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

rt is somewhat abridged and deals with a journey beyond the boundaries of the Molotschna from August 15th to Nov. 1st, 1876. . . . “On August 15 I agreed with Br. Johann Regier to make a journey to the Mariopol Plan. I travelled to Klippenfeld with this brother. On Monday the 16th we travelled to Puchtin to friend Heinrichs, where we received a friendly reception. Soon we discovered that these people did not belong to the world, but that they loved the Savior, and as a result we could discuss the Word of God in close fellowship. John 3 was the subject of our discussion this evening. The proverb, ‘As unknown and yet well known,’ still proves true, and one feels at home with people whom one has not seen before, if only they love the Lord. Tuesday the 17th we visited a certain N.N., a friend of Br. Regier in his youth. He wanted, as one would say, what was right; however, he did not possess it as yet, and I believe he felt this too. His wife appeared to be a little ahead of him in spiritual perception. We prayed with them and then travelled to Wickerau [Mariopol ‘Plan,’ see H236\ where our Brother Fitz lives. However, because he and his wife were not at home, we went to Rosengart to Br. Heinrich Liedtke, but he too came home late. Wednesday, the 18th, we conversed about the Word of God, had various experiences in doing so, and became agreed to visit the brethren and sisters in Belachvesch which is only several versts from Rosengart. Here we found some very child-like brethren and sisters. Although Romans 2:23 [?] did not seem to be appropriate to our outer circumstances, one soon perceived in connection with the relating of inner experiences, that this Word is most appropriate when describing our spiritual condition. After we had visited all the brethren and sisters who were at home here, had encouraged each other with a Word of God, and had become mutually strengthened in our faith, we turned around again and came back to Brother Fitz on the same day. (It should be noted here that during that time the enemies of the children of God were very agitated and had captured Br. Abraham Comelsen from the Don; for this reason we were advised not to arrange for meetings.) After we had fellowshipped with him and his family, we returned to Puchtin on Thursday the 19th. Here we remained for the night again, visited seeking souls and admonished them to persevere in prayer and in searching the Scriptures, committed them to the Lord in prayer, and travelled to Klippenfeld on Friday, the 20th. On September 2nd I commenced the journey to Bessarabia with Brother Regier as agreed upon earlier in order to fulfill the wish of several brethren there. On the date already mentioned we came to Einlage to Brother and Sister Johann Friesen, rejoiced in seeing them again and The General Conference 519 discussed many a matter dealing with the mission of the church and the kingdom of God. Friday the 3rd we made four home visitat