The Christian Craftsmen

My wife and I were invited to a dinner and program about custom kitchens at Countryside Woodcraft in Russell, MA. We went last night with about forty other people.

The program was interesting and I certainly understand more about custom cabinetry and furniture than I ever did before. The quality of their work is impeccable, and it makes you aware of what a top quality product looks like - inside and out.

The company is owned by a Mennonite community who do the design, building, installation and retailing, so they do everything except grow the trees.

The really fascinating thing about last night was the Mennonites themselves. They seem to be a step removed from the Amish in that they use modern devices. But other things, like their manner, accent, dress (the women wear long dresses and bonnets; the men modestly dress in slacks and shirts), their large families, the fact that they live together in a close, mutually supportive unit, their impeccable politeness, and - above all - their Christian faith makes them similar.

I spoke to the apparent leader, Ron Hess, after the program. He was delighted when I introduced myself as a Christian and we spoke for a few minutes. I brought up Finding Faith in a Skeptical World not knowing what sort of reaction I'd get. But Ron got excited about it and explained that he often sees secular customers who clearly don't have faith and is saddened by his inability to do anything about it.

I left him a copy of the book and hope to hear back from him. I really think this is what he's been looking for in that it's an easy, non-confrontational way to introduce others to a faith we'd like to share.