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 Neela Sakaria: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Bontrager. What prompted you to write ERNIE?
Ernest Bontrager: I had a life changing experience in the hospital. I faced death and through the miracle of transplantation, I recieved the gift of live from an anonymous donor. I felt the need to share my story in the hopes many people would see the need to become signed up as organ donors. There are many patients who die each day waiting for a transplant. I am fortunate to have gotten an organ before it was too late.
Neela: What do you think is the biggest challenge about writing non-fiction?
EB: I am a shy person. Overcoming the fear of exposing my ignorance and sharing my repressed feelings throughout my life. Even as Jonah was running to Joppa so he would not have to preach to the people of Ninevah, I was running away to Sarasota Florida, a city by the sea to escape from my perceived responsibilities.
NS: What do you think are a few of the most common misconceptions about the Amish lifestyle? What would you say to someone to dispell these misconceptions?
EB: That they are without fault. I have a deep respect for the Amish. As a boy I was taught that if you are not Amish you will not go to heaven. I am now a member of the Mennonite church. We believe all born again Christians no matter what denomination will go to heaven. The Amish are just as human as everyone else. They believe that if they refrain from the ways of the outside world (English), they will be more blessed by God. The simple life has many benefits in raising a family that can enjoy eating around a table, conversations, singing together and worshiping together at church andworking together on the family farm. Many of us today in our modern (rushed lifestyle) do not have that blessing.
Neela: Was it difficult for you to write about painful experiences in your personal life? How do you handle writing about topics such as your divorce?
EB: I think writing about personal experiences are very difficult. My divorce was especially painful since we had been married so long and because our church does not condone divorce. I felt like an outcast and did not fit in anymore.To share your grief and pain in words for the world to see is not an easy task. The hardest part is admitting your failures in life. I just hope others can learn from my mistakes.
Neela: Who are some of your favorite writers? What do you read for inspiration?
EB: Bruce Wilkinson. While I was recovering in the hospital my family gave me the book, "The Prayer of Jabez" devotional. I was inspired and because of many prayers offered on my behalf I am alive today.
Neela: Are you working on any other projects?
EB: Yes, I am publishing a sewing alterations book for an Amish lady who is a professional seamstress. The book is designed to teach the lost art of sewing to Amish girls so they can make the neccesary alterations to store bought clothing so they conform to the Amish plain look. Amish are not allowed to have zippers and many other conveniences we take for granted.
Neela: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
EB: I waited 5 years for a transplant. I was never called once. On 9-12-01 at 4 A.M. I got a call for a liver transplant. Because of the events of 9-11, I was able to get my transplant sooner than expected. Those people that relied on commercial airlines for travel to get a transplant could no longer get to the hospital in time because of the new security at airports. I am now a volunteer for Lifeline of Florida, an organization to promote awareness of the critical need for more people to sign up to be an organ donor.
Neela: Thank you.
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