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

rist in Turkestan. Moreover, he did not want his sons to be forced to serve the Russian government, so he was forced to seek friends else- where. Joining the third wagon train from Molotschna when it passed through the Trakt in September 1880, Janzen and Peters became comrades in arms. Later Janzen would not only influence Peters theological ideas but would even inherit an important leadership role.° Janzen’s departure from the Trakt did not eliminate discord. As the weeks turned into months, Epp was faced with increasing dis- sension. This strife, he realized, was not enhancing his leadership role nor the resolution of his people; it must be dispelled through honest toil. Therefore he stepped up the hard work of preparation Final Treks of 1881 131 in the summer of 1881. Though it was late in the year, he began advocating an immediate departure, confident, he said, that ‘the Lord will help us.’’ Epp’s tactic of pushing his flock to great effort seemed to work, and enthusiasm began to grow. Dissension abated and criti- cism disappeared because the people were working hard to avoid the approaching winter that could trap them before reaching their goal. The renewed conviction that they were part of a remnant to be used by God made many forget the previous issues that had caused division. Dusty Departure of September 1, 1881 After concluding last-minute financial and family affairs, the large company assembled their wagons at Medemtal village, the same departure point as the second wagon train. One of the ministers gave a farewell sermon from Psalm 1, the whole assembly spent a lengthy time praying, first standing then kneeling, and Claas Epp forcefully read Jeremiah 50 and led in a prayer of dedication.‘ On September 1, 1881, his party made its dusty departure. There were 47 families in all: 72 two- and three-horse wagons carrying a total of 277 people. Little did they realize that they were beginning a trek that would be a continuous story of broken wheels and axles, snowstorms, sickness, and death.® Mennonite communities far from the Trakt, in Russia and abroad, were deeply interested in this adventure. Astonished by events already transpiring, they were divided as to the final outcome of the bizarre coupling of millennial theology and nonresistance. Claas Epp and the last of the millennialists were discussed at length by those left behind. Some wondered if they would ever be seen again; others questioned themselves: ‘“What if they are right?” Pessimists averred that they would soon see their errant brethren hurrying back to the beloved Trakt. It would be years before a clear picture of what nonparticipants believed would emerge from these five treks. At this time, however, Epp’s party was not thinking about any negative possibilities but were only seeking to follow God's will. Epp sought to show the world how dedicated Christians could set an example for those who would follow them to the