid.
July 8, 2022
Highly recommend.
This book was such a refreshing and encouraging book to read. I loved being able to follow their journey to Christ while also learning more about the Amish culture that has always intrigued me.
This book was such a refreshing and encouraging book to read. I loved being able to follow their journey to Christ while also learning more about the Amish culture that has always intrigued me.
February 6, 2023
Good
Inspiration book, describes what it is like for an Amish couple to leave their Amish beliefs to serve Christ! Found it interesting that the Amish do not believe in Christian salvation through Christ but they believe in their own works!
Inspiration book, describes what it is like for an Amish couple to leave their Amish beliefs to serve Christ! Found it interesting that the Amish do not believe in Christian salvation through Christ but they believe in their own works!
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