Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

oyer Fox and proceeded to Theodosia, arriving in port March 25. ‘Our apprehensions about landing on Russian soil without a knowledge of the language were largely overcome by ‘the presence on the pier of the American A.R.A. worker, ‘Mr. Brown, who took us in charge at once and provided for us during our stay in Theodosia, which of necessity lasted five days. Here we were introduced to starvation conditions, but I shall not take time to describe the har- rowing scenes. To proceed further inland was difficult, since the trains ran only once a week, and one was just moving out when we arrived; but through the generosity of the Vice-President of the Crimean Republic we were THE MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE aS promised earlier transportation, which eventually came, and we took the train for Halbstadt, arriving there Sun- day morning, April 2. 4. On the Field of Operations in Russia We went directly from the train to the church, where we came as unannounced messengers from another world, and were heartily welcomed. I was asked to address a fairly large gathering of sad-faced, under-fed Mennonites. I had never in my life heard any one pray, ‘“‘Give us this day our daily bread” as these people did with tears run- ning down their haggard faces. The next day we wired to Moscow and Alexandrowsk to get in touch with our workers as soon as possible. In the meantime we busied ourselves with getting acquainted with the people and the work that had been started there, just two weeks before. A few days later, Bro. Slagel came from Alexandrowsk. Together we made an inspec- tion tour of a large number of villages, to see the needs. and also observe the operation of our feeding stations. A short meeting with officials of the ‘Verband’ helped us. to see how gloomy the future looked to these people, with all supplies gone, and the wheat being blown out by the strong spring gales. In a few days we went to Alexan- drowsk and visited the headquarters and supply house. The whole feeding plan, even though started only a few weeks before was operating in good shape, which spoke well for the executive ability of Bro. Miller in organizing and the efficiency of Bro. Slagel in directing the work. The next weeks were spent in visiting and arranging feed- ing kitchens at the following places: Nikopol, Nepleupyew, Sogradowka, Gruenfeld and Friedensfeld. People were needy at all of the places, but at some there was actual starvation on a large scale. After the arrival of Director Miller a considerable: 76 FEEDING THE HUNGRY part of the time was spent in planning for the work. It was decided that Slagel remain in charge of the Alexan- drowsk office, and that Krehbiel be given charge of the Molotschna Colony with adjacent scattered settlements. Miller and Hiebert were to return to Moscow and then make a tour through the Volga Mennonite colonies. Be- fore we left for Moscow, word was received that the Dutch Relief Uni