The Great Trek of the Russian Mennonites to Central Asia, 1880-1884, Fred Richard Belk, 1976

g in abject poverty since Epp had reduced his salary to $7.50 a month.” Something more serious would have to occur to force this loyal disciple to break with Epp. Such a situation arose when Penner’s wife persuaded her husband to take her to visit her parents in Aulie Ata. Epp granted the Pen- ner family permission to leave, but before they left he preached on ‘Spiritual Suicide’’ in such a way that Penner knew he meant they were wrong for wanting to mix with Aulie Ata “sinners.” When Pen- ner tried to reason with Epp, he would only say that the Penner family trip was a ‘‘test’” of their faith. Upon their return to Ak Metchet, Penner and his wife found certain alarming changes in the settlement. First, Epp had devised a ‘day of judgment” when he said he would reveal to all in the Bride Community what the Lord had against them. Second, two brethren were appointed to care for the temporal needs of the Epp family so that Epp himself would not have to work. Finally, the Penners learned that Epp had reached the con- clusion that he was a biblical ‘‘prince’’ and therefore above ordained community preachers.” A Special Communion Soon after these proclamations Epp became ill, could not atttend services, and requested that Penner bring communion to his sickbed. When Penner arrived at the Epp home, he told Epp that he did not want to present communion because he was tired and did not Refuge Becomes a Trap 175 feel worthy to present it that day. Epp then surprised Penner by say- ing, “You shall not give it, only bring it over. There is a new Lord's Supper being instituted. I cannot take from a human hand or share with the community except I give it.” Shocked by Epp’s audacity, Penner told Epp that he would have nothing to do with blas- phemy and that it was entirely Epp’s responsibility. This caused the break between these friends of many years. Epp started a rumor that Penner had denied God as his heavenly Father while in Aulie Ata, and Penner’s denial of that rumor only caused further friction between the men.” Conflict with Penner Epp further alienated Penner and others by teaching that be- cause of the approaching new age, many of his former prophecies had become invalid and that he was now the son of Christ as Christ was the Son of God. Epp was essentially saying that there were now four members of the Godhead — Father, sons, and Holy Ghost! In fact, all future baptisms were to be done in the name of the quadruple godhead rather than the Trinity! The meek and mild Penner exploded in a fury. He knew many in the flock were naive enough to believe Epp, and so he took the offensive against his teachings. Courageously, Pen- ner and two newly elected ministers, Schmidt and Kopper, began a concerted assault on Epp’s leadership. Epp as the Son of Christ Epp responded to their criticisms with the vigor of a general whose army was under siege. He prohibited Penner from teaching in “his” building,