THE MENNONITE BROTHERHOOD IN RUSSIA (1789 - 1910), P. M. Friesen, 1911

istians, Jews and the heathen. ... In his efforts to carry out these goals in the church, Br. Unger had to endure much opposition from the opposing faction, as well as demands to appear before the church, excommunication from it, and other injuries. Through this all he remained steadfast in his convictions, hoping and praying that God would bring about a conclusion which would honor the Lord.’’ 11. Johann Claassen’s Arrival in the Molotschna and the Chortitza §191 Region, and his Work There (May 4-July 20, 1865), or: “Documents of the June Reform.” 436 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH a) (1). Claassen’s letter, April 19, 1866: . . You will remember, dear brothers and sisters, the stem order I received from the brothers and sisters in the Molotschna that I go there at once. On April 15, 1865, I left the Ovetschka ... for the Molotschna. . . . The brothers and sisters gave us their blessing. There were three of us: I, my Jacob and the young Isaak Koop. . . . For several days we had a very difficult journey. On Tuesday, May 4, 1865, around supper time, I arrived at my home. On Wednesday, the 5th, I left again. On Friday the 7th, I went [on foot] to the Old Colony with Bernhard Penner. On May 17, I returned from the Old Colony, spent four days in Liebenau, later another five days, then seven days, then four, then one, and then nine days. On July 20, 1865, I left for the Kuban. Our travelling group was: I, my Jacob, my sister-in-law and her children, Abram Dyck and Benjamin Becker.” (2). At about this time Abram Unger writes to a certain Brother F.: “During this entire period of disorganization Br. Claassen of Liebenau was at the Kuban, and returned in the past year. He found that Brother Huebert was already in prison because of the Russian sister, even though he had not baptized her. Claassen was also sought immediately, and was forced to remain in hiding until now. I believe that the Lord will restore many things through him. He also visited our colony, and I wrote him, inviting him to visit me, but he did not do so; indeed, he visited no one, and joined our opposing faction, probably with wise foresight. For now I hear that in the Molotschna he has overturned everything, and forgiveness has been asked of those who had been excommunicated, for example, Reimer and others, while those who were removed from office have been reinstated. Other foolishness, such as drums and dancing and things of that sort, has been ended, and the friendly, brotherly attitude toward those of a different opinion restored. . . . Claassen has written to Heinrich Neufeld, asking him to come; apparently the whole affair is going to start here now. May the dear Savior grant that all who have once become believers . . . may be united, but in truth, so that everyone may humble himself before the Lord because of the things that have happened, and then sing: Heart and heart united. . . .” §191(2) b) The June Reforms 210 (cl. M 1