EPHRATA — On Tuesday, January 18, an event to raise awareness about vaccine development and the effects of vaccines on health was held at the Martindale Mennonite Fellowship Center in Ephrata. “Making Informed Vaccine Decisions,” organized by Paul Schwartz of Strasburg, covered information beyond just the COVID-19 vaccines; it was designed to encourage a solution to what Schwartz sees as a failing medical system.
Several hundred people attended the event, and the atmosphere was relaxed and familial. People smiled to one another as newcomers casually set up extra chairs in the back of the room and mothers bounced babies on their knees.
Schwartz opened the event with a prayer and by sharing his frustrating medical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The main speaker at the event, Mary Tocco, has for 40 years been independently investigating vaccines and their effects on health. Much of her speech focused on how natural immunity is gained during youth and how childhood vaccines can hinder or circumvent that process. She highlighted the need to bolster natural immunity to disease rather than relying on vaccination. She also addressed the problematic use of chemicals, animal cells, and the tissues of aborted babies in vaccine production.
When she spoke about the COVID-19 vaccines, she noted that she believes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is losing its credibility. She urged her listeners to stand against the fear and the rash decisions that are pushed by many in the media and in the medical field and to instead make informed choices suited to their health needs.
Tocco’s speech was received warmly. Audience applause followed several of her comments, including when she noted that she was glad not to see any masks in the audience. An even louder response came when she urged religious leaders to stand against the use of aborted babies in vaccine production.
The event was more than just an opportunity to discuss the problems of the health industry, however. It was also about offering better options, including alternative health care options that are under consideration in the Lancaster area.
“What good does it do to talk about the problems,” Schwartz said in an interview with The Lancaster Patriot, “if we are not going to offer solutions?”
Many people are growing uneasy with the health care system in the United States, Schwartz explained, and some are even choosing to seek medical care in Mexico.
One of the potential solutions for Lancaster health care was presented by Elizabeth Carter, a medical doctor and chiropractor practicing in Malvern. She said that the hospital systems have been failing for a long time and it is time for a new approach. She shared with the crowd that plans are underway to establish a Christian hospital in Lancaster County.
The proposed hospital would allow family members to be present with loved ones, regardless of vaccination status. Carter added that health care workers who lost their jobs for refusing the COVID-19 vaccines would be welcomed. The hospital would also be sensitive to Amish and Mennonite customs. The project, which is still unnamed, is in the fundraising stages and will remain private, so no government funding will be sought. As of yet, no property has been purchased.
Another potential clinic is Well Spring Care, which is also currently in the fundraising phase. This clinic, based in the Plain community, would seek to be a self-supporting, 24/7 health clinic that provides chronic care, birth care and urgent care, treating things like burns, wounds and broken bones and offering minor surgeries.
Literature about the clinic, distributed at the event, describes the project as “a clinic for the church — by the church” that would be “under the direction of professional doctors and nurses to ensure that our clients receive professional care.” An Amish bishop advisory board is involved in the process. More information about Well Spring Care is available at the clinic’s info line at 484-796-1527.
Audio of the event is available by dialing 712-432-8774 and entering 227326273 as the conference ID. Following the prompt, enter sharing ID 1181 to listen to part 1 of the recording or sharing ID 1182 for part 2.
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Chris Hume is the managing editor of The Lancaster Patriot and host of The Lancaster Patriot Podcast. He can be reached at chris@thelancasterpatriot.com.
