A man, Eli Yoder, claims it’s new laws that are pushing the Amish to relocate, and that’s causing the population growth in Missouri. He argues these laws are specifically targeting the belief systems of the Amish. His video has over 34,000 views and over 1,800 likes within seven hours of posting.
Missouri has been described as “one of the fastest growing destinations for Amish families.” As a former member of the community, Yoder explains that this has happened before, with upstate New York previously holding the record. One reason for relocation can be caused by splits within the community after disagreements. However, the primary reason is that so many areas “pass different laws that go against the Amish belief system.” The example he gives is that Pennsylvania is attempting to pass a law that would require them to “put rubber on their buggy wheels rather than metal.”
Allegedly, this is to prevent the wheels from tearing up the roads. The new law would also require them to keep their horses from making a mess on the highway. If this gets enforced, the communities there will relocate because they always choose to pack up and move. Yoder states, “They don’t surrender their beliefs for no one, certainly not the government.” Because of this, they are heading for Missouri. At present, the state’s laws are “pretty Amish friendly.” However, if this were to change, they’d pack up and relocate to another state.
Mixed Reactions To Amish In Missouri
This has sparked mixed reactions from commenters, with one arguing that they understand why the laws are being passed. They claim to live near a large Amish community, and that the local highway department “has to constantly redo the roads.” Another agrees that horse shoes and buggy wheels tear up the road. They add, “They don’t pay fuel taxes to fix the roads but continue to use them.” A third claims, “Grew up with it in NE Missouri and have seen this first hand.”
However, others are happy to have as many Amish communities as possible. One commenter states, “Amish Paradise here in Missouri!” Another has nothing but respect for their beliefs: “May not be my cup of tea, but they are some of the most kind people I’ve met.” Meanwhile, another loves what they bring with them: “As someone who lives in Missouri, bring them all. I love that they have stores here that you can buy all kinds of amazing things.”
Yoder currently travels from state to state preaching and sharing his story about growing up Amish. His next stop is in Albion, Indiana.
