Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

de of the work and the evidence that still more difficulties would be met on the other side of the vast Pacific, it was decided that Bro. Fast should accompany the clothing shipment to Siberia. The trip was a most difficult one, because of generally unsettled con- ditions resulting from the World-war and its aftermath of revolution. After Bro. Fast was at Vladivostok, Bro. Wm. P. Neufeld of Reedley, Cal., was sent to his as- sistance. He arrived just in time to help make the final arrangements for transportation via the Siberian Railroad to Omsk. At the risk of their own lives these two men braved the wilds of Siberia, the interrupted transportation systems, frequent raids by robber bands, and the cold of the Northland through nine days of travel to Omsk, Siberia. ORGANIZED AMERICAN MENNONITE RELIEF 35 Arriving at Omsk, they soon came into contact with the brethren in the several Mennonite settlements. They inspected the villages to determine what and where was the greatest need. Through reliable men they distributed the much needed clothing, which brought great joy to many a sad heart. Since many, especially widows, were short of food they established credits with the mills in the neighborhood to advance food to the most needy. Upon the safe return of the brethren after this eventful and dangerous journey, Bro. Fast immediately set out to acquaint the Mennonites of the West and Middle West with the conditions in Siberia. Bro. Fast reports that he received and forwarded a total of $43,963.10, for European and Asiatic relief; $10,480.00 of which was for food drafts, and the re- mainder for clothing and food for general relief. The reports and the agitation of Bro. Fast led to the first general organization of Mennonites for relief purposes under the name, EMERGENCY RELIEF COMMITTEE OF THE MENNONITES oF NortTH AMERICA The relief work in Siberia under the direction of M. B. Fast and Wm. Neufeld, had been carefully watched in its development and followed in its progress. When these brethren had returned from their eventful mission, they told in graphic words of the famine conditions as they found them. People streamed together in large numbers to get all the information possible, and also to find an opportunity to share in the mission of benevolence in a truly Christian spirit. Representatives from the various groups of Men- nonites in the Middle West met in the Mennonite Church of Hillsboro, Kans., on the afternoon of January 4, 1920, heard the report of the need among the brethren in Siberia 36 FEEDING THE HUNGRY and of the very liberal response among the churches. Thereupon, they organized for united effort by electing three representatives from each of the participating groups of Mennonites. The election resulted in the choice of the following brethren as representatives of their respective denomina- tions. For the General Conference; Bro. D. J. Regier, Moundridge, Kans.,