Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

ur experiences in relief-work? The other is, What shall we do about an organization for the future? In answer to the first of these questions we might mention the following points, as lessons drawn from experiences. In unity there was strength, which, through the bless- ings of God, has made such extensive and effective relief work possible. A common cause has brought us closer together, for, while working shoulder to shoulder in the cause of love and humanity, we have learned to love and appreciate one an- other in spite of such differences as may exist among us. Our efforts to help the needy and suffering brethren have been an effective means of letting the world know that we believe in the Teachings of Jesus in DEED, as well as in CREED. The other question mentioned above, relative to the future, comes to us in such forms as the following: Are we ready to disband? Is our Mission as a People finished? Does God say, “Enough, now you may quit?” Or will there 420 FEEDING THE HUNGRY be need of a continuance of united effort along the lines of relief work? Doubtless, there will be emergencies in the future, as there have been in the past, that will require prompt action and extensive help. Should we, in the face of this realiza- tion, drop the whole matter and each retreat to his own corner, unprepared for our duties as “Good Samaritan” to our suffering brethren? Or shall we arrange our affairs so, that we shail be ready to render prompt and effective relief, when at any time others call for help? We do not believe in war, or in the taking of human life; but we DO, just as emphatically, believe in letting our light shine by rendering help and saving life. This puts the question thus, can we best “Let our Light shine before men” by perfecting a permanent representative relief or- ganization, which has funds at its disposal, and is author- ized to administer relief wherever it is found that our help is needed? Or shall we hide our “Light under a bushel” until necessity impels us to act, but finds us unprepared to send help before many have perished? We have written somewhat at length, but it is because we have felt rather strongly along this line since we have ourselves directed the work in Russia, and some of us have been on the field, and have seen the suffering with our own eyes; and also have had opportunity to observe how effective the relief work was, and how much it was appreciated. The simple question, which we wish to place before our brethren is this: “Would it be to the glory of God; would it be conducive toward securing prompt and effective help. for the needy in any emergency that may rise; and would it be to the best interests of our own churches; IF WE SHOULD EFFECT A PERMANENT RELIEF ORGANI- ZATION REPRESENTING THE SEVERAL BRANCH- ES OF MENNONITES IN NORTH AMERICA?” We, the representatives of the several Relief Commis-. sions would like to hear from our constituents, wh