Search for Community

In 1744 Peter Witmer left the mountains of Switzerland to seek a new community in America, one that was more tolerant than the one he and other Mennonite folks left behind. Entering the Port of Philadelphia Peter settled in the rich farming land of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. After a brief genealogical sketch of the first four generations, the author re-creates the life and times of his grandparents down to his great-granddaughter born in 2016, the 10th generation. This story is a chronological history of the people, their families, and the culture of the last five generations. More as a reporter than a storyteller of the different eras, the writer notes how each generation seeks the Biblical vision of "the promised land." In telling this story he centers it around his life and that of his life-long partner for 65 years, his two children, and five grandchildren. One chapter is devoted to what life has taught him, especially a career in education for 42 years. In the last two chapters, Mel draws upon his Judeo-Christian background and recent scientific findings to envision how we can be co-creators with God for building a beloved community. In a community of love, compassion, and justice, everyone would have the opportunity to flourish.