Historically the Amish and Mennonite communities survived by operating small family farms, but as cities grew and available farming land began to shrink, many were forced to look for alternative ways to make a living. Small furniture and cabinet shops began popping-up as a way to add a bit of income on days where farm work wasn’t possible. Soon the community began applying its building skills to the local construction marketplace, and crews of young, energetic Amish workers left their mark throughout the state of Ohio and beyond. With craftsmanship as the backbone, small wood shops have grown their businesses into well acknowledged manufacturers for the furniture and cabinetry industries.
 
Yoder Lumber is able to support these industries with high-quality Appalachian hardwoods as well as providing job opportunities for many from the Amish community.  With a tradition of hard-work, dedication, honesty, and commitment to producing high-quality products, Yoder Lumber is engrained with these same principals from the founder, John Yoder.
 
But where does the strong work ethic and passion for craftsmanship originate from? A local Amish pastor and local entrepreneur offered his thoughts on what creates this mindset.

Heritage: A Responsibility to family and community

The slower pace of life is unhampered by the “convenience” — or as the Amish see it, distractions of modern-day life. Rather than becoming engrossed in the latest news or social media trends, they can focus on family and others in their community. From a young age, children are tasked with helping to complete a variety of tasks: young girls help with dishes, laundry, and the garden; while young boys help with lawn mowing, caring for animals, and working the fields. Many of these tasks need to be completed before they walk to the one-room, parochial school; the remaining tasks will be waiting when they arrive back home. At the end of the day families gather for hearty, home cooked meals and discuss the days experiences. As the day ends, you will find families playing croquet on the front lawn, sitting in rockers on the porch, or playing board games by the glow of a gas light. It is not uncommon for three generations to live on a single homestead, often with grandma and grandpa living in a small home called a “Doddy Haus.”  This togetherness forms an incredible family bond, encouraging the mindset of “building for future generations, not building for today.”
 

Faith: Practical application of teachings

The Amish belive the Bible is the sovereign word of God, literal in meaning, and use the Bible as a guide for living. The Pastor shared, “with the view of eternal destiny there is a certain sense of preparedness.” Taught from a young age, the Amish look to scripture to back this teaching, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat” (English Standard Version, 2 Thess. 3:10). The scriptures also state that “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Eccl. 9:10). There is also a responsibility and moral requirement to give to fellow man the best and not a poor product. “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matt. 7:12).