Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

1917, a special organi- zation was effected under the name of Mennonite Relief Commission for War Sufferers for the purpose of solicit- ing, receiving, holding, and disbursing or distributing funds or supplies for the relief of war sufferers. The officers of the organization were Aaron Loucks, Scottdale, Pa., Pres.; Eli G. Reist, Mount Joy, Pa., Vice Pres.; Levi Mumaw, Scottdale, Pa., Secretary; G. L. Bender, Elkhart, Ind., Treasurer; D. D. Miller, Middlebury, Ind., Fifth Mem- ber of the Executive Committee. Following this organiza- tion the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Chari- ties was commissioned by the Lancaster Conference to represent that district and a Committee of three was ap- pointed by the Franconia Conference to represent their district for this same work. The first activities of these organizations were di- rected to the support of reconstruction’ work in France through the American Friends Service Committee of Philadelphia, Pa., and to the relief of homeless refugees driven from Armenia and Syria, through the American Committee for Armenian’and Syrian Relief, New York. The work was heartily endorsed by the congregations, and 42 FEEDING THE HUNGRY by the end of the first year over $300,000.00 had been raised. During this period the greater attention was given to reconstruction work in France. The total amount raised for this purpose during this time and the year following approximated $326,000.00. Sewing circles were organized throughout the Church for the purpose of making new garments for the needy in France. The finished garments were forwarded through the warehouse of the American Friends Service Committee. The estimated value of this clothing, figuring only the actual cost of the material was about $25,000.00. As the need in France for this assistance abated, other fields of opportunity for work of this kind were opened, and our circles have continued to function. In February, 1918, an appeal was made for men to go to France to aid the American Friends Service Com- mittee in reconstruction work. Responses were received immediately, and the selection of men suitable for the work was begun. Assignments and recommendations were made, but the sailing of the men was delayed until the fall of that year. After the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, activity was resumed, and many who had been on the waiting list were allowed to sail and take up active service in France for the reconstruction of large areas that had been laid waste by the war. Forty-six young men were sent out in this service, each for a period of one or more years. While this work was being continued in France, a new avenue of service opened. Following the signing of the Armistice and closing of the World War, the Amer- ican Committee for Relief in the Near East announced a movement for the purpose of bringing relief to the many suffering Armenian refugees in the Near East or Bible L