Growth-and Some Decline-of the Churches / 97

Ohio." After visits in Allen, Hardin, and Franklin counties she returned to Fairfield County where,

I had a happy meeting with my brother Samuel S. Good, whom I had not seen for nearly twenty-two years. Here we had an interesting meeting in the old Turkey Run Church where we used to meet in our young days. Here father and mother, brother and sister and dear friends bowed together in prayer. Most of them have crossed the river of death and some have removed to other counties and other states.... There is only a small flock here, but they still have the same promise that God will be with them    

"The Dear Young People"

Of all the visitors to Ohio churches perhaps none was more influential than John F. Funk, editor of the Herald of Truth and leader in many endeavors of the church. Frequently his visits were to Allen County where his friend and mentor, John M. Brenneman, lived. His visits took him to the leading congregations. Funk preached in both English and German so that he could appeal to a wider range of people. His visits included the Swiss and the .Amish and he also spoke in Dunker churches. No place seemed too remote for him to visit. Funk kindled the fires of revival and evangelism. In his report in the April 1872 Herald of Truth he comments, "God bless the dear young people everywhere and help them to yield their hearts in willing obedience to the many calls and invitations of the blessed Savior, before it will be forever too late."

Later visits to Ohio churches by Funk took place in 1881, and in the December issue of his paper he tells of going to Allen, Hancock, and Putnam counties. In the Elida community Funk visited with John M. Brenneman, and spoke to an attentive audience at Sherrick's meetinghouse. He also attended a communion service. While in this community he was encouraged by the presence of many young people at church. He noted what he considered to be praiseworthy regarding the young people, "namely, that all endeavor to let their light shine in their uniformly plain dress." During the summer the church had added twenty-nine new members to its roll.

Choice of Leadership by Lot

The ordination of a minister in the Mennonite and Amish churches was carried out in the nineteenth century by the use of the lot. The lot has also been used in the selection of ministers in