Feeding the Hungry, P. C. Hiebert, 1929

f our work was a member of the Disaster Relief Committee. This Committee -was made up of representatives from all the American Relief Socie- ties located in Constantinople. Its aim was to coordinate and allocate the work, and to prevent duplication. J. Frank Stoltzfus served on its Executive Committee during his whole stay. This connection resulted in greater efh- ciency in our own Unit, a better knowledge of the need, and larger opportunities for service. The Disaster Com- mittee often financed particular efforts of the Unit. 2. Much individual help was given in the form of loans. For one, the equipment for a small laundry; to another, funds for a set of carpenters tools; to others, 108 FEEDING THE HUNGRY rent on a home; supplies for street vending; outfits for shoe shining; vulcanizing machines; etc., etc. Every effort was made to help without pauperizing. 3. Many loans were made for transportation. Where refugees located friends in countries near by from whom they could expect support, this seemed an effective way of Relief. Passage to practically all countries of Europe, to North Africa, Palestine and the U. S. was so furnished. Much of this was later repaid. 4. A total of $2585.34 was distributed by the central office for aid of miscellaneous needy individuals. 5. The Quartermaster’s Department under the direc- tion of Arthur Slagel, had charge of all relief supplies until used. The other departments called for these as needed. Much purchasing had to be done locally, which made Bro. Slagel’s work indispensable. 6. The work in the Refugee Camps was noted be- fore. It was only temporary in its nature, but a large number of needy individuals were reached and effectively helped during its operation. Regularly weekly visits were made by one of the workers to those camps allocated to the Unit as long as they were in existence. The work was conducted along the lines mentioned above. Complete and comprehensive reports were sent to America each month. With all that could be done, the situation became well nigh desperate on several occasions. In the spring of 1921 the French withdrew all their sup- port of the refugees. This placed the whole load on the American societies cooperating in the Disaster Relief Committee, the strongest of which was the American Red Cross. In the late fall of 1921 the A.R.C. was ordered to withdraw. During the winter following our Unit car- ried the brunt of the load. Our workers, however, always kept in mind the greater need in Russia itself. By the time of Bro. Hiebert’s THE FIRST ESSAY INTO RUSSIA 109 visit in the spring of 1922, they were in full agreement with the policy of closing the work as early as possible. By July 1, the last American worker in Constantinople was enroute for home. Some help was still given the Mennonite refugees stranded there, and in Batoum, until arrangements could be completed for their coming to the U. S., but by the wi