Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

t had arrived at Lichtfelde in the Mo- lotschna, and that it was vital that the two organizations early reach a definite understanding. For this purpose a meeting of representatives of the “Verband,” the Holland Mennonites, and the American Mennonite Relief was called to take place at Orlov. a. Codrdinating our Work with the Holland Men- nonite Relief. Present at the meeting were, for the “‘Ver- band” Philip Cornies, Abr. Fast, Heinrich Bartel and others; for the Holland Mennonites, Mr. Willink and Mr. Jungens; for the American Mennonite Relief, the Brethren Miller, Krehbiel, Slagel and Hiebert. The meeting was or- ganized by electing P. C. Hiebert, Chairman and Philip Cornies, Secretary. The main problem was to find the most advantageous division of the work. The suggestion of the “Verband” and the Holland Mennonites was that the relief operation on the Molotschna be given over to the Dutch, and the remainder of the territory left to the care of the American Mennonite Relief. While this seemed very desirable from their point of view, we could not consent to withdraw from a field in which we had fully organized and started feeding, and in which lived the people in whom many of our American supporters were especially interested. The meeting was adjourned for the day in order to give the members of the several groups an opportunity to discuss matters among themselves. On the morrow we met again, and after considerable discussion the following suggestions coming from the American THE MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE oy) Mennonite Relief, were accepted by the joint committee: that none of the fields already occupied by the A.M.R. be turned over entirely to the Dutch representatives; but that the A.M.R. continue to feed the children, the sick, the feeble, and aged. For this work it was agreed that we keep our organization for the Molotschna intact. On the other hand it was agreed that the Dutch operate through the “Verband,” and give their attention and sup- plies to the able-bodied men and women, who must needs have strength to work the fields, thus providing for the future; and further, that they lay more stress upon agri- cultural reconstruction, which they intended to put on a loan basis. As things turned out later it was evident to us all, that God’s hand had led us in reaching such an agreement. b. A General Survey of Conditions and Work. In May, 1922, the A.M.R. was feeding between 24,000 and 25,000 persons daily in South Russia. This was exceeding our budget, but as some funds had accumulated during the first months of the year, we saw a possibility of feeding that number until the coming harvest would relieve the most pressing need. The prospects for the future were quite gloomy, and many people were inclined to despair at the thought of another year of famine, with starvation conditions likely worse. In some sections the rain had been sufficient for the growing crop, while in others