News

The Nine publishes its second book

By Scott Wagar

09/23/2014

Just one year out from their first published book, “Hutterites: Our Story to Freedom,” the group of nine former Hutterites from Rolla have published their second book, “Since We Told the Truth: Our Life Can Never be the Same,” which answers questions brought up by the readers of their first book, but at the same time they speak out about God and our nation and the segregation of Judeo-Christian churches in the world.  

“After the first book, a lot of people asked questions about how we came together, how we decided to write a book and how we found the freedom to do that,” said Junia Waldner, one of the nine Hutterites who authored in both of the group’s books. “So, people wanted to know how we came to this place and we answered a lot of those questions.”

The book also centers on where the United States is currently at with God and how it seems Americans are getting further away from God at a time when they should be looking toward Him for guidance.

“We go more into the prospective of where this nation is at and how we saw the same perspective that happened in the Hutterites’ communities. They started out according to the Word of God. They believed that they were blessed and they got along; but, traditions started to get more important than the Word of God. The Word of God became secondary,” said Darlene Waldner, who is also one of the nine writers of the two books.

“We see the same thing happening in our nation. Like, our nation was founded on the Word of God and we were a blessed nation, but not like we used to be. In a lot of ways, our nation is calling right wrong and wrong right.

“We see the same dynamic happening as we did growing up as Hutterites as we do out here in our new lives. We do elaborate about that in the book,” Darlene said. “We not only talk about the problems but give solutions to people and to give them a way out through God.”

Junia added that changes can be made in the nation through one easy step.  

“Each person can do it individually. It starts with me, it starts with you, because we can all make a difference,” Junia said. “You don’t have to be in a position of authority. You don’t have to be in the White House to make a change. We all have a purpose and that is what brought us to that place of freedom and what makes us take advantage of them.

The Nine also touched on in their book about the separations of churches.

“A lot of what we wrote about by coming out of the Hutterite colony and the traditions that held us back from being who we were created to be, we see the same in other churches and denominations in the separation that they put up,” Junia said.

“Like one church separated from the other, why is that? If that tradition is keeping you from the other churches because they have different traditions, why do those traditions have priority over the Word of God? It shouldn’t be like that and it is very sad.”

Junia and Darlene said that God has opened doors to allow them to speak in churches and across the land to share their testimonies and perform their flag and dance worships.

Since their first book and now into their second book, the group has traveled and shared their story and the Word of God in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana, along with the proveniences of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

This past spring and summer, some of the members took their ministry overseas to Liberia, which the group speaks about in     their sophomore book.

Junia and Darlene stated that while some of the members were in Liberia God provided a miracle for them, and saved their lives.

“Three members went to Liberia for two weeks and then came home. Then, two more went of back to continue our ministries,” Darlene said. “However, one morning when they woke over there they felt God calling them home to North Dakota and made the decision to leave. Right after they left, Ebola broke out.”

The two members of the nine were very close to possibly catching Ebola because they stayed in the same compound as Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, the two Americans who came ill with Ebola and were transported back to Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital to be cared for in a special isolated unit in its health center.

“They knew them well, especially the woman,” Darlene said.       
Through the book, Junia and Darlene have stated they have already seen changes in people’s lives.

“The big thing with this book is to encourage people to take that first step toward freedom, Darlene said. “For me, coming out of oppressive situations where traditions were number one, I want to encourage people that we live in a country where we have freedom of speech, we have freedom of religion and even though at times it seems like we are a bit stifle or we can’t talk about Jesus in the work place or school, we do have the freedom to have Jesus Christ as number one.”

“The book also shows that I can be out there, I can make a difference, and that it is our hearts in our ministry,” Junia said.

“Through the book we have seen changes in people’s lives already that have asked questions. It brings a joy and desire to me to continue on with our ministry because we see people being set free.”

The nine are made up of Cindy, Darlene, Jason, Junia, Karen, Rodney, Sheryl and Titus Waldner and Glenda Maendel.

To learn more about the group, go to www.thenine9.com.