A Weekend of Fellowship, Laughter, and Unforgettable Moments
by Kayla Kennada
Each year, Be the Word Ministry hosts our beloved Amish Country Getaway in the picturesque town of Berlin, Ohio. This cherished tradition has become our second most popular event, right behind our annual Leadership Conference in North Carolina—and it’s easy to see why.
Discovering Amish Country
Over the years, we’ve built meaningful friendships with remarkable people in the area, many of whom have Amish backgrounds. Learning about their culture and way of life has been enlightening and enriching. For photography enthusiasts, this destination is nothing short of paradise—from rolling landscapes dotted with horse-drawn buggies to unique shops, authentic restaurants, and the timeless beauty of Amish farm views.
We created this getaway to share these experiences with others, giving our friends a taste of what draws us back year after year. And let’s be honest: the home-cooked meals prepared by our Amish friends are an irresistible bonus!
Day One: Arrival and Fellowship
Our weekend began with friends gathering at the beautiful home Anna Mae Miller generously provided at no charge. The joy was palpable as hugs and smiles filled the air—reunions with dear friends never get old.
The evening kicked off with a feast prepared by our local friends Mark Yoder and Anna Mae Miller. Deb Knapp contributed her famous homemade pies, I brought my carrot cake, and others added their own delicious treats. The table was overflowing, and so were our hearts.
With satisfied appetites, we dove into game night. Mafia had everyone laughing and strategizing, while Four Up and Four Down kept another group thoroughly entertained. Hours flew by until fatigue finally set in, and we reluctantly called it a night.
Day Two: Cowboys, Comedy, and Chaos
We woke up energized and ready for adventure. After Angie Yoder and I prepared a hearty breakfast, everyone dressed in western attire—jeans, boots, and cowboy hats—and boarded the bus for horseback riding.
Eight brave souls mounted up and hit the trails under perfect weather. The ride was glorious until we encountered a fallen tree blocking our path. Dr. Johnnie dismounted to help the staff move it, but the tree wouldn’t budge. The real challenge came when he tried to remount his horse. After several unsuccessful attempts to swing his leg over, he finally succeeded—with the assistance of a six-inch rock. As he says, he walks by faith, and his foundation is built on the rock! He still laughs about his “cowboy moment,” though I missed filming it from my position at the back of the line. Cowboys in spirit, if not in mounting ability!
Shopping and Dining Adventures
Next up was shopping at two local favorites: Lehman’s Amish Hardware Store and Heini’s Cheese Factory. We explored every corner, leaving with bags full of treasures and treats. We even discovered a roadside sale featuring beautiful handmade baskets and crafts by young Amish ladies.
Dinner at Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen buffet restaurant was another culinary highlight. The food was exceptional, but the real treat was the continued fellowship with our group.
The Comedy Show Surprise
The evening’s grand finale awaited us at the Amish Comedy Theatre. We met some of the actors beforehand and snapped photos, but nothing prepared us for what came next.
Midway through the show, a magician-comedian scanned the audience for a volunteer. His choice? None other than Dr. Johnnie Blount! Once on stage, the performer showed Dr. Johnnie a card with the word “eat” while displaying “fart” to the audience. He then asked a series of questions that Dr. Johnnie thought were about eating, but the audience knew better.
“Do you do this often?” “Yes!”
“What does it smell like?” “Chicken and watermelon!”
Dr. Johnnie couldn’t understand why the crowd was roaring with laughter. The performance was filmed and offered for sale after the show. Of course, we bought it! Back at the house, games continued alongside endless replays and discussions of Dr. Johnnie’s unexpected stage debut.
Day Three: Worship and Farewells
Our final morning began with Kathy Merkle and I preparing breakfast. Since it was Sunday, we gathered on the patio for a devotional time led by Dr. Johnnie. A few guests joined us for the teaching, creating an intimate and meaningful experience.
Afterward, we enjoyed the weekend’s leftovers (which were still delicious), and Dr. Johnnie and I had the privilege of prophesying to the group. Many lingered until evening, reluctant to let the weekend end.
Grateful Hearts
This getaway was truly special, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of so many:
- Angie Yoder for coordinating Saturday’s itinerary and countless other details
- Mark & Angie Yoder, Anna Mae Miller, Kathy Merkle, Deb Knapp, and myself for meal preparation
- Everyone who helped with cleanup and the many other tasks that kept things running smoothly
- Deb Knapp for sharing her physical training expertise with those who needed it
- Nancy O’dell for providing massage therapy to those who requested it
Looking Ahead
What a wonderful time we had! The memories made, the laughter shared, and the bonds strengthened will carry us through until next year’s getaway.
Coming up next? If you missed the Amish Country Getaway, you have the last opportunity of this year to gather with us at our New Year’s Eve Celebration. Stay tuned…
Next year’s Amish Country Getaway? October 2-4, 2026 Mark your calendars!