Amish Forgiveness- transcript

Amish Forgiveness is Christ-like

(Transciption of you tube video)

Keith Olbermann:
It was just one of the many extraordinary gestures of forgiveness contained in our number three story in the countdown tonight.
The family of Marian Fisher, 
one of the Amish girls killed in a school house on monday, 
invited the widow of her killer 
to their little girl`s funeral this morning.
That funeral, one of four, on this sad day there, 
the fifth is scheduled for tomorrow.
The funeral procession today is simple and humble 
from a community 
that has met an awful event 
with dignity and abiding humanity.
Our correspondend in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania , is Rheema Ellis.

Rehema Ellis:
The horse drawn carriage processions were in step with age old Amish tradition. 
First the body of seven year old Naomi Rose Ebersol. 
Hours later the body of thirteen year old Marian Fisher.
And late this afternoon the seven year old Lena Miller 
and her eight year old sister Mary Liz.
Keeping with tradition the families prepared the bodies. 
The young victims clothed in white dresses, 
handmade by their mothers.
The services are plain and private.
There is a short sermon and scripture is read.
There is no eulogy.
Just respect for the life.
But not praise.
They reserve that for god.

Kevin King:
There will be ah 
Words of comfort.
Read from the bible.
From the german bible.
Ähm
It will be a solemn time.
It will be a time of we´re coming together once again
And just being together.
Ah-Crying on each others shoulders.

Rehema Ellis:
While the non-Amish community was not part of the processions 
Many are showing support in other ways.
Much of it in the form of money.
More than 500.000 dollars has been donated to charities
set up for the Amish,
something they are unaccustomed to accepting.

Kevin King:
Far and wide the churches are bringing meals.
We are hearing of co-operations and companies providing food.

They said to me: 
you know,
we could handle this on our own.
But- that would not be Christ-like.
Why should we stop people from being a blessing to us?

Rehema Ellis:
And although the Amish recognise the community outpouring as a blessing
What´s needed most now, they said,
are prayers.

Tonight four other girls remain hospitalised,
another student reportedly has been taken off life support.
There is another funeral tomorrow.
But members of this Amish community fear 
it may not be the last.

Keith-

Keith Olbermann:
Rehema Ellis
Great
Thanks