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

hing so rare and pre¬ cious. In the evening they all came to our house and drank Prips (made from roasted barley). On boxing day they all came to us and the room was filled with people. I told them that I could not give them anything to eat but that I could offer them spiritual food. We had a small chest with Bible verses accompanied by a short explana¬ tion and one verse from a song. Each person pulled a verse and read it aloud .... When it was Leni Willms turn to do so she began to weep bitterly. She asked the Lord for forgiveness of her sins and thanked Him for it. This influenced the others and three other young people found peace. We were so happy this evening and sang many songs before we all went home. We decided to meet the next evening at Tiessens. Some of the young people were extremely sad they had not found peace with God that evening. When they had left, Neta and I wanted to make supper. I peeled a few potatoes. Suddenly Heini burst through the door, breathless and with his wooden sandals in hand. He had met a girl who had told him that she had been converted at our house. He began to cry immediately and when I asked him what was wrong he said, “All have been converted except me.” “It is not too late, there is plenty of room even for you.” Marta stood at the window and began to cry. She told us that she also wanted to be converted and become happy like the girls. I left my potatoes and knelt down with the children and prayed MEMOIRS OFJUSTINA MARTENS 87 with them. They confessed their sins and became joyful and thanked the Lord for all the wonderful things they experienced. In the evening old and young gathered at Tiessens and we sang, “Ich weiss einen Strom, Dessen herrliche Flut ..(I know of a stream whose wonderful flow). During the singing several began to weep. We prayed with them and these young souls also gave their life to the Lord. There were four boys and two girls. It was a blessed time when the breezes of God blew. We held no [special] meet¬ ings, there were no ministers — only the working of Gods Spirit. After Christmas, Marta had to return to the Russian family. It was very difficult for her, but we wanted the best for her. We hoped the better food would make her stronger. Nothing hap¬ pened. She remained weak and her heart did not improve. She suffered a great deal yet remained resigned and never complained. When spring came she was always tired and had no appetite. Neta and I decided that if she were willing we would take her home. She was agreeable. She preferred to eat our meager food and be home with us. Marta stayed with the Russian family until school closed in May and then came home. The teacher and the children loved her and would gladly have kept her. I was the watch person for the calves throughout the entire summer. It was a long way from the village and so I lived in an old wagon together with the milkmaids (the cows were also kept here). I spent t