JOURNEYS Mennonite Stories of Faith and Survival in Stalins Russia, John B. Toews, 1998

life loses it, and he who loses his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” I prayed to the Lord for grace because, in addition to my fears, I had had so little training. I decided to simply read the Bible stories to these young people, explain a few things, and conclude in prayer. A thorough-going revival ensued and the next time I arrived at the Bible study, the room was filled to capacity. I ex¬ plained to my aunt that I could no longer handle this alone. Two other sisters, sensing my need for help, joined me in leading the Bible studies. We tried to provide a spiritual environment for the young people to grow in their walk with Christ. When I look back on this youth ministry, I can’t help thinking how meager and insignificant our efforts seem. When I sit in church listening to the sermon, my efforts back then appear like crusts of burned bread in comparison to the lovely white bread we get today. In REMINISCENCES 45 spite of our meager efforts, however, it was remarkable to witness the great awakening which took place as the Holy Spirit visited village after village. There was such a hunger for the Word among the youth that even children as young as seven years of age joined the gatherings. A revival broke out among the children and, as one after another shared their conversions, others also made deci¬ sions to turn to Christ. This continued for several years .... A man who returned from prison camp and became a believer some seventeen days after the death of his mother, began to wit¬ ness for the Lord. He had once been a teacher and as a result could preach rather well. We believers met in secret because it was illegal for Christians to hold public meetings .... God has sustained me with such patience and love. I cannot comprehend it. It amazes me. I am so thankful for his ways which at times were difficult .... Sometimes I felt I’m not worthy of Your love and grace Lord. I certainly didn’t deserve it. How richly You have blessed me. How near You have been to me! How much joy You have given me. I would have never believed it possible. I thank my God from the very depths of my being. I’m learning to know my Savior better and better. He is be¬ coming more and more precious to me. I never dreamt old age could be so satisfying. I thank my Savior that things are steadily becoming lovelier .... My life belongs to the Lord and to him be praise, honor and adoration. And when I leave for heavenly realms I will sing the praises of God: “How wonderfully you have led!”. . . Justina 49 I n 1838 Sara Reimer, a widow, married Heinrich Martens of the village of Kleefeld, located in the Molotschna Mennonite settlement. Their forebearers may have arrived in Russia as early as 1804-5 when some 350 Mennonite families from Prussia first settled the region. As was often the case when death from childbirth or disease was frequent, the widow Reimer brought a somewhat complic