Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

had been intended, at least at first, only to function in response to the unprecedented plea for help in South Russia. There- fore, it cannot just continue. The Mennonite Central Committee must give an account of its stewardship when the work for which it was called into being is completed. Some action must be taken if an organization is to con- tinue; therefore, it was agreed that as soon as the work of the Mennonite Central Committee was concluded, a more permanent organization should be formed. Pursuant to this consideration the Chairman of the Mennonite Central Committee conferred with his col- leagues relative to the matter; and on the strength of their encouragement on August 9, 1923, sent out through the official organs of the churches the following inquiry and appeal to the Mennonite groups, in order to deter- mine how our people were minded on this question. Is A PERMANENT MENNONITE RELIEF ORGANIZATION DESIRABLE (An open letter) To our Brethren and Contributing Constituency: Gratefully we look back over the extensive labor of love and relief, in the form of food and clothing, that the committee has been privileged to forward for you to the suffering world, especially to those of the household of Faith, during the three years since the organization of the Mennonite Central Committee at that memorable meeting at Elkhart, Indiana, in the summer of 1920. We are grateful to all good friends and brethren, who have sent in contribu- tions, unparalleled in the history of Mennonites; but above all, we are thankful to our kind Heavenly Father, who has led us in our work, and who has so evidently set His stamp of approval on this great work of relief to our neighbors and brethren who were in great need. EFFECTS AND AFTER EFFECTS 419 Since its organization, the Mennonite Central Commit- tee, according to the December report, has been privileged to handle more than $1,070,445.89 worth of supplies in food, clothing, and cash. These bounteous gifts have fed thou- sands of hungry men, women and children, and _ besides clothed a large number of them. According to their own testimony, it has saved the lives of hundreds and perhaps thousands. We are now very glad to report that conditions in Rus- sia, as far as the food problem is concerned, have changed for the better. In the regions where we are operating, there are now none left, who must actually starve. But since many are still very needy it will be necessary to continue the work of relief through another winter. Clothing help will be largely needed, but also a considerable amount of food will be required before we can honorably close our offices in Russia. Since the work in Russia, for which the Mennonite Cen- tral Committee was specifically organized is now beginning to indicate that the end is drawing nearer, two questions arise in the minds of the committee. The first is this, What lessons have we as Mennonites learned from o