We’ve put money into amateurish farming ventures in the US, France, Argentina and Bolivia...and generally lost money. Now, we’re getting serious...in Paraguay.
You never see overweight, overindulgent (and overindulged) Mennonites, neither the men nor the women. And their children are well behaved. It can be done, proving once again that culture is the determinant. Culture determines values; values determine choices, and choices determine outcomes. The Mennonites will survive the Fourth Turning. What about us? Best always. PM
Yes, regarding culture, our values are always developed by the culture we grew up in. However, most of the time our values need be corrected or redefined. And, our culture should be defined by the Word of God, and the church. Unfortunately, the church today is being defined by the culture.
The God words concerning validity of all religions starts and ends with Deuteronomy 4:2. Truths plainly stated by Elohim along the entire narrative of Tanakh; YHWH is eternal, His words are "all" eternally unchanging. Mankind is free to break his promises God is bound by His.
It matters not what Popes, priests, or pastors teach if differs in any fashion with that spoke by YHWH it is false. How can 2.5 billion Christians be wrong? When have the masses ever been right? How can 2.4 billion Muslims be wrong? Both would die for what they have come to believe is true, both have added an entirely different belief system with a new god to worship.
I did not say every church. As you say, "there are still a few". And what did I say that you feel I "need a different church"? What did I say that isn't true?
Fred, I am very sorry. I did not mean to upset you. I thought you were complaining about progressive Christianity. Whereas you and I both know there is only one Christianity, not progressive nor conservative, only one from the word of God. Have a blessed evening.
It's always interesting to see how people move around the world to find a better place to live. Also, this was a nice way to end the week. I live in S.E. Michigan and we have a lot of Amish and Mennonite families and farms in southern Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Their farms always seen to be clean and well maintained. These folks will survive well when the economy falls off the cliff.
You are refering to the third wave of Mennonite immigrants to the Chaco, they were displaced persons from World War II, who arrived in 1947 and founded the Neuland Colony.
Your hotel (the Hotel Florida, I presume) in Filadelfia sits right in the administrative center of the Fernheim Colony, which was founded by Mennonites fleeing Soviet tyranny between 1930 and 1932.
Visit the museum across the street!
However, the very first settlement in the area was Menno Colony in Loma Plata, established by Canadian Mennonites between 1926 and 1927.
The Mennonites are highly respected in Paraguay for their legendary work ethic, which transformed the harsh Chaco wilderness into a massive agricultural powerhouse. Despite being strict pacifists, they earned lasting national gratitude by providing vital food, water, and medical care to Paraguayan troops during the Chaco War (1932–1935). Their presence in this remote wilderness also helped Paraguay secure its territorial claim against Bolivia. Recognizing this invaluable support, wartime President Eusebio Ayala famously praised their role in the national victory.
well......yes. But Ukraine (The Ukraine is a Soviet term and shows Bill's bias or ignorance...its a sovereign nation alone, since leaving the former USSR around 1990 and declaring themselves a constitutional democracy in 1991 and recognized by the United States and the UN, and George H.W. Bush was also concerned about Ukraines OWN nukes and let them negotiate with the New Russians and Boris in exchange for a promise of PROTECTION) was not all Mennonites...in fact in Western Ukraine it was mostly Catholics with a CARDINAL in Lviv....and a smattering of Jews and Ukrainian Orthodox (distinct from Russian Orthodox).... had loose ties to the Old Germanic States of the Holy Roman Empire and Poland, an area of shifting boundaries over a long long time.....but hated Russians for POGROMS and so forth. But when the Wehrmact and the SS arrived knocking on doors with GUNS they told them SERVE WITH US OR DIE. AND SHOT THEM ON THE SPOT. They were not real NAZIS but conscripts ...a common enemy of Russia and Stalin for certain, but they were not like the SS and original Wehrmact and Luftwaffen in Germany. Hitler was Austrian and had some Catholic blood in him. Southern Germany was and is a Catholic section of Germany....and the NORTHERN German states were CALVINIST and LUTHERAN and some Mennonites. Pope Benedict was made to attend Youth Nazi camps as a boy but did NOT serve in the Nazi ranks and entered Seminary. The VAST majority of German Nazis in the MOTHERLAND were NOT Catholics...99%...and most Catholics in Germany who served were conscripted into the Army....the Wehrmact as required by Nazi Law, many horrified by yet another world war, after suffering HORRIFIC losses in WW1 and HUMILIATION (and American Occupation post war).
I categorically REJECT the notion, propounded by people who side with PUTIN, like Hungary and Russian speaking Ukrainians in Donetsk and Donbas and PUTIN (the WAR CRIMINAL AS WE SPEAK BOMBING APARTMENT BUILDINGS MURDERING CHILDREN IN KIEV THAT BILL NEGLECTED AGAIN TO MENTION) that Ukrainians are NAZIS. ITS ODIOUS OFFENSIVE AND OUTRAGEOUS AND WRONG. BUT MAYBE BILL CAN DISCUSS THE IRISH POSITION ON NAZI GERMANY....the IRISH HAVING GAINED INDEPENDENCE IN 1921, and SEPARATED FROM BRITAIN and having LOST A LOT OF YOUNG MEN BECAUSE OF THE BRITISH ENTRY INTO World War 1 for UNKNOWN reasons. HEY BILL? CARE TO EXPOUND ON REPORTS OF IRISH HELPING THE NAZIS? YES BISMARK WAS SUNK OFF THE COAST OF IRELAND....MY UNCLE ASSISTED IN THE ROYAL NAVY, but ANOTHER UNCLE SHOT DOWN IN THE NORTH SEA BY A MESSERSCHMIDT IN 1940. Bill?
South America is where a LOT of GERMANS, including ACTIVE WAR CRIMINALS AND EVIL NAZIS.. ESCAPED IN THE RAT LINE THROUGH THE VATICAN TO SOUTH AMERICA, SOME RUNNING NOT FROM WESTERN ALLIANCE BUT FROM THE SOVIET CRIMINALS NOW CONTROLLING ALL OF EAST GERMANY AND BERLIN.
Mennonites are hard working and generally avoid NON Mennonites and live in "COMMUNITY" and are a lot like the Amish (but distinct) and often called Pennsylvania Dutch..a misnomer because they werent DUTCH but DEUTSCH...GERMANS. And many in SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGION OF VIRGINIA....HARRISONBERG...as in James Madison University area. Mennonites are generally PACIFISTS. Also in the Shenandoah are BRETHREN....THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN who are a bit like Mennonites and Shakers. I digress. ALL FROM CALVIN....not LUTHER and NOT CATHOLICs.
Paraguays government is a lot different than in Uruguay. Bill needs to explain that too
Yes, and I know its long and I am loquacious and verbose but sometimes its necessary to be forthright and do my best to clarify as best I can and best I know. Not always right but always left hand on the Bible.
also Filadelfia is a Biblical name.....a LOT of cities have a BIBLICAL origin both in Judea and Samaria and in Britain, France and United States. MANY cities in the United States have a BRITISH origin....namesakes in Britain. We copied them.
My paternal g-g-grandparents were Mennonites who immigrated from what was then known as Prussia to the USA in 1875. The Mennonite history dates back to the Protestant reformation. Menos Simons was a Dutch Catholic priest who organized persecuted Protestant Christians into the movement characterized by a communal, agricultural society. Many moved to Prussia under Katherine the Great who offered land leases on poor, depleted soil. Excellent farmers, they revived the soil and developed prosperous communities. Persecution continued and some were displaced, opting to move over-seas. In North America, that was primarily Calgary, Alberta, Canada; York, Nebraska and Mountain Lake, Minnesota. My family lost their Mennonite identity in the great melting pot.
Mennonites dress simply and follow strict social rules and have very limited access to internet and technology....and are often farmers. That explains a lot.
It's possible losing money is part of the plan. He takes the losses, much like his pal Mr. Trump, turns over a functional property to his kids, who can live from it going forward. Just a possibility. Best always. PM
Mr. Bonner, FYI the countries you mention in So, Am. are not alone for Mennonites. My wife and I did a farm bed and breakfast 10 day tour about 10yrs ago thru Uruguay. Most of the farms were German, some were Mennonites. I was in the farm equipment business in MN for 25yrs. We exported, to northwestern Mexico and Belize, used equipment to none other than Mennonites and then found out they were kin to the Mennonites that reside in So. MN. One thing about most male Mennonites in our area is they are teetotalers as to booz " until they get 50miles from home"! Mexico in early 1900s paid for them to come over and gave them homesteaded land to do so. I need that map to your Salta ranch I want to visit. Keep smiling
Since the strait of Hormuz has been closed for nearly 45 days and oil has only crossed the 100$ barrel a few times. Is the trade of the decade nearing the end of its run? Bill, Tom, Dan or our informed readers think?
Please don''t bring your hocus pocus fraudulent practices of the papacy into this community Bill...their rejection of Rome most assuredly led to their excellent faith practices & immaculate culture...would love to see the Missus in a bonnet too...
Abjectly defamatory of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Shame on YOU. Anti Catholicism is rampant sadly. Often by OTHER alleged Christians. Its disgusting.
I think that the Vatican gets some stuff wrong and tell them so. But its not ex Cathedra doctrinal stuff.
Mennonite beliefs coincide with VERY conservative Catholic beliefs btw.
Patrick G. You had better dig into a little more history on the R.C.C. Like at the very beginning and read the book called "Solving The Mystery Of Babylon The Great." By Edward Hendrie.
Ive got a home library dude of over 200 books. and in my opinion anyone exhibiting blatant antisemitic or blatant anti catholic (or other faith) comments should be tossed out. I have read Diarmaid McCullough's History of Christianity (he is an Anglican Bishop in England) and it was excellent and starts with the Greeks. The ROMAN Catholic Church was started by Jesus Christ, who ordained the Apostles and specifically Peter (whose remains are in the crypt under the altar at St Peters Basilica in Rome/Vatican City) as the one on whom would build HIS Church. Peter was a sinner and denied Jesus THREE TIMES, and felt immeasurable shame and guilt about it....the Church is an institution made up of men and women and all of us are sinners. NO EXCEPTIONS. And every Christian faith has its fair share of DARK SECRETS and wars and horrific crimes....because they are humans and NEED the Forgiveness offered by Christ. I respect all people and all religions, though draw bright red lines on terrorism and those who commit horrific abuse (and its in the BOY SCOUTS TOO DUDE, who basically lost so much money had to declare bankruptcy and reorganize) and while I judge not, for that is GOD"s JOB, I do have my opinions and my own faith system and and ask people to be respectful and mindful of their own sins and their churches own sins and errors. I dont preach I share for those who ask. There are CULTURAL aspects to faith as well....some of them comical and some of them serious and harmful.....so I try to be careful with that....and I respect for example OBSERVANT Jews....whereas secular non observant Jews (just have Jewish blood that is all) I have a bigger problem with in some circumstances like WallStreet. I seek Divine Mercy from Christ. I wish nobody harm, but I am a warrior and a Crusader when it comes down to threatening Israel, the United States and the armed forces of the United States and my loved ones and friends.
And btw, I once had a one on one meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. And that was life changing too.
Now please refrain from defaming the Catholic Church. I wont ask you your faith.
Did I defame the church? read all the document supported views of this writer is all I ask . With an open mind as with all other things that humans can write.
Having meet and on rare occasion associated with several of the northern plains Hutterite colonies, my description of them is mechanized Amish.
They lived in small communal dormitories, had a central kitchen facility with large commercial cold storage and freezer areas. They combined their financial resources and purchased the largest wheat growers acreage on both sides of the Canadian border. They are very hard, intelligent and effective farmers and herdsmen. Historically they purchased large cost effective wheat combines, hay swathers, hay bailing machines, corresponding tractors and grain harvesting wagons and hauling trucks. Isolated 20-30-40-50+ miles out of a small town on gravel county roads, they could be snowed in from winter storms for days or a week. Some of the larger colonies purchased D-8 Caterpillar dozers to punch through the massive snow drifts and clear a path back to civilization (hospital, etc.). Many of their neighbors disliked their combined financial clout, until the D-8 Caterpillar opened up the roads to their homes and reconnected them back to the world (for free - no fee).
You never see overweight, overindulgent (and overindulged) Mennonites, neither the men nor the women. And their children are well behaved. It can be done, proving once again that culture is the determinant. Culture determines values; values determine choices, and choices determine outcomes. The Mennonites will survive the Fourth Turning. What about us? Best always. PM
Yes, regarding culture, our values are always developed by the culture we grew up in. However, most of the time our values need be corrected or redefined. And, our culture should be defined by the Word of God, and the church. Unfortunately, the church today is being defined by the culture.
Clearly, you need a different church, sir. There are still a few preaching the word of God.
The God words concerning validity of all religions starts and ends with Deuteronomy 4:2. Truths plainly stated by Elohim along the entire narrative of Tanakh; YHWH is eternal, His words are "all" eternally unchanging. Mankind is free to break his promises God is bound by His.
It matters not what Popes, priests, or pastors teach if differs in any fashion with that spoke by YHWH it is false. How can 2.5 billion Christians be wrong? When have the masses ever been right? How can 2.4 billion Muslims be wrong? Both would die for what they have come to believe is true, both have added an entirely different belief system with a new god to worship.
Cognitive Dissonance.
I did not say every church. As you say, "there are still a few". And what did I say that you feel I "need a different church"? What did I say that isn't true?
Fred, I am very sorry. I did not mean to upset you. I thought you were complaining about progressive Christianity. Whereas you and I both know there is only one Christianity, not progressive nor conservative, only one from the word of God. Have a blessed evening.
It's always interesting to see how people move around the world to find a better place to live. Also, this was a nice way to end the week. I live in S.E. Michigan and we have a lot of Amish and Mennonite families and farms in southern Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Their farms always seen to be clean and well maintained. These folks will survive well when the economy falls off the cliff.
Jim Marshall
You are refering to the third wave of Mennonite immigrants to the Chaco, they were displaced persons from World War II, who arrived in 1947 and founded the Neuland Colony.
Your hotel (the Hotel Florida, I presume) in Filadelfia sits right in the administrative center of the Fernheim Colony, which was founded by Mennonites fleeing Soviet tyranny between 1930 and 1932.
Visit the museum across the street!
However, the very first settlement in the area was Menno Colony in Loma Plata, established by Canadian Mennonites between 1926 and 1927.
The Mennonites are highly respected in Paraguay for their legendary work ethic, which transformed the harsh Chaco wilderness into a massive agricultural powerhouse. Despite being strict pacifists, they earned lasting national gratitude by providing vital food, water, and medical care to Paraguayan troops during the Chaco War (1932–1935). Their presence in this remote wilderness also helped Paraguay secure its territorial claim against Bolivia. Recognizing this invaluable support, wartime President Eusebio Ayala famously praised their role in the national victory.
well......yes. But Ukraine (The Ukraine is a Soviet term and shows Bill's bias or ignorance...its a sovereign nation alone, since leaving the former USSR around 1990 and declaring themselves a constitutional democracy in 1991 and recognized by the United States and the UN, and George H.W. Bush was also concerned about Ukraines OWN nukes and let them negotiate with the New Russians and Boris in exchange for a promise of PROTECTION) was not all Mennonites...in fact in Western Ukraine it was mostly Catholics with a CARDINAL in Lviv....and a smattering of Jews and Ukrainian Orthodox (distinct from Russian Orthodox).... had loose ties to the Old Germanic States of the Holy Roman Empire and Poland, an area of shifting boundaries over a long long time.....but hated Russians for POGROMS and so forth. But when the Wehrmact and the SS arrived knocking on doors with GUNS they told them SERVE WITH US OR DIE. AND SHOT THEM ON THE SPOT. They were not real NAZIS but conscripts ...a common enemy of Russia and Stalin for certain, but they were not like the SS and original Wehrmact and Luftwaffen in Germany. Hitler was Austrian and had some Catholic blood in him. Southern Germany was and is a Catholic section of Germany....and the NORTHERN German states were CALVINIST and LUTHERAN and some Mennonites. Pope Benedict was made to attend Youth Nazi camps as a boy but did NOT serve in the Nazi ranks and entered Seminary. The VAST majority of German Nazis in the MOTHERLAND were NOT Catholics...99%...and most Catholics in Germany who served were conscripted into the Army....the Wehrmact as required by Nazi Law, many horrified by yet another world war, after suffering HORRIFIC losses in WW1 and HUMILIATION (and American Occupation post war).
I categorically REJECT the notion, propounded by people who side with PUTIN, like Hungary and Russian speaking Ukrainians in Donetsk and Donbas and PUTIN (the WAR CRIMINAL AS WE SPEAK BOMBING APARTMENT BUILDINGS MURDERING CHILDREN IN KIEV THAT BILL NEGLECTED AGAIN TO MENTION) that Ukrainians are NAZIS. ITS ODIOUS OFFENSIVE AND OUTRAGEOUS AND WRONG. BUT MAYBE BILL CAN DISCUSS THE IRISH POSITION ON NAZI GERMANY....the IRISH HAVING GAINED INDEPENDENCE IN 1921, and SEPARATED FROM BRITAIN and having LOST A LOT OF YOUNG MEN BECAUSE OF THE BRITISH ENTRY INTO World War 1 for UNKNOWN reasons. HEY BILL? CARE TO EXPOUND ON REPORTS OF IRISH HELPING THE NAZIS? YES BISMARK WAS SUNK OFF THE COAST OF IRELAND....MY UNCLE ASSISTED IN THE ROYAL NAVY, but ANOTHER UNCLE SHOT DOWN IN THE NORTH SEA BY A MESSERSCHMIDT IN 1940. Bill?
South America is where a LOT of GERMANS, including ACTIVE WAR CRIMINALS AND EVIL NAZIS.. ESCAPED IN THE RAT LINE THROUGH THE VATICAN TO SOUTH AMERICA, SOME RUNNING NOT FROM WESTERN ALLIANCE BUT FROM THE SOVIET CRIMINALS NOW CONTROLLING ALL OF EAST GERMANY AND BERLIN.
Mennonites are hard working and generally avoid NON Mennonites and live in "COMMUNITY" and are a lot like the Amish (but distinct) and often called Pennsylvania Dutch..a misnomer because they werent DUTCH but DEUTSCH...GERMANS. And many in SHENANDOAH VALLEY REGION OF VIRGINIA....HARRISONBERG...as in James Madison University area. Mennonites are generally PACIFISTS. Also in the Shenandoah are BRETHREN....THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN who are a bit like Mennonites and Shakers. I digress. ALL FROM CALVIN....not LUTHER and NOT CATHOLICs.
Paraguays government is a lot different than in Uruguay. Bill needs to explain that too
Yes, and I know its long and I am loquacious and verbose but sometimes its necessary to be forthright and do my best to clarify as best I can and best I know. Not always right but always left hand on the Bible.
also Filadelfia is a Biblical name.....a LOT of cities have a BIBLICAL origin both in Judea and Samaria and in Britain, France and United States. MANY cities in the United States have a BRITISH origin....namesakes in Britain. We copied them.
My paternal g-g-grandparents were Mennonites who immigrated from what was then known as Prussia to the USA in 1875. The Mennonite history dates back to the Protestant reformation. Menos Simons was a Dutch Catholic priest who organized persecuted Protestant Christians into the movement characterized by a communal, agricultural society. Many moved to Prussia under Katherine the Great who offered land leases on poor, depleted soil. Excellent farmers, they revived the soil and developed prosperous communities. Persecution continued and some were displaced, opting to move over-seas. In North America, that was primarily Calgary, Alberta, Canada; York, Nebraska and Mountain Lake, Minnesota. My family lost their Mennonite identity in the great melting pot.
A peaceful piece and welcome respite from the war - on Trump. :-)
Mennonites dress simply and follow strict social rules and have very limited access to internet and technology....and are often farmers. That explains a lot.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.. Bill, are you listening?
Yep - just like Trump and the Zionists. Some never learn!
It's possible losing money is part of the plan. He takes the losses, much like his pal Mr. Trump, turns over a functional property to his kids, who can live from it going forward. Just a possibility. Best always. PM
Mr. Bonner, FYI the countries you mention in So, Am. are not alone for Mennonites. My wife and I did a farm bed and breakfast 10 day tour about 10yrs ago thru Uruguay. Most of the farms were German, some were Mennonites. I was in the farm equipment business in MN for 25yrs. We exported, to northwestern Mexico and Belize, used equipment to none other than Mennonites and then found out they were kin to the Mennonites that reside in So. MN. One thing about most male Mennonites in our area is they are teetotalers as to booz " until they get 50miles from home"! Mexico in early 1900s paid for them to come over and gave them homesteaded land to do so. I need that map to your Salta ranch I want to visit. Keep smiling
Hard working people who simply want to be left alone, in the little world they have created. The first stop on the road to utopia.
Since the strait of Hormuz has been closed for nearly 45 days and oil has only crossed the 100$ barrel a few times. Is the trade of the decade nearing the end of its run? Bill, Tom, Dan or our informed readers think?
Please don''t bring your hocus pocus fraudulent practices of the papacy into this community Bill...their rejection of Rome most assuredly led to their excellent faith practices & immaculate culture...would love to see the Missus in a bonnet too...
Abjectly defamatory of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Shame on YOU. Anti Catholicism is rampant sadly. Often by OTHER alleged Christians. Its disgusting.
I think that the Vatican gets some stuff wrong and tell them so. But its not ex Cathedra doctrinal stuff.
Mennonite beliefs coincide with VERY conservative Catholic beliefs btw.
Patrick G. You had better dig into a little more history on the R.C.C. Like at the very beginning and read the book called "Solving The Mystery Of Babylon The Great." By Edward Hendrie.
Ive got a home library dude of over 200 books. and in my opinion anyone exhibiting blatant antisemitic or blatant anti catholic (or other faith) comments should be tossed out. I have read Diarmaid McCullough's History of Christianity (he is an Anglican Bishop in England) and it was excellent and starts with the Greeks. The ROMAN Catholic Church was started by Jesus Christ, who ordained the Apostles and specifically Peter (whose remains are in the crypt under the altar at St Peters Basilica in Rome/Vatican City) as the one on whom would build HIS Church. Peter was a sinner and denied Jesus THREE TIMES, and felt immeasurable shame and guilt about it....the Church is an institution made up of men and women and all of us are sinners. NO EXCEPTIONS. And every Christian faith has its fair share of DARK SECRETS and wars and horrific crimes....because they are humans and NEED the Forgiveness offered by Christ. I respect all people and all religions, though draw bright red lines on terrorism and those who commit horrific abuse (and its in the BOY SCOUTS TOO DUDE, who basically lost so much money had to declare bankruptcy and reorganize) and while I judge not, for that is GOD"s JOB, I do have my opinions and my own faith system and and ask people to be respectful and mindful of their own sins and their churches own sins and errors. I dont preach I share for those who ask. There are CULTURAL aspects to faith as well....some of them comical and some of them serious and harmful.....so I try to be careful with that....and I respect for example OBSERVANT Jews....whereas secular non observant Jews (just have Jewish blood that is all) I have a bigger problem with in some circumstances like WallStreet. I seek Divine Mercy from Christ. I wish nobody harm, but I am a warrior and a Crusader when it comes down to threatening Israel, the United States and the armed forces of the United States and my loved ones and friends.
And btw, I once had a one on one meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. And that was life changing too.
Now please refrain from defaming the Catholic Church. I wont ask you your faith.
Did I defame the church? read all the document supported views of this writer is all I ask . With an open mind as with all other things that humans can write.
Me thinkst thou protesteth too much....
Having meet and on rare occasion associated with several of the northern plains Hutterite colonies, my description of them is mechanized Amish.
They lived in small communal dormitories, had a central kitchen facility with large commercial cold storage and freezer areas. They combined their financial resources and purchased the largest wheat growers acreage on both sides of the Canadian border. They are very hard, intelligent and effective farmers and herdsmen. Historically they purchased large cost effective wheat combines, hay swathers, hay bailing machines, corresponding tractors and grain harvesting wagons and hauling trucks. Isolated 20-30-40-50+ miles out of a small town on gravel county roads, they could be snowed in from winter storms for days or a week. Some of the larger colonies purchased D-8 Caterpillar dozers to punch through the massive snow drifts and clear a path back to civilization (hospital, etc.). Many of their neighbors disliked their combined financial clout, until the D-8 Caterpillar opened up the roads to their homes and reconnected them back to the world (for free - no fee).