Lydia Stoltzfus' Emergency Legal Aid Fund

My name is Mattie I’m raising funds for my sister and her children see her story below.

On May 31, 2023 a support team appointed by the Amish community to assist Lydia and her husband Benuel manage their finances, approached Lydia with the request, asking for permission to place their five children into separate homes while she takes a break and rests before the baby arrives.

At the time Lydia was 38 weeks pregnant and the offer as she says it “sounded good!” They were told the children would be returned in three weeks and eventually Lydia and Benuel gave verbal consent to what they believed to be a temporary agreement. All five children were then taken and placed into 5 homes deemed appropriate by the support team.

On June 14, 2023, their youngest daughter was born and Lydia began to anticipate the return of their children, yet every time she asked the support team any questions she was brushed off with an excuse and the children remained in their separate assigned homes.

In the mean time one of the parents housing her 7 year old son filed a report with CYS alleging Lydia molested her son because he said, “Mom plays with me,” and “It feels good”

CYS then did a full investigation, including a forensic interview with the children and determined the case “Unfounded” and closed the case on August 24 2023

Lydia was put “Out of Council” by bishop Leon King with the assumption she lied. She was pressured to confess and repent.

Lydia soon caught on that Benuel was in conspiracy with the support team. She believed there was malicious intent to withhold the children from her. She was told the children would be returned “after” their marriage was rehabilitated.

Upon learning that Benuel had put a chip in her phone, eavesdropping every conversation, stalking every location; taking the baby she chose to leave. She fled to an undisclosed location determined to get the children and proceed to get full custody of the children.

Friends went with the her to the Amish homes to pick up the children. Upon arriving, Lydia's 9 year old daughter was restrained and amidst a show down with Benuel, the support team, the host family and Lydia the police finally granted Lydia custody of the children and the remaining children were picked up with no interference.

Lydia currently has no income and is in need of finances for Legal fees and future housing. Any donation big or small is appreciated and will be used to help Lydia and her children succeed.

Your prayers are needed and appreciated.