ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø

Skip to main content

In the small town of Stoney Ridge, Penn., Dr. Ruth Stoltzfus—known as Dok to her community—views her patients’ illnesses and injuries through the lens of their whole being: body, emotions, and soul. Committed to seeing her Amish and non-Amish patients at her office, she also continues to make house calls, convinced that she can learn more about her patients when she consults with them in their homes than when they come to her office.

Though Dok was raised Amish, decades ago she left her church to study to become a doctor. However, she remains strong in her Christian faith and approaches her work with humility grounded in prayer. Dok knows that physicians are finite human beings with limited understanding. Though they can treat patients, ultimately God is the healer.

Now in her late 50s, Dok’s passion for her work continues, so much so that her husband Matt Lehman, a police officer, feels their marriage is faltering since Dok’s career leaves no room in the margins for their relationship.

When an hours-old baby is abandoned on Dok’s office steps and the opportunity becomes available for Dok and Matt to foster the boy, Matt is excited, but Dok agrees reluctantly. What begins as a begrudging commitment on Dok’s part blossoms into a surprising love for the infant and a beneficial consequence for Dok and Matt’s relationship. But soon the couple must come to terms with distressing circumstances beyond their control.

At the same time, Dok’s practice affects two women. Twenty-year-old Annie Fisher, who works as Dok’s receptionist and learned so much about medicine and diseases because of her hypochondriac mother, longs to pursue a dream that seems out of reach for an Amish young woman. Bee Bennett, 51, who was recently widowed and has now been diagnosed with breast cancer, must come to terms with a decades-old grudge and her need to depend on others for help. Dok does all she can to help Annie and Bee avoid getting stuck in their limitations and encourages them to discover healing and new possibilities.

, whose worldview runs counter to that of secular society—embracing prayer, trusting in God, humbly accepting the brevity of life, and living daily with the hope of eternity with God. (Revell)

We Are Counting on You

The Banner is more than a magazine; it’s a ministry that impacts lives and connects us all. Your gift helps provide this important denominational gathering space for every person and family in the CRC.

Give Now

X