Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

always speak much louder than words, and are far more likely to receive a hearing. To put it in plain words we might say, it is but natural and logical that as Mennonites, we should en- deavor to make ourselves known as a people whose most conspicuous trait, next to piety, is benevolence. In order to acquire this reputation it is necessary that with all diligence ““We work the works of Him that sent us.” The members of the Mennonite Central Committee, who are in this book giving a report of what has been possible to do for our unfortunate brethren, are one in the opinion, that it has been a real joy to serve the needy in Europe. We have often longed to let you share in the joy that came to us through the direct contact with Relief work. Even though it was impossible to impart to you the extent of the good that you were doing, the tears you were drying and the lives you were saving, we trust that EFFECTS AND AFTER EFFECTS 417 you have had your joy and reward, and what has not yet come will doubtless be remembered in the records of the perfect Bookkeeper, God. By the grace of God, our united effort succeeded, and our stricken neighbors and brethren across the sea re- ceived help in the time of greatest need. An accumulation of letters and reports, statements of individuals who came to America, and those who are still in Europe, testify, that the hungry have been fed in large numbers, the naked have been clothed by the thousands, better cheer was brought to very many hearts—Lives have been saved. What more reward should we wish than the realization that we have been permitted to share in the saving of lives. There are people walking, working, talking and praising God to-day, who would be dead in their graves, if you had not helped. So they say themselves. Is it any wonder, that with such thoughts in our minds and the accompanying feelings in our hearts, we should want to be prepared to help in time of need? When the famine began to relent and we realized that the great emergency which had so taxed our capaci- ties was passing, we recalled how unprepared we had been to step in with effective service, when the call for help came. And we ask ourselves the question, shall we permit ourselves to be caught in a like unprepared and unorgan- ized condition, if something similar or worse should occur in the future; or have we learned a lesson? Have we realized the need and value of an efficient central organi- zation, ready to administer what help we are able to give; prepared to lead right off in the work of the good Samari- tan, as soon as we learn that some one has again fallen into the hands of robbers? Your committee felt that something should be done, and they were encouraged by those who were consulted on the question. Practically, the unanimous advice of all 418 FEEDING THE HUNGRY concerned was ‘‘Keep your organization intact, and ready to serve on short notice.” But our organization