Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

ions as well as by other relief organizations. An organization was effected by Men- nonites in Germany for the distribution of the gifts sent to them. This assistance was given regardless of creed or race. The volume of the work increased rapidly and for about one year intensive relief' work was carried on. Ap- proximately $35,000.00 was contributed and disbursed for this work. The greater part of this work was done at the time general relief was given in Germany to the underfed children by the American Friends Service Com- mittee, Philadelphia, Pa. Clothing was also sent for this work valued at $33,582.50. According to the Constitution and By-laws governing the action of the Mennonite Relief Commission for War Sufferers, the Commission was disbanded in May, 1926, when the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities assumed control of relief work. The activities along this line will be in charge of a Relief Committee appointed by that body, consisting of five members. The active work of the Committee is in charge of its Secretary. The idea of relief has been broadened and further activities will be governed by the needs brought to the attention of the Committee. The total amount contributed for relief and famine work to this date exceeds $1,200,000.00 October 26,01926. THE MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE CHAPTER II One of the most emphasized petitions in the Lord’s last prayer with His disciples in that upper-room farewell meeting is the recurring phrase: ‘“That they may be one.” Jesus clearly saw that unity in spirit was essential among His followers in order that they might correctly represent Him before the world, and knowing how prone human nature is to lead men apart, He reveals this desire for oneness as the burden of His heart. Just as oneness (unity) in spirit is essential, so unity in action in the one common cause for Christ and His kingdom is desirable and advantageous. If it were not for distance and lan- guage and divided interests all true Christians would doubtless codperate, but because of these, and because of the lack of mutual understanding, they are often led to make individual attempts where a united effort could accomplish much more. The various groups, branches or divisions of Men- nonites in America were no exception to this rule, and for many years each lived a more or less distinct isolated life. They knew of each other superficially, but were often not aware of the most desirable, laudable traits the other possessed. It required the trying experiences of the great war and its consequences to make them realize that they really have a common cause, over and above the indi- vidualities of the several branches. So it happened that in their position on the question of war and peace, and in the presentation of their petitions to the government for consideration in matters of conscience, they learned really 48 FEEDING THE HUNGRY to know each other, and it was soon