History of Shepherd's Fold

Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Lebanon County, beside what appears to be a farm lane, is a little sign that says, Shepherd’s Fold – Restoring Lives. There is a big story behind that little sign.

The beginning of this story actually takes place in the hills of Galilee when an Angel came to announce to a virgin that Emmanuel would be sent to save people “from their sins”. Hope in a human form was going to come to provide an answer for the terrible problem of mankind’s sin. The Bible tells us the tragic story of sin began way back in the Garden of Eden. It was there where our first parents listened to the Serpent’s lies and began to doubt the goodness of God. If you don’t know this story you need to buy or borrow a Bible and read the Truth about why man is as messed up and broken as he is.

So now we all struggle with a sin nature. Even the best of men are broken. And sadly, there are those whose struggle with sin takes them out of functional life. Prisons and reformatory programs abound. But not many look to the Lord Jesus for His power to save souls.

Shepherd’s Fold is a discipleship program managed by Mennonites from the Old Mennonite tradition. We are not ashamed to confess that we believe the commandments of Jesus and the Apostles are given to govern our lives. Our doctrines come from the New Testament. Our practices are shaped by centuries of applying the Bible, first in Europe and then for about 300 years here in America. We don’t trust in that tradition to save us, we trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation. Our tradition applications are a way to express obedience to Jesus’ commands.

Our fathers were farmers but the gospel calls men from all walks of life to seek to share Christ’s love with sinners. The summer of 1990 found some of our people passing out literature in Allentown PA. These brothers were seeking to invite people to Christ no matter what depth of depravity they had fallen to. These connections on the street led to Bible classes in the Northampton County prison. When inmates desired continued contact after being released from prison, brothers with a burden rallied their resources to give them a place to stay.

In June 1993, a farm with house and barn were found for rent. Isaac Martin owned a farm he would rent and eventually donated for this venture. René Rivera agreed to be the director. Temporary voluntary staff stepped into vacant positions. All the staff has changed. A younger generation now directs the work. Many men have come and gone, both as residents and as staff. The place and program continue to be named Shepherd’s Fold in honor of the Great Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. We have found He is the only person that we cannot do without.

Now that program has a history of nearly thirty years, thirty years of helping men find victory by being disciples of Christ. Has every man who went through the program continued to live a faithful Christian life after completing the program? No. All of us face temptations, and all of us have a choice of what we will do with Jesus’ invitation, “Come, follow me.” But many men have testified that the atmosphere of discipleship, the prayers, the Bible Study and learning to accept correction from their fellowmen has left a huge influence for good in their lives.

Our environment in the farming community of Lebanon County PA helps provide a quiet atmosphere. There is room here for Bible study and discussions, for manual labor, for quiet walks, and for working in the garden.

Come visit us in person, to sense the stable, secure environment that the Lord has given us for His work here with the souls of men.

Request an Application