Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

k. But they could not actually enter the Old Colony, because under the pressure of the Reds the Whites had already been forced to retreat to their old positions, and under fire the Amer- ican brethren were obliged to return. Brother Miller PERSONAL REMINISCENCES 347 went by train to Crimea, and Brother Kratz returned to Halbstadt, where work was zealously begun. I was secre- tary of the Mennonite Relief Committee, and was in daily contact with Kratz. In addition to this I knew America somewhat, had been in touch with various Men- nonite groups, spoke a little English—all of these drew the young man to me, and bound us together in friendship. Right gladly did the brother come to me and make him- self ‘‘at home” in my comfortable room, chat and listen to me, rummage among my many books, begin to improve his German, visit with me in the circle of my friends—in a word, he sought to spend his leisure time agreeably and profitably. His amiable disposition soon won him friends. In spite of his youth he set at his work with a striking earnestness. One could well sense that he took life seriously, and that he had high ideals. The work which he had undertaken he performed as though it were a God-given task. He esteemed it as the things of the kingdom of God. With youthful zeal he stood at his post. Beloved brethren in Halbstadt sought to make his stay there as pleasant as possible. They knew how much he must give up to help the suffering. And with gratitude he wel- comed such advances. Thus passed a short time. But with the powers of fate one can make no binding agreement, and misfortune moves swiftly. That which we had for some time seen coming, but in which none of us wanted to believe, came. It came with a storm and tempest that overthrew and de- stroyed everything. ‘The army of General Wrangel was forced to retreat precipitously, first into Crimea, then into foreign parts. Then the Red Soviet banner waved over all government buildings from the cold ice-sea to the sunny South coast. Destruction and death went mocking and vagrant through the land. 348 FEEDING THE HUNGRY Brother Miller had the good fortune to leave Russia behind. Brother Kratz stayed in Halbstadt. He was not permitted to see his earthly home again. As the situation of the White Army became con- stantly more uncertain, and it was evident that it would not be able to hold; as among the officers, withdrawal to Crimea was discussed very freely and openly, Brother Kratz’s situation in connection with various coming possi- bilities was discussed, and he was very strongly urged to withdraw to Crimea and to await the outcome there. But Brother Kratz would not let himself be persuaded. He considered such a move an unworthy one. He thought that that would be deserting his colors—cowardice. Was it the ardor of youth—bravado—or did he not understand the situation—perhaps a little of both—that he answered thus, short; he would stay