An amazing story just keeps on getting more amazing, in my opinion. The Amish families, who were the victims of the senseless shooting last week in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have specified that some of the donations being received on their behalf will go to the killer’s family. Thus far, well over $1,000,000 has been received by three agencies. Recently Newsweek’s Susannah Meadows spoke to Herman Bontrager, spokesperson of the Nickel Mines Accountability Committee, which has been organized to administer the money. She stated, “The Amish have said they’d like some of the money to go to the family of the killer.” Bontrager’s reply:
There was one bank account set up specifically for his family. In addition to that, the accountability committee, on behalf of the church leadership, has said that if there are needs beyond that fund, they want to make sure that some of the money that comes in designated for Nickel Mines victims [goes to the killer's family]. Nickel Mines victims include [that] family, in their definition. There are conversations about what the family’s needs are, such as scholarship funds for the children. The committee will contribute as it becomes clear what the needs are.
When asked if the Amish were aware that their actions were inspirational to many people, Bontrager stated:
I’ve heard them talk about that. They’re recognizing that this is an event that affects a lot of people both from grief and from its learning potential. I’m sure that many of them feel that deeply and are very very grateful for it. But an Amish person would be very reluctant to talk about “We’re teaching the world something.” What they would say is, “We just did what we think we need to do as people of faith. Our actions are more important than our words.”
You can read the full story here.
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