A Pilgrimage Of Faith, J.B. Toews, 1993

protested, *Nve have children who need milk." Heinrich Voth was quiet. Finally he said, "Mother, we have decided before God to begin the mission program in India and there is no money," "Which of the two are you going to sell?" Sarah inquired. One was a very promising animal, the other one mediocre, Heinrich answered slowly, "If we give unto God, what do we give, the best or the second best?" The following week the Voths sold their best heifer in order to provide support for the new missionaries to India, The Hieberts, along with Elizabeth Neufeld, were the first official missionaries to India from the North American church. In less than two years poor health forced the Hieberts to re- turn home. But new recruits followed in quick succession. In 1902 John K and Maria Pankratz went to India followed by Daniel F. and Tina Bergthold in 1904, Dr. Katharina Schellen- berg, the first medical worker, in 1905, and John H. and Maria Voth in 1908. The conditions they faced were extremely trying. A teem- ing population and a vastly different culture (some missionar- ies witnessed human sacrifices to alien gods), plus the usual missionary hazards of an unforgiving climate, insects and rep- tiles, tested their commitment at every turn. Yet they re- mained steadfast. Daniel Bergthold, reared on the plains of Kansas, edu- cated at McPherson College and Moody Bible Institute, was appointed conference evangelist in 1901. The next year he married Katharina (Tina) Mander. Bergthold was one of the rising stars in the conference; his ministry in the churches was widely appreciated. When the question arose: "Where do we have recruits for India?," attention naturally focused on him. Even though he was needed by the conference at home, 102 EARLY MENNONITE BRETHREN MISSIONARIES Bergthold was approached about his availability for India. He received the inquiry as if it were a divine call: "The will of God, nothing less, nothing more, nothing else, and at all costs." For the Bergtholds, who had an infant child, the ques- tion was not a matter of choice or preference, but a matter of obedience. Said Bergthold: "Is God calling, then I answer, yes, without any consideration for self, for preferences, for conveniences, or for advantages that I may have as a servant of God." Within a year of arriving in India, Katharina died, leaving Bergthold alone with a little child. He soon found another partner in Anna Epp, a missionary from the Russian Menno- nite Brethren churches, who was also in India. God blessed this union with several more children. Ten ye