On December 9, 2005, Bruderhof abruptly shut down their online presence. Among the services and sites they closed were daily inspirational email services, online articles and free e-Books about living a life inspired by Jesus. [Update: Plow Publishing is back online] Bruderhof not only provided a wealth of 'idea' resources -- their very presence online offered a perspective on Christianity that is all too rare in today's world... We've created this online site to give a voice to people who miss Bruderhof.com and all of what they added to the online community, both as a way of saying "thank you" and as a way of communicating how much their online resources are missed. [Want to discuss the Bruderhof communities? Join the Bruderhof Yahoo Group] Miss the Daily Dig? Check out On the way from inward/outward.
Onaldo Alves Pereira Brazil    Dear ones, I really miss the online Bruderhof messages. Whay were they stoped? Love, Onaldo Judith Japan    The daily dig became our habit to read daily and i used to share this to my friends and prayer partners in the church that I'm serving now.This really helps to renew and refresh our faith especially that we are here in a foreign land. I hope they will bring back the site again. God bless you! pretty betty alberta canada    What a loss Thankyou for the books at www.plough.com In light and love betty Devon Teran Kansas    The texts I read on The Bruderhof website was some of the most thought provoking spiritual work I've read in years I miss it, please bring it back BILLIE BLYTH BLEDSOE NORMAN OKLAHOMA    PLEASE COME BACK! Warren Eustace Mountain View, CA    What happened? The community was such a light in the darkness of cyberspace. Please bring it back. Thanks. Many blessings, Warren William J. Bow Riverside, New Jersey    The Daily Digs are missed, of course. But more important that that is the fact that I miss knowing that you "are there." This was a marvelous modern witness to the basic pure teachings of Christ. You are needed. Sandile Nkonqa Johannesburg, South Africa    Its really sad not to be able to access those inspirational experiences as shared in Bruderhof...I have a friend who is in pain over the loss of her sister and I needed to ebooks to comfort her.... Bring back the inspirational Daily Digs... Charles Morgan W7490 Ridgeside Drive, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956    In 1967 I was a student at Yale and spent my Christmas vacation at the Bruderhof as I was interested in intentional communities. My experience at that time has been one of the most vivid and valuable of my life! I worked daily in the wood shop, after meals with the community and, essentially, participated in all community activities except for the weekly members' meetings. I was free to do whatever I wanted and to talk to whomever I wanted. During the time I was there, a celebration occurred when the members from Paraguay, I believe, moved from South America to Connecticut over the Christmas time. I have prayed for the Society and continue to do so. Charles Morgan, M.D. W7490 Ridgeside Drive Neenah, WI 54956 920-757-1844 Brian Lester Philadelphia    You're website was a challenge and an inspiration to me. If you can bring it back in some form without compromising your ideals and simplicity, please consider doing so. Pax et Bonum, KBL Marli Silva Sao Paulo,Brazil    the same... I truly miss the daily messages... Andrew London    For months I looked forward to reading the daily dig each day at work.I found it through internet serendipity and I miss it greatly. There was always a beautiful passage offered to people to inspire and challenge, and it was never dogmatic or preachy. It formed part of my prayer life. It was fantastic reading about the communities history, or reading Dostoevsky one day and a more contemporary writer the next.Please consider bringing it back as it is a great loss to the world. Evelyn Clark Estonia    I am the mother of a 16-year-old son and I am looking for some of the great articles and books about dating and sex that I have read before on your web site! You are greatly missed. Don't even get me started about "Daily Dig"! :-) Much love and peace to you. Connie Churchill Greenfield, Wisconsin    I am so happy to share how much the Bruderhof e-book web site has meant to me. I could not believe that these spiritual gems were there just for the downloading. I had never "met" Sadhu Sundar Singh before and feel I have gained so much spiritually in the little while I have "listened" to him share. I just happened on to your site within the last week. I had no idea you had other web sites in the past. Please, please reconsider if you feel it is God's Will. I will be praying for you and hope some day I can meet some of you. christy lyn United States    I first found the Bruderhof 6 years ago when I was at a very low point in my life. The Daily Dig and all of the other resources helped me stay strong in my faith. Just a month ago my husband passed away and I could really use the Daily Dig right now. I do read my Bible every morning but there was such a sense of serendipity to the morning email from the Bruderhof. I also enjoyed the Breakfast with Blumhardt emails very much. I sisncerely hope they come back soon. Stephen Hand, TCRNews.com Massachusetts    The Bruderhof Internet presence and their Daily Dig was an important part of our day. Another more positive approach by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and John Paul II along with other suggestions http://tcrnews2.com/gencyber.html St. Maximilian Kolbe is said to have been an advocate for using the most advanced technology as one means to spread the Gospel. Avoid the bad sites like fire and put your family, friends and work first. Richard Lawrence Hamilton, New Zealand    I miss the daily inspiration of the words and the images from Bruderhof. The images of flowers, shells and seeds were often as inspirational to me as the words themselves. Thank you for the daily message, to the ends of the earth! Aaron H Canada    I miss you guys! Some of the most fantastic resources on the web for searching Christians is now missing in action. Come back!!! Thomas Cornish Quinlan Texas    Just a note to thank you for what you had onli ne in the past, and hoping to see more of the same in the future. God bless, Tom amy lancaster    As much as you will be missed, I admire the reasons why I will miss you! The world, through all media, including the internet, seeks to tell us what we "must" buy, get, listen to, read, do with our lives, look like, feel like, and the Bruderhof has pronounced it all rubbish! Daniela & Joel Greenhaus Community, Boston    There is a healthy balance somewhere between burning a lot of resources on a polished and vast web presence on one hand, and total retreat on the other. It is of course true that no online contact can replace a face encounter. But I can personally say that I would've never showed up at your door if it wasn't for the information I was able to gather from your website, and even after having made personal contact found myself going back there regularly. Your cyber-light is useless under a self-imposed bucket. So please, please get it back where it belongs - online. Greetings to all the Catskill folks, we love you! Ron Wall Calgary, Alberta    I can't tell you how much i miss the Daily Dig. It was such an inspiration. As well, there is the wealth of information that i miss. Stacy Hall San Jose, CA    I've appreciated the Daily Digs and have used them for inspiration in the ministry I'm involved with. I hope it comes back! Br. Cyril OSB LA    I want to testify to you, that it was a miserable old day when I first found that everything, everything was gone. In view of all the garbage, the wasted life, that the Internet produces and recycles, here was something that realized that there's a direction in life, and that light is coming from that direction and we need to go toward it. In view of the frustrating direction of our country, here was a source of comfort that the collapse is far from total: it's just that our brothers and sisters promoting the culture of death seem to have more money and determination. But the Bruderhof was and is part of turning that around & establishing the Kingdom. I miss their pages and works deeply. Jamie Spriggs Norton, Massachusetts    In the last chapter of Matthew, Jesus charges his disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." The _Daily_Dig_ was a part of this outreach, a small community of Christians spreading thoughts about the implications of God's Word throughout the world. Bruderhof, I came looking to your site for inspiration this lent, but you weren't there. Your web presence is missed. Cherrie Ann Joseph Trinidad and Tobago    I was shocked and very sad when I realised that I could no longer access the Bruderhof community website. I have always been on a spiritual quest and thirsted for knowledge and information and the Community provided so many books and so much inspiration in helping me to find a path. I wept when I ready Homage to a Broken Man and so many of the other books written by the Bruderhof have touched me deeply and changed my world view. We need this presence in this world of confusion and despair. Thanks you so much Cherrie Ellen Sarewitz England    How I miss the daily dig! Words of wisdom, comfort and discomfort, but always food for the spirit. Martin Clacker Bristol, UK    I was saddened and bewildered when I could no longer access the Bruderhof websites, particularly the Peacemakers site. The information and articles were of tremendous worth. Why did you shut down????????? Susanne Day Bordentown, NJ    Dear Bruderhof followers, I so miss your inspirational e-mails. They got me through my days and alot of my days are racked with pain and anguish. You have no idea how you blessed me and my family. I feel a terrible loss and absence of something profoundly good. Please, I beg you, bring back these e-mails. Our prayers and love, Day Family Bob Johnson Kansas City, Missouri    I always looked forward to starting my day with the challenging thoughts of reflection from the Daily Dig. I really miss the publication. I have wondered what happened to those messages and just learned that they were discontinued back in December. I am sorry they are no longer being produced. Elizabeth Alama Washington    I was introduced to the web site by my mother,who gleans great wisdom and insight from many different sources to pass along in her church newsletters and her own spiritual journey. I also found this to be one of the best sites because of the range from simple daily meditations to in-depth discussion and recommended reading. I am at a loss for a replacement. Please come back!!! Kathy Mc Dougall- Yeager Houston    I cherished the daily dig. It gave me hope and it helped me find my own voice. It challenged while encouraging, which is not an easy thing to do. I miss it. The voices from writings that made me want to read more and more and want to learn and grow and seek and pray and do. It gave me a little taste of how I should live; how I want to be. It brought change into my world in such a small way, one word at a time, the way God often approaches. Gently. It would often be so profound I would have a hard time hitting the delete button, and would find my inbox filled with daily digs, finally naming a file "daily digs I can't delete" and storing them there. Now I wish I had saved them all and kept them on the computer, or written more down in my journal to refer to. Silly to grieve a daily inspirational e mail and lament a websight closier. I wish Bruderhof well and hope to find at least a little of what they have found here at home, and in my community. www.ecclesiahouston.org Clare Frist Montreat, NC    I am wondering why Daily Dig shut down. It was something I looked forward to everyday! Such a rich intercourse with great thoughts and great people of the past. So unsettling as it constantly was a reminder of what is truly eternal and of importance. Often inspiring and nourishing and sometimes whimsical and fun. I hope you will get back in business! Either way, many thanks for your good work. joanne hibbert London, England    I really miss contact with the Bruderhof Communiites - although I have to admit that I still have some unopened Daily Dig's in my folder - maybe not opening them - to date - is a way of avoiding the issue - that Bruderhof, have in a sense - and in a real way - disappeared from the in tray on my email server. I miss Daily Dig - but as Bruderhof wanted to close them down before and then did quite abruptly - I respect the fact that they may have their own positive reasons for doing so - positive for the Bruderhof Community, that is. Perhaps there is a better direction for them to channel their energies for now. I really valued Daily Dig. Sometimes (actually quite often) there was a real nugget - an article from the community in the longer section, a piece of theological reflection - that really was amazing and incredibly valuable to read and learn from. It was a real encouragement to reach high in the christian life - reading from their daily meditations. I also really appreciated some of the family stories. More than anywhere else I read about - seems to me that Bruderhof are retaining christian values in family and other types of relationship - with vulnerable people, etc. And for this I thank God - for their example - that they are real salt and light and a city on a hill - that cannot - and should not be hidden. However - they share the life of their community in so many different ways.... not just via the net! Recieving emails from the Bruderhof, on occassion was really encouraging. They are really loving and creative people. They have alot of integrity as christians . desprate housemother Get Well Room    Y'all come back. Ya'hear? Larry Northern Idaho    It was a shock to not be able to access the Bruderhof writings offered and downloadable spiritual books. I passed on to many people the writings I discovered on the site. The value of this site is not measurable. Sister Iris Ledden United States    I found great inspiration in the articles and spiritual quotes each day. Hopefully the site will again be established. I truly miss it. sad piney woods    It brought me into great need when I realized that the bruderhof website is gone for good. Now I am in need and I dont know how to deal with it. Peter Lustig Germany    Please bring back Bruderhof! Sister Ann David Aston, Pennsylvanis    I really miss your daily reflection and articles. I shared may with my staff and clients. Please reconsider because your ecumenical-holistic approach was great! Ann Colin McConkey Poland    greatly missed jorgedosit v. buot philippines    i truly missed the "daily dig". will it ever come back? John Payne Melbourne, Australia    Miss the Daily Dig very much. Salve atque Vale. John. Susan Barbour Le Moyne College    One of my ministers introduced me to the Bruderhof through the Plough catalogue, and I subscribed to The Daily Dig from its beginning. A college literature instructor, I loved the inspiration of the selections--both the familiar and the unfamiliar (to me), and the thought that others were sharing that same reading with me on that day--not because they had to, but because they chose to. That community of willing fellow readers is precious to a teacher. Many of the Daily Digs, and the lengthier linked articles, were suggested readings in a course I just offered called Women, War and Peace in World Theatre, as well as a large part of my inspiration for creating the course. I thank the Bruderhof for bringing to us the stories and thoughts of so many who struggle to live in ways that will bring peace. Thank you for your work. You all are in my prayers, and I hope to visit one day soon. Andrew C. Farmingdale, New York    I had always looked forward each day for some refreshing thoughts and words from the Bruderhof. Their website was a balanced mix of many different writings from diverse authors. The week the Bruderhof stopped their daily digs I was terminated from my job. I lost my financial support and some of my spiritual nourishment in one week! I hope to find a new job or career and pray that the Bruderhoff relaunches. I also pray that the bruderhof overcomes their internal conflicts and finds peace! Mara Portland    I am lost without you. anis malaysia    i love ur inspiration poem..tq Karen Duke Bremerton, WA    Dear Bruderhof, I miss the "Daily Dig". I really enjoyed it and your inspirational site. Marianne du Plessis Cape Town, South Africa    This is something truly tragic that has happened - in a world where there are so few people still doing good, I felt that the Daily Dig made a profound impact on my life. I used to use the beautiful pictures and quotations as inspiration for our company newsletter every weekday. I have been on extended leave for 3 months and was horrified to discover that I could no longer receive my Daily Dig when I got back. If anyone is out there that can make a difference.....please bring back this wonderful site ASAP!!!!! Steven Jacobsen Decorah,IA    Daily Digs was the first thing I read every morning. I miss it greatly Lisa Stinson Sammamish WA    Miss the daily dig!!! Please bring it back. Therese Lysaught Dayton, OH    I thought for sure the loss of the Bruderhof website must have been a temporary glitch. I have long appreciated the wealth of material on the site, often used it for my classes with my students, read it myself, and we have often linked it to the Ekklesia Project webzine, bringing important and timely resources to our endorsers. I am deeply saddened to hear that the site is permanently down. While I am sure that the people who ran the site deliberated carefully before taking it down, and have probably done so for compelling reasons, I would like to add my voice in support of its return. It was such a gift to the peace community, and fulfilled an important service in the mission of the church. Thanks for all that you have done for us over the years. I will pray for your communities and your work. Suzanne Eller Hickory, NC    I used to get the magazine. That stopped and then I signed up for the emails. I love them. Please come back. You were such a bright spot in my day. Love and light, Suzanne Barb Chandler Sacramento    I enjoyed your daily meditations. carol beels it beck Fareham, England    Hearing of why "bring back bruderhof" has been set up, just is a sad reminder that the Bruderhof never seems to learn. The only thing that seems to be consistent is the inconsistency in dealing w/ people that for what every reason can`t go along w/ what the Bruderhof expects of a person. I was gladdened to hear that so many of you readers had been touched and helped by the what you read. However by now you will have realized the words don`t match with the reality in the long run. I can also still be moved by the writings coming out of the Bruderhof. But sadly I know and have experienced too much that contradicts the writings that leaves me very sad and angry. Yes it sadly then come across as false. And yet I know there are many deeply sincere Christian people living in the Bruderhof, many of which I know and love. I just hope that one day the Bruderhof will humbly hear the concerns from the many they have closed the door to over these many years. The leaders and members in the Bruderhof are quick to ask those hurt by their actions to forgive them. However, slow to reach out and seek reconsiliation w/ the many hundreds that have been forced to, or left voluntarily because of the way they were treated. All in the name of "Christ". I want that you thrive dear loved ones in the Bruderhof. But the way you are going about wanting to attract new people and draw in former fellow travellers and seekers is just not working! The cancer is within your midst, not as you believe from the enemy without. As one friend said we look for the day when we are all invited to the Bruderhof to celebrate the reconciliation that we long for. But it looks humanly impossible at present. It must come from within you dear Bruderhoefer. I/we have done what we could from the "outside". Light and love to each one that reads or hears this in the Bruderhof. your Carol Beck. Holly Gotelli Allen, Texas    Your gracious, loving presence expressed through "Daily Dig" will be missed!! Please reconsider your decision to shut-down such a wonderful ministry. John Parsons Minneapolis    The Bruderhof Community has been a role model for the christian communities across the world. I miss their site and have consistently recommended their publications to others.... Ann San Jose    please bring back the site! I am inspired by the articles, and encouraged by them! They are a blessing to me and to my friend. Thank you very much for all that you´ve done! Mike LeBlanc NJ    Bring Back my relationship with my Mom. To those of you that want the daily dig back, so you can be touched, prodded, nudged. Stop! Consider the source of those spiritual uplifts you got each day would send this notice to me a full week after my mother's death: My brother Mark writes: I am writing on behalf of the family here at NMR. Our mother Norma Kathryn LeBlanc, age 84, passed away suddenly and peacefully on January 10, 2006 just before noon. She is buried in our burial ground here. Mother was always there heart and soul for every person and every encounter. She made that one moment count. She would light up and give her complete attention to that person. Grandma was eager and ready to leave this world. She was excited to meet her Lowell at last. She had no fear, doubt or regrets and held on to nothing. She was ready to meet Jesus. We send our love to you all, Mark LeBlanc Mark and Rachel LeBlanc and family Tomas and Mary Anna Fellermeier and family I am still awaiting the actual letter, I received this via *email* through a dear sister! THIS IS THE BRUDEHOF YOU ALL LOVE AND ADORE! May God have mercy on their souls. Mom, I love you, and thank God, on wings so glorious, you are free at last, free at last, THANK GOD ALMIGHTY, YOU ARE FREE AT LAST! In His huble service, Mike LeBlanc old friend timbuktu    I miss the site cuz, i liked to check in and look at the latest pics. a lot of my friends are still in there and also my fam. you could often tell from articles and pics on their site, who had gotten married, or what they were up to. I really miss their site. But they'll probbly be back one of these days. David Comer Statesville NC    Two weeks into becoming a new friend I lost you. I rarely urge others to read what feeds me. But I had already encouraged two family members toward your site. Thanks for two weeks of "good news". I long for more. Albert De Causemacker Colchester, VT    I miss the DAILY DIG. How often it woud take a "DIG" at me. Perhaps we should have offered more financial help to them Ruth Parkinson England    I am planning on joining the Bruderhof in the next two years and I wanted to say that I miss the Bruderhof and and thw website, but I can understand why. Sister Carlos Ann ArborMich.    I really do miss your inspirational thoughts. I used them often. Elisabeth Lutz Budd Lake, NJ    I suddenly realized I was no longer receiving any Bruderhof or Blumhardt daily E:mail devotionals & I was using much information for our church's E:mail prayer chain. Really miss receiving them. P Gawienowski Minneapolis, MN    I took a lot of inspiration from the services you guys provided on the internet and through email. Hope you make the choice to bring them back. Peace, Peter G. Bruderhof Group Moderator    Rather than let the bewilderment continue, a new Yahoo discussion group has been started for open discussion about the Bruderhof. The group is not affiliated with the Bruderhof or any other organization. It is for open, honest and civil discussion about the Bruderhof. All are welcome. The moderators simply ask that discussion be civil and honest. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bruderhof/ Check it out and join bewildered sister US    This mesaage is to "bewildered brother in UK" IF you want your questions answered by ex bruderhof people post them on the google groups website. Just go to google, click on the 'groups' icon, and then type in alt.support.bruderhof I think you will have your questions answered there. Zeb Bartels Philadelphia    The Bruderhof website was an extraordinary resource that I used daily in my ministry to homeless men. While I can imagine several good reasons to withdraw one's presence from the internet, it would be a great shame for the resourse to be lost entirely. Perhaps the Burderhof could make the material available for some other group to maintain online. I would be eager to help financially support such an effort. Thank you Bruderhof for what you have done, and please consider allowing someone else to pick up this aspect of your work. an old friend Kingston    First of all, compliments of the season! I would like to add a thought about that website topic. The brothers were always suspicous when it came to technical items. telephones were quite rare in the late 80s, nevertheless the shops had the best equipment you can imagine. Somehow the brothers then jumped on that computerthing, when i visited them in the 90s they had computerterminals actually reminding you georg orwell. a few people mentioned already the pendulum: I think the brothers trying to figure out whether that tool (internet) they have, is really appropriate to spread the gospel, which i think is a real question. Everybody knows that the core business of of the internet is sex. everybody knows, that a website is something you can click on and OFF, there is in the end nothing substancial. these thoughts together with a rather unfriendly approach to technic (dont forget, they have the same roots like the amish!)lead to that decision. let them go their way! regards to anyone of you, who follows their way! Susan Rauch Saskatchewan    To all of you, Thank you so much for your daily inspirational quotes. They were so much appreciated by myself and it was such a good way to start the day or end it. Each article provided countless new perspectives on daily life struggles which I am grateful for. Sincerly, S.Rauch bewildered brother UK    I've spent a total of 3 months on a hof. My christian faith has flip-flopped all over the place for a while and the only sense of purpose i found in my faith was the time i spent on the hof. I love and value many plough publications and have some dear friends in the community. yet many things that i read "between the lines" about the hof trouble me. Questions by members often seem evaded or ignored, or you are simply told to "seek". Anti bruderhof opinion by the likes of Ramon Sender seem wierd at best. I spent time with Christoph on one visit. He struck me as a bit strange. i doubted if he would have the intelligence to write as many books as he has. Am i alone on this? Was Hans Zumpe really as evil as people make out? why are ex members told not to contact each other? is marriage "fixed" by leaders? why is it that when christoph visits he's given a carpetted room and a sprung matress when others have hard floor and foam (thats a silly question)? I just don't know anymore. I know this isnt the best place to ask such things. but where else do i ask? Sometimes i just want to go and join. Other times i fear this because i think if i make a mistake i'll be trapped. Are the some ex bruderhoffers out there who can help? I've left chrch but i still love Jesus. bewildered brother Betty L Warner Kentucky    I miss the website of Bruderhog. I ejoyed the ebooks and the lovely clip art displayed on their site. Many great articles about Jesus and other disciples of Jesus Christ. Bring back Bruderhof. S. Stanley South Carolina, North America    How sad if the Bruderhof community, so powerfully engaged in being "salt and light" in this dull and darkened age, should put caused to away the salt or dim the light. I hope, whatever the reason for their abrupt disappearance, they will re-surface again, soon...and as vigorous as ever for the Gospel and justice and peace. Freya Marshall England    Well, well, well - just seen the little notice on the site saying that "Plough Publishing" is now back on-line to buy books or to download the free e-books. This is good news of course, but as I am now so cynical about the Bruderhof generally, I can't help wondering what has caused this about turn??? Freya Marshall England    For those of you missing your daily "dig" I have found an alternative, which I think is very good. It's not the same of course, but I think it is uplifting. You can access it via www.greatday.com/motivate The downside is that it is not free - well, you can read the messages on the site for free, but to have them sent to your email every day costs $15 a year, which doesn't seem much to me. And as well as the actual message you can watch it as a beautiful slideshow, with wonderful nature pictures and music. You can also try out the slideshows before deciding whether to subscribe. The originator is a man called Ralph Marston, and he is a Methodist, but I would say that the messages are more "spiritual" than "religious". This is what he has to say about it The daily e-mails you'll receive are motivational text messages, designed to be read in a minute or two and to give you a positive boost each day. At the bottom of each daily e-mail message is a LINK. When you click on that link you can view that day's message in a "slide show" format, with the words fading in and out over beautiful nature photos. This daily slide show is available only to subscribers. So each day you can get a quick boost by reading the message in the text format, or you can click on the slide show link if you want to linger over the words and enjoy the visual presentation. To see examples of the kinds of daily messages you'll be receiving, please feel free to browse through the extensive archive of previous messages by clicking HERE. When you subscribe to The Daily Motivator, you'll get a brief daily reminder of your commitment to excellence, sent directly to your e-mail address every Monday through Saturday. Just imagine how it would be to start each work day with a fresh, positive message designed to make you think and to keep you focused. The cost is only US $15 for an entire YEAR -- more than 300 original daily messages reliably delivered to you by e-mail for less than five cents each. For five years, thousands of subscribers all over the world have depended on The Daily Motivator to get each day started on the right track. We invite you to join this growing list of people who are committed to making a positive difference in their world. Well, I've signed up, so it's possible to do, even if you live in Britain, and for the benefit of Brits, $15 is about £8.50p!! Freya Marshall Bridget Barth Albany, NY    I did a search this morning, hoping to be able to find out more about Danthonia, where my parnets are currently "stationed." My father snail-mailed all of us children, 12 in all, to inform us that he is dying of a brain tumor and is half-way around the world - far out of our reach. Here we go again; a family torn apart many years ago by the bruderhof, now dealing with the impending loss of a loved one, and unable to do much except mull over memories of happier times. I read all the comments on this website and found encouragement in some of the words. None of it shocks me - its just the bruderhof swinging on a pendulum again....don't worry, they'll be back. For those of you that miss the daily inspirations, I encourage you to stay in touch with eachother, the internet can be a wonderful tool. Don't expect the bruderhof to be there for you, they are only there for themselves. Whatever futhers their mission will get their support, not individuals or former members, buderhof orphans trying to make their way in the world or "seekers' filled with "longing". Unless you are willing to make the commitment to live their life with them, don't rely on them for anything (and even if you do make that commitment, be aware that the relationship may end at the drop of a hat and for no apparent reason). My mission now is to do what my daddy expressed in his farewell letter to us, his children: Continue to raise my children, his grandchildren, to be productive, moral members of society. Its a mission I will continue without the bruderhof, my parents and six siblings who still live there. Luke Rockall UK    Hey brothers and sisters! Many of you at the bruderhof have known me for a long time. I understand that when the community makes a choice to do something it is because the Spirit of God has been speakin to you. The websites and books have really changed my faith an perspective over the last few years and i miss "PLOUGH" magazine very much. There is a big gap left on cyberspace now that you have closed your sites. It is also harder for people to find out about what you stand for. I pray for the day that you will return. I also feel that it will contain something fresh. Its sad because there's nothing left abot Eberhard Arnold or the Blumhardts! ruth Canada    I really loved the email service, and would be happy to give it up if I could still visit the main site, but this too no longer exists. I found it to be a refreshing, spiritual, literary coffee break that I will greatly miss. some of the daily dig articles had links to other articles and the intellectual challenge this brought to me was liberating and will be missed as well. The daily quotes received in my inbox were inspiring and something to look forward to each day. I thank you for providing this service and do hope you will bring it back soon. I am disabled and isolated, and have very little to carry my thoughts away as the daily dig had done for me. I have appreciated this service. Betsy D'Sa India    Dear Bruderhor folks, I am one of those who benefited immensely by yourdaily doses of wisdom. I may not agree entirely with all your views. Rather, I feel, practically, it may not really be possible to live a life as lay down in the gospels. I would rather believe in the Jesus who spoke of love, rather than a Jesus who used his whip to drive out traders from the temple. Besides why would a loving God have created a Hell at all. Having said all this, I would still like to maintain, that in a certain surreal way, you did enrich the lives of so many who came to your site for spiritual sustenance. I have found Johann Christoph Arnold's books very spiritually uplifting. I understand too, spreading the Good News and living in a Community is not an easy task all. I might feel stifled living in a community. Yet amidst all this darkness, their site was a beacon of light. I enjoyed reading most of their articles. I wish them all the best. Love and best regards, Betsy Ke-Gang Shih USA, Illinois    I miss the ddaily e-mail very much! Christine Poersch Kansas    I work from home and do not have a church community out where we live. I miss the Daily Dig and the spiritual insights and growth that were mine because of the writings and e-books. So many times I was able to share with my family and others who work online jobs and are not being fed any other way. The great effects of the ministry given by Bruderhof's Daily Dig was unimaginable and I am relieved to know I am not alone in wishing the Daily Dig was still coming in my email. I was saddened by the ending comment from the writers of the Daily Dig to go out and do the work...I can't go out, but while the Dig was coming here, I was able to share and minister the spiritual truths and growth from right here at home, practically every day because of the Daily Dig and all the links to excellent literature that were there. I miss it and have been unable to find anything that comes close to giving the spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth that came from Daily Dig. Please reconsider and bring it back? Please. Pamela UK    It seems to me, from reading the comments here, that God had given you an amazing vehicle for communicating the gospel throughout the world, to people who may not have contact with any other Christians. Was it really right to just throw this all away? Geographically, financially, time-wise, many may never be able to visit. What I appreciated was the encouragement and inspiration to live the Christian life HERE WHERE I AM NOW, among the people God has placed me with. Would visiting your communities help us do that? Certainly far fewer people will be reached. Interesting to read comments from former members and to hear that perhaps you are experiencing difficulties. Well, can you not share them? We all live in situations of difficulty, differences of opinion among brothers and sisters, disagreement with leadership, hurts, struggling to know the way forward, etc. etc. But as many of your articles have said, sharing our woundedness and vulnerability can lead to our healing and strengthening. Can you not do the same? And see what God does with that? Can we not all learn from and support one another in such circumstances? Thanks for all the inspiration, which I've enjoyed sharing with others over the years, and I hope you'll be back in touch soon. Wayne Hipley Baltimore, Maryland    I miss you! In the whirling maelstrom that my daily life sometimes becomes, my "Daily Dig" was always a safe haven, and an encouragement to explore the other riches of the Bruderhof website, as well as the writings of many other authors quoted there. While I appreciate the desire to encourage folks to "take the next step" and visit the communities, there are so many who miss and will miss that first open door the website provided. I hope you will recondsider for the sake of all those far and near you have ministered to so well on the Internet. Owen    There is an email link here: http://www.bruderhoffoundation.org/ Owen Swain Canada    It may be that in the wisdom of Christ the Community is following the guidance of His Spirit. If this is the case we would most honour Bruderhof by accepting their decision and praying in regard to whatever reason prompted their decision. Having said that, I do miss the email devotional thought and the downloadable books. And, it would have been helpful for subscribers to have heard from the Bruderhof Community by email {I did not always check in at the site} in regard to the closure of services if for no other reason than we might more effectively pray. Thank you for making this forum available and your love gift of compiling the responses and sending them by regular mail. May Our Father guide and direct these good people and continue to make them a banner of peace in our world and in their local "Jerusalem(s)". Owen Windsor, Canada Mike Morrell Atlanta    Living in an intentional community myself, I know that the needs and discernment of the community must be considered at the foremost, and not the percieved benefits of an idea or programme as seen from outside, no matter how great it may be. I trust the Body of Christ to have the Mind of Christ, and therefore, trust your communities decision-making process. I did want to let you know, however, how much your websites and e-books mean to me--a whole ton! Sincerely, Your brother, Mike Morrell http://zoecarnate.com Dave Indianapolis    For all of those who have loved the websites of the Bruderhof, have you ever visited a Bruderhof? Have you had any relationships with one of their members. Has your church seen the wisdom in living as they live? The Bruderhof is struggling with finding ways to really be salt light and leaven in our culture. They have not had huge growth by others coming to join them due to their separation. Their web presence has not changed this either. I also value their sites but be patient with them as they struggle as a community with how to handle the web. They would probably love it if you called and asked them questions about their withdrawal from the web, and even better yet go to visit one of their communities; it is really life changing. Dave Scott Cooper Spokane WA, USA    We had changed our e-mail domain at work (faith-based non-profit) and I had not realized how much I missed my daily digs until recently. Imagine my shock to learn they'd ceased to be sent out. The daily digs were a faithful on-line presence linking me to thousands of people around the world genuinely interested in religion as a means of transformation and not just for purposes of membership. Please say it ain't so! We need your voice(s)! Robert Vander Giessen-Reitsma Three Rivers, MI    I, too, miss the Daily Dig; it was really a great way to start the day. More importantly, though, I miss all of the wonderful articles and features on the Bruderhof web site--these will sorely be missed. In an effort to fill the void left by the Dig, an organization with which I work--culture is not optional--has started an e-mail list called "the daily asterisk" that will send out daily quotes. Unfortunately, they won't all be connected to an article (ala the Dig), but it's a start. If you're interested, you can sign up at our web site. Tim Sean Youmans Shawnee, OK    I did enjoy the Daily Dig, which wa areminder to visit the web site on occasion and see what was being newly offered. Think it is a needed voice. Megan McCullough Ventura County, California    God bless the person who gave me a chance to say how much I miss my daily digs! Not only were they suddenly stopped without any warning or explanation, but it was during the Advent season, which made me even sadder. I have been searching everywhere to try to find an online devotional that I can relate to, but I can't. No one has the Bruderhof frame of mind. I miss my readings so much, & I appreciate the chance to share with my Bruderhof family (both those who provided the readings and those who also read them) how much I wish I had them back. I hope all of you at Bruderhof know how many hearts you touched and brought closer to God. All my love-- Megan McCullough Marty Daniels Columbus, OH    A valuable resource that allowed me too easily share materials ith others who may or may not believe. I really miss the site. Ed Fransham Reno NV    I grew up on the Bruderhof, and have always enjoyed viewing the site to keep updated on how my family and the group is doing. Juan Osuna Cabanillas Mexico D.F.    I´m an english teacher in mexico city and as a beautiful practice I liked to send the daily dig to my students. I hope you can reconsider the same page in internet and even improve it. It is wonderful, wisdom rarely shows its face in internet as daily dig did. Bill Tidwell Bremen, Ga    Be who God has called you to be. If that includes this web site, many will continue to be blessed. If not, God will provide. Many blessings and thanks for the time you shared with us. Shalom!! Bill Nicole Maendel Michigan    Ahhhh....the mystery! Peace and light to all. Paul Van Stelle Nebraska    I really miss the daily e-mails and resources that you provided. You gave me a place to pause and focus again on what is important. Please come back. Paul Suzanne L. Lamka Chicago    I truly miss "Daily Dig." It was a pleasant and informative addition to my day. Bring it back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! laury egan Long Island    I truly enjoyed the Daily Dig and the Breakfast with Blumhardt articles....they were the first things I read each morning! I miss the inspiration and thoughts. Patricia Minnesota    I have been so challenged and encouraged by your daily devotions. Please continue to be the prophetic voice among us. ALICIA texas usa    PLEASE COME BACK ON THE INTERNET YOUR DAILY WORD HAS MEANT SO MUCH FOR ME AND FOR SO MANY. MISSING THE NURISHMENT OF THE MORNING FOR THE DAY. PLEASE COME BACK.YOU ARE NEEDED, YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST JESUS ALICIA Ann Doyle Albuquerque,NM    Like many around the country, I miss my daily dose of caffiene for the conscience and wish we could have at least said good-by and THANK YOU! We hope you might return someday......... : ) Sylvia Britton US    I am sure there must be an important reason why the site was removed from the internet. But I sure do miss it and I pray for God's continued blessings on your community and ministry. Maria USA    A good web site for daily inspiration is: Christian Quotation of the Day http://cqod.gospelcom.net Hope the readers of the "Daily Dig" will enjoy it too. Nilson Assis Shillington, PA    i miss the daily readings and the richness of the materials available. I would strongly encourage our brothers and sisters at the Brudehof to continue with this much needed ministry. Pastor Nilson Assis Neil Scott London UK    I am a typist in UK. Your religious daily thought was valuable in enriching my life. There is lots of junk around - and you have stopped something quite helpful and good here. I liked the writings that made me uncomfortable and challenged me. Bring it back! For God's sake! Nasir Mehmood Quetta (Pakistan)    I was really inspired of their work and daily digs specially. But don't know why they've closed such a beautiful site. I request the authorities to please bring back Bruderhof. B A Reynolds Texas    12/30/05 Hello to T. and K. H------ and family. I hope you are well. Anna Heatheran North Carolina    The wisdom and inspiration from the Bruderhof website made a difference in my life. Not only was I encouraged daily, my mind and soul were impelled to be creative and thoughtful. I miss the website terribly! Please come back! Sally Wood Kent, England    As a Parish Administrator I was able to share the 'daily digs' throughout our Church and Parish life - those pearls of wisdom, challenging and thought provoking, had become a part of our lives and are now greatly missed. Molly Green Island, NY    Please Please come back online. I enjoyed Daily Dig and Breakfast with Blumhardt so much. What happened that you so suddendly dissapeared. I miss you and alot of other people do too. Jesse Wood Winnipeg Manitoba Canada    You are sadly missed. You were an inspirational presence, a strong Christian voice, a light in the dark, a much needed resource, a tallied-counted friend. i pray all is well in your communities and i will continue to pray for your familiies as well as pass this news on to my pastor, Rev. Phil Wright of Exchange Community church www.exchangeonline.ca who first told me of your presence and your wonderful resources. As a new pastor I needed and enjoyed your guiding light. May God Bless you as you continue on your journey in His Spirit. Jesse Wood Sebastian    I miss reading the daily mail. I found many of it inspirational and passed it around as many people as possible. I helped to think of god inspite of my (lack of ) faith kathy bielski pittsburgh, pa.    I was wondering what happened to your web site after several attempts to connect. I don't know the reason for this shut down , but your site is sadly missed. Hope to have your web pages running soon. Fondly & With Love, Kathy Bielski Freya Marshall England    I have over twenty e-books saved from the Buderhof web-site. Too many to list, but if you would like me to send a particular one, just email me at drmailbox2005-special@yahoo.co.uk. You will need to install Adobe Reader 7.0 to read them. Debbie Chicago    i enjoyed the daily dig and miss it dearly Dave TX    your are most definently missed a confirmed skeptic pennsylvania    you are not missed. Rev. David Hall Ohio    The loss of this ministry will be felt in the lives of all who shared in it's service. But, most of all, to those who have not been touched with the truth that is found here. Barbara Garlock Raleigh NC    How I wish I had saved my Bruderhof Daily Digs, to go back and re-read them! This loss is one more reminder that nothing ever stays the same and that something that you love, something that is an essential part of your world, can be gone in an instant. This is how I used the online information and the Daily Digs: (1) in addition to my personal fulfillment, (2) I sent appropriate excerpts to the some 60 adults on our Sunday School class list (our class is devoted to social justice, and the Digs frequently said just what we all needed to hear, whether to prod or to encourage). (3) I also sent excerpts to an ecumenical faith-and-social-action network I'm a member of, which includes people from many denonminations and many places, who, in turn, likely passed the wisdom on. (4) I used them to inspire and hearten members of our Commission on Church and Society, again, with pastors passing these treasures along to their own communities. (5) When we went to Mississippi to help with Katrina clean-up at Christmastime, some of the beautiful words helped establish connections with the people suffering so greatly there ... the quote about solidarity rather than charity reduced to tears a muscular 6-foot-4 tough-guy with leather and tattoos -- he said it was the first time someone understood how he felt about being helped by strangers. I grieve at this resource's absence. It met a need nothing else I've found has. My day, my world, is foreshortened without it. Yes, I still have a relationship with Christ, and yes, many good things unfold and work is accomplished, but those communications served to connect me more deeply with my God, and with my sisters and brothers everywhere. Please come back online, Bruderhof friends! We miss you so dearly, and hope that you will again be willing to share all that you have learned with the rest of us. This was a vital -- alive, important -- ministry. Please, please come back. Peace and all good, Barbara Jeff Long Idaho    I wonder if others would consider posting the ebooks that they have online. I would especially be interested in any of the Blumhardt ebooks. There is no copyright on the daily dig or breakfast with blumhardt. I would be willing to help with an effort to collect these into one document and post it online. If anyone wishes to contact me about this, they may email me from my website http://www.jeffreyclong.com/journey I have posted The Early Christians and Salt and Light by Eberhard Arnold and Provocations by Soren Kierkegaard on my website, Journey to Westminster and Schleitheim where my spiritual writings and sermons are posted. They are at my website. I believe that their distribution information allows this. We'll see how long it lasts. Tim Nyberg Sturgeon Bay, WI    Let me preface this in saying that Bruderhof's online offerings were very meaningful, challenging, thought-provoking, instructive and encouraging to our family and friends. We miss it terribly. Now, let me say, I'm confused. When I called Bruderhof inquiring what happened(immediately upon the termination of the online community), I got the same answers that my wife did when she wrote: "We want to see people face-to-face at any of our communities." "We all know the evils of the computer [internet]." And, "We want to build our communities." My responses - You HAVE built a WORLD WIDE communiity joined by spririt. What better way for people of faith to connect - than through a common spirit - and through the sharing of wisdom and ideas - wherever they are, no matter what their means. It simploy is not possible for all of us to come to your communities to meet you face to face. But, that doesn't mean that we are not your brothers and sisters. That does not mean that we are not part of the community that you have created. You provided a valuable service. The computer/internet is not evil. It is a method of conveying ideas, of communicating -as are telephones, newspapers, handwritten letters, or books (the Bible for instance). Building your physical communities WILL happen because of (and/or in spite of) the presence of your wonderful online community. Reducing your efforts to only physical communities now seems like a giant leap backwards (pre-1450 when Gutenberg invented the printing press). And, quite frankly, your decision leaves us confused and saddened at the loss of a dear friend, the Bruderhof Community. We hope you return to us. Jake Nyberg Minneapolis, MN    While I respect your decision to stop sharing your message of truth and peace with others online, I cannot say that I am thrilled. I will truly miss the wonderful voice of Bruderhof and its community members and hope that you reconsider. John Dixon Colorado    I just wanted to thank Bruderhof.com for all they helped me through. The real life in Christ they presented made me realize how far I was from anything good, and encouraged me to open my eyes. If they ever wanted to bring that site back, I would love it but if they didnt, I understand. Longing for a Longing    I liked their website but its their desision if they want it there or not. If they want to spend their money sending people all over the globe to "serve" that is their desision, live and let live. judith massachusetts    Being not particularly adept with the computer I felt I had done something technical to lose my Daily Dig contact. This morning my husband helped me Google my way to this Bring Back Bruderhof site. I miss the inspiration, the timeliness, the comfort of each day's writings and the opportunity to pursue so many interesting links. The site has been an education in it self. I am particularly intriqued with Christian communities and long to be a part of one. I hope and pray that there will be a way for Bruderhof to come back and restore the joy it brings to each new day to so many. Rachel Boyd Connecticut, USA    I had hoped to send Christmas greetings to my friends and family at the different hofs, since I didn't get around to mailing a lot of cards. Oh well, Happy New Year will be wished instead. A friend of the Bruderhof Indianapolis    Who knows whether the Bruderhof's web presence will come back in some form or another? Certainly, there are things I miss. In the meantime, if we appreciate them, why don't we seize this opportunity to continue to communicate with them in more personal ways: e.g., postal mail, a visit or even an invitation for them to visit (something that they are inreasingly open to these days...) and by the way... most (if not all) of their e-books are still accessible if you're willing to dig a bit. Search Google Cached pages for the title and Bruderhof and "e-book". For instance, here's the live URL for one of my favorites: Andre Trocme, JESUS AND THE NON-VIOLENT REVOLUTION former lost sheep usa    Dont be surprised people. I grew up on the "hof" and like some people have said befor me i am not surprised at all by the closing of the site. The "hof" reacts on impuls and someone must have come up with an idea that the web site was "bad" or probably more likely the "internet" is bad. you have to understand the mentality of these people, they dont think verry rationally and this is one of the main reasons I left. Thewy confuse the hell out of there members and anyone who is interested in them. Im sure in 6 months the site will be back up so cheer up. mike CA    they are trying to isolate themselves even more than they already are. they are crazy spontaneous and irrational. Marvin Rupp Belleville, WI    The Dig was a daily blessing for me. It awaited me in my office every weekday. Sometimes in my rush to attend to my Important Grownup Business, I felt irritated at having one more email message to read, but I never deleted any without reading them, and I kept many of them for the links to the article of the day--links that now lead nowhere. (Thank heaven I printed many of the articles and have them in a bulky folder.) I did not realize until I experienced the shock of seeing that the site was closed (with no explanation!) how my (nearly) daily reading of the Dig, even when I thought I didn't have time to do so, shaped and set the context for my attitude for the rest of the day. In fact, my most important readings were the ones that I thought I didn't have time for. They slowed me down and reminded me that what seems to be most urgent is rarely most important. I could write much more, but I need to leave my office to get home to supper with my wife and kids. I hoped to introduce my kids to the Dig one day. I hope that, in some form, I will still be able to do so one day. If that is not to be, then I at least want to thank those in the Bruderhof community who created and sustained the Dig for the wonderful service you provided, and to pray that God be with you in all your endeavors. Another one who left Pennsylvania    I grew up in and out of the Bruderhof as my parents couldn't decide whether or not to join. I first learned about the community when my family visited the community when I was in kindergarten. After growing up in and out of the Bruderhof, my parents finally joined when I was around 22 years old. Since then, I have left the Bruderhof as a rather confused individual and have been away now for many years. As other previous "Bruderhofers" have said, it doesn't surprise me that they have shutdown their internet presence. At first, I was rather surprised and disappointed that they cut off their website so unexpectedly with hardly any notice. However, after thinking about it, I realized that's how the Bruderhof does things quite often and this is probably just a phase that will soon pass. That's been one of the things that has bothered me about the Bruderhof and one of the reasons I'd probably never join. They swing back and forth like a pendulum and seem to have trouble finding the "balance" that the apostle Paul talks about in the Bible. I have found several scriptures that address these issues that the Bruderhof could benefit from and that I have myself, but I won't list them right now. There are also many good things about the Bruderhof that I appreciate and hope will continue. Joseph Simmons New York State    The Daily Dig was one of the best parts of my day. While I didn't always agree I was always challenged to broaden my thinking. Eric Johnson Anacortes, WA    The meditations were a real source of inspiration and support in my work as the Justice and Peace coordinator in my church. Bruderhof on the web is sorely missed. Dora Alexander California    I was very sad to see the disappearance of the Bruderhof sites. I do understand the desire to have people come and visit the hof physically and certainly nothing can replace the experience of a real visit, but for those of us who live far away, going into the website is the next best thing! I have also had several friends become interested in buying Bruderhof books through their online journeys through the sites!! saddened    this is so sad.. hope it is a temporary withdrawal nickeled and dimed    It was a huge shock to see the website and the daily dig disappear. To retreat from cyberspace on the rationale that if people are really interested, they can come visit... that is so hurtful! You yourselves a few years ago spotlighted the book Nickeled And Dimed, but please, do you know what that means? Every letter costs 37 cents to send in the US, much more outside that, and if that sounds like a pittance or a hair-splitter, I challenge you to join the ranks of Americans who barely pay the bills, who wonder where the next meal will come from, who count it a blessing that they can walk to a public library and access internet and email for free, who use it as one of the few vital tools they can afford to stay in touch with those they love who are not present, or to access the spiritual food that the daily dig and the bruderhof website provided. Yes, visiting would be wonderful, but for people who have to work 80 hours per week at multiple jobs to survive, having Christmas day off to be with one's children is out of the question, let alone getting time off and affording fuel to drive to visit a bruderhof! Please! I thought you were among the last Christian groups left that really did care about us! You had a great impact on our lives! Don't leave us stranded now! Tracy McPherson Akron, PA    Let me first say that I completely respect the decision to pull the websites, and understand that sometimes there are reasons that a step like this is necessary. But I want to add my voice to those asking for it to come back. As someone who grew up on the community who is now living outside of it, trying to serve Jesus where I am and be there for the people around me, the bruderhof websites and the daily dig have been a lifeline for me- I cannot put that strongly enough. There have been many times where I sent an article on to a friend who was going through something- it was what they needed to hear, which then led to real sharing and discussion between us. It is an incredible mission tool that can reach those who cannot afford to come visit or who would otherwise not be able to have the contact! It does not replace person-to-person contact but can instead aid it and bring it about! I received a copy of the letter that was sent to my family regarding passing on the stories of where you have been able to have real contact with those around us. The bruderhof website has been so instrumental in that for me and so many others! I hope and pray that there can be a time, hopefully very soon, when this mission tool is available again! Thank you again for everything that has gone into the website in the past... know that it is greatly missed by so many people worldwide! Bill Kendall Santa Rosa, CA    It was with alarm and shock that I received my last Daily Dig recently and I've been somewhat unsettled about it ever since. What I find disturbing is the WAY in which they went offline, cutting off thousands of relationships in a swift close of the door. "WHY?", I wonder. Some answer that is not as cryptic as the one we were left with would have been - at the least - kind. I loved hearing from them in the Daily Dig and was challenged in my faith and my thinking. I did not always agree with some of their articles, but I loved that they cared about ME - US, OUT HERE on the web who value a voice of conviction towards God's heart. Makes me concerned that they went cultish and turned their backs on us... If any of the community members read this, some dialogue would be wonderful. At the least, let us know that you're well, that you had sound reasons for closing the door on us all in the abrupt and curt manner in which you did. Thank You! Patricia Boughton    Please bring back The Daily Dig. Thank you. One who left USA    I too grew up on the Bruderhof and left a few years ago because I felt too constricted there. I have no bitterness towards them-they can live their lives how they want and I'll do the same. It's that simple for me. I believe that this absence of the website is a temporary situation. The Bruderhof goes through their ups and downs when it comes to technology or "worldliness" and this is one of those times. Their Community Playthings and Rifton Equipment sites are still up and running-these enterprises are an extension of their faith and every-day lives; therefore I do not see why these sites would not be taken off the net as well if they really were at war with technology or what have you. Of course this would hurt their bottom line if they decided to do that. I also visit their website almost every day and was surprised at first (then, not really surprised) that the site was down. But hey, if that's what they feel is right for them, then by all means, let them do what they want. It's their website after all... Charles Lawton London England    I have been receiving the Daily dig for several years and found it a great inspiration to my everyday life. The email was always the first to arrive on anyday and was read with anticipation. So many of the excerpts and stories have made an impression on how i have lived my life and i shall miss this in the future. I would like to thank the Bruderhof communities for their work and will always remember them in my prayers. lost sheep    As one of the 'youngsters' who have left in recent years I feel as though I am entitled to say a few things. Those of you who have an 'outsiders' view of the 'hof' are biased in your oppinions period. There is no way you all could not be! For an unbiased view, try living in an environment where you are controlled by religious, community and family rules. Parents are confused because they have no controle over their families. Of course this is because the 'hof' or CA is constantly their/his rules and regulations. Some how parents are supposed to explain all of the confusions in a coherent way. Of course it does not work! Anyway, to all those who have found meaning in the stories,etc, I'm sorry for you. For those of you future visitors and maybe new 'hof members', think...please, if nothing else, think for your family and kids. Many of us young guys who have left have nothing. Do you want that for your children? This does not say that we don't appreciate some of the valuble experiences we had at the commune, but those same experiences are not being experienced anymore. So in closing just think. If family is valuble to you think long and hard about it. The 'hof' only values family within the context of the community! My family is completely non-existent if that bears any fruit. Ohh, and if any 'hoffers' care to read this, thanks for making the right decision. The site was only deceptive, and offered no real insight into how the community opperates and how it is run. So thanks again! JJ Japan    Yeah, I am going to miss that website too. Quite a bit of it can still be found here though: http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.bruderhof.org Freya Marshall England    I think I may be able to shed some light on the sudden disappearance of the Bruderhof presence on the net – which, by the way, they no longer wish to be known as!! I went to stay with the Beech Grove Community the Sunday after the site was axed, but knew nothing about it until I was told, as I have been having computer problems. However, I was quickly told of its demise and was utterly stunned. Because I was there (and it was my third visit, so people know me) they could not “fob me off” in the way the “ending email” had done with others as I wanted answers! Basically it was as some people on here have said – it is a device to get people to make “real” contact, not just “virtual” contact. I was told that I am unusual, having been first attracted to and informed by the web-site and then gone on to actually visit. From what I learnt, there is something of a crisis in the Bruderhof as numbers are dwindling and new people are not joining. In other words, it seems to be, the web-site and Daily Dig, far from just being a way to inform people and spread the good news, was actually seen by them as a “recruitment device” which was failing, so it had to go in order to force people to make contact! By the time I left 4 days later, they were saying that since it closed 3000 people have phoned the communities and the Bruderhof are planning conferences around the world for next May, to which all enquirers will be invited. Up to a point I accepted some of this, but when I got home and could read the actual email myself email, I couldn’t believe it! It was so short, so abrupt, with no explanation and no warning, and nothing to even express their sorrow at pulling the plug on something from which so many people (myself included) had derived benefit. There are desperate, lonely, needy, searching people out there who had come to see the site as a reliable “friend” and its sudden end must have been almost like a bereavement. There are people there who will never be able to visit, but for whom the site enriched their lives – but the Bruderhof have just abandoned them. Is this a Christian action? Other changes are afoot too. They feel that the name “Bruderhof” sounds too Germanic and may put people off. I asked what they would like to be called now, and was told either “a group of Christian friends who live together” (not very snappy!) or just by their “community” name, so, in this case, the Beech Grove Community! I pointed out that they could not just abandon one identity and replace it with nothing. They have a common ethos, a common purpose and common ways of doing things, and this cannot, and should not be ignored. In fact, it was farcical, as throughout my visit, because we couldn’t say “Bruderhof” we all ended up saying the “B word” instead! They are also planning to change their distinctive dress, as they feel that this too may be off-putting, but in the spirit of poverty they are to continue to wear what they have now, then slowly replace it with everyday plain, modest clothing. I had noticed when I visited in May that many of the teenage girls were no longer wearing the headscarf, and recently they had a trial three day period when none of the women did. To be fair to them though, there was a time back in the 50’s I believe when they just wore “normal” clothing, including trousers for women! As I have said, this was my third visit in a year and every time I have gone, I have received the most kindly welcome, been made to feel at home, enjoyed the hospitality of many of the Bruderhof families at both communities in England and had some very stimulating conversations. On the face of it, they appear to be very happy, contented people who live a simple way of life based on their interpretation of Christ’s teaching and the lives of the early Christians. I believe that they are very sincere, and it was all this that attracted me to them in the first place, even though I had also read some very negative things about them on the Internet. I am a person who likes to see for herself and make her own mind up, and I was impressed enough to have considered joining them at one point. However, there is/was a darker side to this idyll, and it is something that not many visitors get to know about, and even less experience. Very early on, during my first visit, someone had said to me that to join the Bruderhof, you had to be prepared to “be corrected” – a simple remark, though memorable. And during my stay this time, I think I witnessed that a little. I’m not sure why it happened in front of me – perhaps they forgot they had a visitor (I was the only one, and well accepted by then). After supper on my last night, we were told there was to be a community meeting afterwards. There is nothing strange in that – they occur most days and can take many different forms. This one was announced as being “Carol Singing”, which largely, it was, but at one point a married couple were asked to take the microphone. Although of course I did not know the history, I was able to work out that they had been having problems in their relationship, and they were asked to tell the community how things were now and if matters had been resolved. The husband spoke first, for about 10 minutes, basically saying they were ok now, and the wife spoke about two sentences after he finished, just reiterating what he had said. It turned out that their problem had been that she had not “submissive” enough as a wife and had “undermined his authority as the head of the household”. She said she now realised her fault, and was prepared to behave properly in future! Well, I couldn’t believe my ears! I did know of course that the Bruderhof strongly believe in and practice the teachings of Paul on this matter, but that they should have to discuss it so publicly in front of the rest of the community seemed utterly humiliating to me. And even worse perhaps, was the fact that the husband’s mother had died the previous week and been buried on the day I arrived, yet he was asked to do this while he was still (presumably) in deep mourning, yet not a word was said about that! I wanted to talk to people about this incident afterwards, but had been invited to “visit” a couple I didn’t really know. I did try to raise it nevertheless, as I could think of little else, but was given to understand it could not be talked about because a child was present. The following morning, before I left, I did get a chance to speak about it to the woman of my “host” family, whom I knew quite well and felt relaxed with. She started by telling me that as they all live in community such things have to be shared, and now they have been resolved satisfactorily, nothing more will be said to the couple concerned. She also told me that, at the direction of the community, they had been forced to live apart for some time to help them realise the error of their ways. However, the conversation was just getting interesting when we were interrupted by some of the school children, who had come to sing carols. A final incident also occurred just before I left, which also left a bad taste in my mouth. I had been driven to Beech Grove by a male friend, who was also going to pick me up. My “hostess” started by asking me how long I had been divorced from my husband (answer - 16 years) and then my friend’s marital situation! I told her that he had been divorced for three years, and that in any case we have a close but completely platonic friendship. Whilst I was saying this though, I was thinking “What business is it of hers?” - anyone would think I had asked to join them, especially as she then went on to tell me that the Bruderhof take a very strong line on relationships out of marriage, considering, as indeed do many Christians, that a marriage is indissoluble except by death. I told her that I already knew this having read extensively about the Bruderhof. I actually felt outraged that she should question me in this way, but luckily, at that point, my friend arrived and we left. I will not be going back and neither do I want to have any on-going contact with the Bruderhof. In my opinion, although individually they are genuinely sincere in their beliefs, they are too easily convinced by Christoph Arnold, the current “elder”, and do not dare to question his authority and decisions, which, at least on this occasion, I think are harmful both to the movement itself and to those who found spiritual sustenance from the web site of which they have now been deprived. My advice would be not to fall into their “trap” to inveigle you into visiting them. All that glistens is not gold, and to my mind, if they are concerned about their falling numbers, a more honest, open and obvious way would have been to pray that more people drawn to the site would also be drawn to visit. What they did was from self-interest and showed none of the compassion they speak of. Peter Sahwell Surfside, FL    Goodness gracious, your site was about the best thing on the internet and was an endless source of solace, inspiration, and personal growth for me in my journey as a Christian. Why did you go "offline"? Please reconsider. Yours in Christ, stanley grace Coimbatore, India    I could understand that there is a sense of grief among people like me of missing a candle light. At the same time I could relate to the kind of human failure that ahd happened over the time in history of chrisitian living. But, the ideas of bruderhof about christian living are true and it lives despite the human failure. I comfort myself that the seeds are being scattered on the face of earth so more offsprings of the thought may arise. I'havent seen the faces of those whom would be my dear brethren but i sympathise if there be a bitter struggle, time will heal it all. I believe it is a time to die, unless a seed die it cannot give forth much fruit. Magdalena Gliwice, Poland    hi this is not necessarily to call on you to continue offering your presence and your resources online - many of us are troubled or wonder about the various challenges and ambiguities of the net and of its use even as we are grateful for the benefits and possibilities. when your short message inviting people to visit the community nearest to them kept reappearing with every bruderhof page i tried to access today, i thought that a kind of withdrawal into lived, bodily presence had to be going on in some way. i know almost nothing of your communities so i wouldn't be able to guess to what extent this withdrawal is permanent or temporary, mandated or agreed upon, what the exact motivation may be, etc. but since i decided to check whether it was indeed a withdrawal and found this website here, let me offer this thank you. i want to thank the australian community site for posting the various advent stories, reflections, readings on its pages last year. where i live, geographically, bodily, access to thoughtful and/or challenging reflection on advent and christmas is very limited. the christmas season here, in poland, is almost unbearable in how everything from food through relating to others to the christmas story is both sentimentalized and laden with enormous expectations and how it is impossible to escape the hype or to refuse to notice or be affected by it. in such context, and also in the context of my own spiritual deserts, your advent meditations and stories i happened to come accross last year were a gift and a blessing. my husband and i read them to each other this time last year and these readings were valuable meditation and meaningful rest. we have come back to some of them this year and i hoped to find some new pieces on your website too. whatever you decide about your website presence in the future, thank you for your web work in the past. it certainly was not redundant. magdalena sz.-k. poland Julie Santa Rosa, California    I too am concerned about what is happening in the Bruderhof community. Over the past decade I've enjoyed their devotional books, song books, books about grieving and family life. I miss the Daily Dig and feeling connected to the wisdom they have shared. Maria Denver    I have missed your daily "digs". They have encouraged me to look at my own heart and mind. And to put action to those thoughts. Please come back! You are sorely missed. A. Kauffman Pittsburgh, PA    I've appreciated so much over especially the last year the presence of Bruderhof, a practical location for resources on living a radical Christian life. I greatly miss them, and beg them to come back. Gone are all my hopes of a vibrant, outreaching community. Turns out they were only like the Amish after all. So long. Carol Crocker Brampton ON    I, like all of you, miss this service more than I ever thought possible. It cetainly is a great loss to me. Daily Dig was always the first e-mail I'd read daily because I always looked forward to the message and knew it would not only be uplifting but thought provoking, as well. I know they're busy carrying their message in another format, but, I too wish they'd come back via the net even if it's only once a week. Wherever they are and whatever they're doing I wish them well. I also wish all of us who followed their site all the best and know we are better for having been touched by their wonderful work. Keep safe and warm! Carol Jack Clough Naples, Florida    Please, please return! Don't hide your light under a bushel! Kathy West Virginia    Dear Bruderhof Friends, Having recently discovered your website, I am saddened by your abrupt disappearance. I used your words as a catalyst for my actions in my everyday life; the ministry Our Lord has asked me to administer. Quite frankly, who are you to judge whether your readers are using your words as you intended? Who are you to make those decisions?...in my humble opinion, you are edging dangerously close to second-guessing God's divinity. It is my fondest hope that your arogance becomes humility and service replaces your pompous hogwash which amounts to "Only serious Christians need apply." As I recall, Christ ministered to all those in need, including and especially those on the fringes of belief. Peace be with you. Ron Knutson Hastings, Michigan    Like most of you who have posted here, I have missed the inspiration and provocation of Breakfast with Blumhardt, the Daily Dig and the wonderful resources of the website. I had come to rely on these things as place of refuge amidst the stress of ministry and personal attempts to be a decent Christ follower. But if I am honest, what I miss most is the kind of bucolic fantasy in my head about the nature of the Bruderhof. Oh the nobility and purity of purpose in their mission, the hope that some place on this planet there existed a community of consistently nice Christians. Oh well - back to reality- all my unrealistic expectations smoked by one abrupt email, a lame explanation and a rather thorough disappearing act. Inspiration and abandonement all in one package - guess they must be human or even mostly human - just like me. It is not like the history (as they wrote it) of the Bruderhof didn't give me a clue. It certainly is a cautionary tale for my own demeaner and witness in ministry and life in general. It is so easy to get invested in a soothing mask of ideas, principles and theories and lose sight of the Kingdom. The explanation "now the real contact can begin" suggests what was happening was not real but I suspect they wear the same masks in person also. For that reason I will move on - we've really already met and it wasn't working out for them - there remains no reason to pursue them in their retreat. Yes, I miss the inspiration and provocation but I am willing to bear the cost of their withdrawal and continue my faith walk without as much attachment to noble ideals and instead more eagerly seek the Spirit that is the author of the Kingdom of Heaven. I pray that we all relentlessly pursue the promise of John 7:38 "out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water." Thank you Bruderhof for the ministry you offered on the web. Thank you to those who created this web space to process the loss. Traveling Mercies Greg Fafard Westbank, BC    I have been greatly influenced by Plough Publications. It is refreshing to read something that resembles biblical christianity and true discipleship. Although I haven't been hooked up to the internet for sometime, I too will miss your presence. Living in community is always a challenge. The church needs radical renewal and I believe the Bruderhof communities are on the right track...inclusion, peacemaking, nonviolence, forgiveness, simplicity... Luke Charde Albany, NY    Your message that shared the true Christ in this midst of American Consumer Christianity is greatly missed. I would hope at least that your Plough titles would be made available again. M.M.Siraj Thrissur, Kerala, India    Nothing lasts for ever and all good things will come to an end. For someone like me the net has been literally the only link to connect with the Bruderhof community. Now that is gone. There must be a good enough reason for a move like that but it certainly sets hundreds of people like me adrift and confused. Your website promoted and encouraged a way of life that was meaningful and filled with the spirit of love and caring. And your daily dig was a daily dose of encouragment. at one level i can understand why you took the decision to get out of net but this sense of loss can often be overwhelming. It's like a good and trusted friend going away and leaving you all alone. In any case i abide by your decision and in the short time I spend learning about the Bruderhof and all the wonderful books you made avialable on your site I have found inspiration i will treasure for ever more. the way of life that you have spoken about holds meaning to me and maybe now i will start living it. i suspect that getting people to look beyond Bruderhof and live their lives by the light of all that you have taught could be a major reason to shut down the websites. i sincerely hope that it isnt a closing of ranks and cutting off people who arent physically present at the Bruderhof. You have given me a direction in life and for that iam thankful. love M.M.Siraj, India Jim Watters Pewaukee, Wisconsin    Please bring your site back . . . it is a very good place to go. Phil Columbus, Ohio    Missed. Robyn New Zealand    Hi, I have been away and came home yesterday to find no daily digs for this week. And nothing more on the site than a snail mail address - no explanation, nothing. It seems that some people got an email explaining (well at least in part) what happened and others, like me, didn't. It would have been a nice courtesy to have the explanation on the one web page that's left. I felt like a good friend had left town permanently without even telling me she was going. I have managed to glean that one of the reasons you shut down was a conflict between "doing the work" and "writing about the work". I felt in this case that writing was a form of doing and the doing in this case involved all sorts of things; disseminating information I and many others wouldn't have come across in any other way; pricking our consciences about what is right and wrong and hence inducing us to act; a lot of it was fabulous to get discussions going for small groups we are involved with; helping us to gather our thoughts on certain ideas (pacifism was really important here for me); encouraging people in may different ways (when down, in our walk with God, when having to make difficult choices). Think about the writers that have influenced you - you have quoted many of them in the daily digs - and then apply that to your writings. I feel it was a shame to simply close the website down. Even if you didn't do any more daily digs or anything else with the site there was a wealth of information on it. How about putting it for even a few months so that we can glean from it what God wants us to? Please reassess what you can do and come back. God bless Josyln    Goodness, what happened? You really should have let all your readers know what you planned to do. I know your community is undergoing many changes and experiencing some turmoil but please come back online again at some point. Glenn Mitchell Tallahassee, Florida    It is with a profound sadness that I start each morning without the Bruderhof Daily Dig of deeply thought provoking and inspirational reflections from the world's varied religious writers. I worry that something has happened to the Bruderhof itself, since I can find no weblinks to anything except a contact number. We need the light that the Bruderhof brings to the world in these difficult times. Sincerely, Glenn Mitchell Andre De Winne Singapore    Upon discovering the abrupt termination of Daily Dig, I wrote a snail mail letter to the community expressing my shock, but also my gratitude for the service they rendered. Now I found this site, I just want to add the request that Bruderhof set up at least an archive of the material that was online. It does not have to be 'interactive', but simply a place where people can go and dig, 'mine' for nuggets to sustain them, inspire them and others. I do not think this is an unreasonable request. To be sure, there is a cost to maintaining a website, but the thousands of people who used to subscribe to the 'Dig' would surely be open to dig into their pocket to have such a website established and maintained, if money were to be the problem. Matthew Blinn Columbus, Ohio    Yea...what everyone above has said. I was just getting into the readings and finding their web site to be a huge source of spiritual direction. Please bring it back. Greg Bilbrey Robinson, Illinois    Your Web site and the Daily Dig helped me through some challenging times -- and did spur me to action when I needed it. I'm gathering that there have been some troubles in your community over the years and that this may have had something to do with the discontinuance of your online service. I guess I would say that virtually all of us who are Christians live, or have llived, in Christian communities that experienced trouble -- but it didn't stop us from serving and blessing others. I hope you can find your way back online -- and into healing, if need be -- but if not, thank you for your past service, and blessing, to us. Caroline Atlanta, GA    To the webmasters of Daily Dig, and the once-publishers of the magazine and bookstore: you greatly affected many, many lives, including mine. Thank you for your innovation, and your relentless honesty. Mostly, thank you for sharing on a daily basis some of the Bruderhof values I came to admire, including a compassionate pacifism. Your daily dig has guided me for years. I have saved so many quotes. The institutions of Christianity will continue to fail us, but the holy spirit will keep guiding us! Barb St. Paul    I'm wondering why the abrubt ending...was it about copyright issues? All of the wonderful articles and references are gone..gone...gone....I'm wondering what led to the decision? Thurland Winchester, Ontario, Canada    Greetings friends at Bruderhof communities It is with a profound sadness that I read your last "Daily Dig" on the internet this morning. Just yesterday I was thinking that I needed to do a blog about my two discoveries on the net. One is a site called bible.org, whom I see as the greatest presence for solid Christian training online, and all offered at no cost. The other is you folk at the Bruderhof communities, whom I see as one of the greatest examples of living the Christian life. I understand the need to "do the work". I somehow wish you could also find time to write about the work. Every day, your articles were such they touched my life, my thoughts, my actions. I thank God for the short time I have been a reader of the Daily Dig, and I pray His great blessing on you all as you faithfully live the Word. My sister, who lives in a state of depression, partially induced by alcoholism, is the one who connected me to your site. For her, let me say again, that your thoughtful articles produced much hope. (And as I write that line, the thought comes to me that maybe part of doing the work is writing about the work.) Who knows, some day we may meet. Yesterday I went to the map, and discovered we are only 543 km apart. I never travel in that direction, but if I do .... In Christian love Ini Naidoo Durban, South Africa    I am terribly dissapointed and feel quite sore about the fact that Bruderhof, as you say abruptly shut down the way they did. This was the one site that I subscribed to which I really used to look foward to opening. Every inspirational quote, was just that. I loved starting my day with that. Although I'm sure that you have your reasons, I still am very heartsore about this. You really used to make my day. Wishing you all God's best anyway. Ini Kathryn Denver    I never subscribed to daily dig but the inspirational emails were often forwarded to me and not infrequently I would seek them out myself. And they were always worth seeking out and often surprisingly relevent, grains of truth to wash away the dust of the soul. A concerned reader Michigan    I first of all want to express a huge thanks to all who were involved with creating, maintaining, and contributing to the Bruderhof website. I agree with many of the previous readers that the site (and the Daily Digs) were a constant source of inspiration and instruction. I am grateful that I had access to the many articles and books on the site for the time that it was up. I'm confused however on 1) why the site was discontinued, and 2) why it was discontinued in the way that it was. While I agree that "action, not words" is an important guideline to live by, I don't think you can have one without the other. Where would Christians be today with the letters of Paul and Peter? Would it have been better to have Paul "sign off" from communicating with his followers as a symbol of "action, not words"? I think writing is a powerful witness, and the insights and truths espoused on the site were important ones for Christians to meditate (and act) upon. I'm sure I'm not speaking for myself when I say that the site made me a better Christian, a more loving neighbor, and a more educated follower? What's bad about that? And judging from the many comments elicited by each article, the site had a global reach and influence. Now we have a splash page directing readers to an address and a phone number. I can understand if Bruderhof wanted to stop publishing new content, but what about an archive of previously published articles / books? I'm confused. But grateful for what we had while we had it. I will pray for your organization. Victoria Williams Glendale, AZ    I recently subscribed to the Daily Dig as my sister in North Carolina would send me them at my old email address occasionally. The readings and insight were very much appreciated. The articles from times long gone were still very relevant to today's issues and concerns I have as a Christian trying to be "in this world, but not of it." I hope that the people who brought us the website will reconsider their shutting everything down. If it is due to financial difficulty, let us know so that we can provide offerings. Your presence on the internet is sorely missed. Rashel Carter Pittsburgh, PA    I was shocked to realize that I was no longer receiving my Daily Dig. I have been so inspired by the messages through these emails. I'm not just disappointed, but feel a sense of loss. I have noticed that the content lately has been leaning toward a life without the technological advances (ie: email, internet, etc.), but it is still by far the greatest forum in which to reach the widest audience. There are times throughout history when technology has changed the world. Before the printing press only the elite of the world were literate. The Bible was not available to the middle and lower classes of society. Our culture today has become one of distance, and things like the Daily Dig are wonderful tools to help people stay grounded in spite of the chaos that has become the normal way of life. In a way, I feel abandoned. Am I not worth hearing the message because my lifestyle includes modern technology? I would hope that Christ's message should stay available to everyone, by every means. Please resume your emails and postings. After only a few days, I really miss it. Thank you. Rashel Mary Paulin Brampton, Ontario    I miss the Daily Dig too. It was a portal to some stimulating and thought-provoking material, whatever one's religious (or other) beliefs. I, too, feel that the internet can be a positive force in establishing "community" and that we all have lessons to learn in sharing our world more equally. Cliff Knighten Delta BC    Dear brothers and sisters, I hope you will reconsider your decision to discontinue the Daily Dig and your presence on the web. While I am in sympathy with your desire to live out the gospel rather than merely talk about it, I believe both action and speech are necessary. Your voice is distinctive and I believe needs to be heard. I am concerned that your decision will only isolate you and limit your influence. Please reconsider. Peace, Cliff Knighten John Delta BC    I have read with interest the other comments posted and would say that have enjoyed the daily reading and the informatino on the website and would appreciate their return. Paul Sgoutas Syracuse, NY    I am not writing to say that I miss your website (although I do), but rather, to say the following: If your main reason for suddenly taking everything offline was to add force to your encouragement for people to put into practice what they've already read, I see this as a significant display of arrogance and counter-productivity. First of all, there are many who had hardly read anything on that website in the first place -- people who could still have benefited from the wealth of ideas and perspectives. Second, even those who are familiar with Christian ideas, writers, writings, etc., all still benefit from continued access to such resources. Third, time spent reading short things does not take away from time spent 'in action.' Fourth, the commandment to 'go forth and do good works' in the last e-mail is completely shadowed over and darkened by the rediculous bluntness and lack of any explanation whatsoever for why everything was being taken down. I, for example, am already a full-time volunteer doing everything I can to be a loving, faithful, and actively-growing person, and experienced that last e-mail as an insult to any inquisitive and open-minded person. I do believe that words without actions and actions without love are dead, and I appreciated what your website provided, but you at least owe people an explanation. You have done nothing positive by taking it down, to such a degree that I lean toward thinking this is just a temporary attention-generating move. Keri    The daily dig was an inspiration, but I respect and support the idea of moving toward action. I am too easily comforted by nice words and ideas but fall far short when called to get outside my 'comfortable little life' and live a different kind of life. Thank you. Barnabas D. Johnson Portland, Maine    Born in the Bruderhof in 1943, expelled in 1958, I have followed Bruderhof comings and goings yea these many years. I could write a book about it, and maybe will some day. I keep waiting for a happy ending. Suffice it to say at present that I treasure many Bruderhof memories and associations, yet -- bottom line -- I am certain that the Bruderhof is a very troubled organization, its system of leadership having been dysfunctional from the start. Much has been written about this already, and some has been published. Fear of lawsuits has resulted in much self-muzzling by those who know the most. In 1997 three critics were sued by the Bruderhof for $15 million. The suit was later dropped, due (in my opinion) to a vigorous legal defense. As a lawyer, I was convinced that this suit had no merit whatsoever. Christoph Arnold, the so-called Senior Pastor, is a troubled person, as those of us who have known him all his life have long realized. We have tried in numerous ways to help, but to no avail. We do not wish him ill; on the contrary, we stand ready to offer our candid and loving advice. The worst kind of deception is self-deception. Christoph needs true friendship, true honesty, but is deprived of this because those who seek to give it fear his retribution. Those who know Christoph and the Bruderhof best, shudder: What is really going on these days? We hear stories, of course. We wish we knew more. We wish we could help. Yet, ultimately, we realize that in such matters the sufferer must find healing from within. I suspect that such healing, if it comes, will not come from those who know of the Bruderhof only from the Daily Dig and similar gleanings. I am sorry if what I write here deflates their idealization of the Bruderhof. Arguably, nothing is all bad; the Daily Dig was often quite good; but the Bruderhof, as an institution, is a very troubled place. It always has been. It is a dictatorship. Its leadership is essentially unaccountable. Hundreds are deeply scarred from their years there. I was lucky to get out at age 14, but I have many friends who suffered terribly. I fear that those who are still within the Bruderhof suffer the most. I wish I could help. Some were once my dearest friends. James Jarrett Dallas, TX    I am a husband, a father, a lawyer, and lay minister in the Lutheran Church. I have very much appreciated and benefited from the Daily Dig for the past many months. The writings shared by Bruderhof have been formative for my thinking, for ministry, and useful for passing along to others. I believe that the "saying" is a vital part of the "doing." What Bruderhof speaks about Christ in the world is part of my equiping to speak for Christ and be as Christ for others in this world. May the Advent peace of Christ be with you all. James Jarrett Dallas, TX Paul Soupiset San Antonio    grace and peace to the denizens of the brŸderhof. and to all concerned friends as well. my community has been mourning the loss of the BrŸderhof voice as well. i'm more troubled than anything. but not in an "I want my MTV" sort of wa, rather, in a calling-into-question the unilateral cessation of dialogue. moreover i stand in solidarity with the organization, even if the in-grouping / out-grouping was just brought into sharper relief. Tony France    To me "Bruderhof" was my kick off for the day. A 'thought for the day'. I miss it ... Linda Peirce Boulder, CO    I'll sorely miss my Daily Dig! Please bring it back! (And the Plough Reader while you're at it. ;-) ) Marion Fernandez-Cueto    I grew up in the Bruderhof, and my husband and I visit now as frequently as we can. From what we understand, the Bruderhof's decision is motivated by the desire to foster real (rather than virtual) relationships and face-to-face, person-to-person contact, which Internet comm