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Celebration book


Two years ago at the Freedom Jubilee celebration in Steinbach and Winnipeg, Peter Dyck told the participants to remember their experiences by writing their stories. Committee chair Jake Wiebe took him at his word and began collecting stories of Mennonites who had come to Canada following World War II.

The book, Road to Freedom, Mennonites Escape the Land of Suffering, was launched in three locations during this fall. Harry Loewen, editor, was present at the launching at MCC headquarters in Winnipeg. He reported on the content and significance of the book, stressing that many stories, pictures and reflections will keep alive one of the darkest periods in Russian-Mennonite history.

The launch in B.C. a few days later, sponsored by the B.C. Mennonite Historical Society at South Abbotsford MB Church, also featured the Jubilee Choir singing familiar hymns of praise and deliverance.

A third launch was held in St. Catharines, Ont.

Jacob Wiebe was the instigator behind the celebration and the publishing of the book. It all started when he, together with about 100 other immigrants who had come to Canada on the same ship in 1948, decided they needed to celebrate their 50 years of freedom. In talking to another former refugee, Henry Bergen, they knew that they wanted to celebrate but thought it was too big a task. They looked for their “elders” to plan it, but soon realized that they themselves were the elders. A small budget was drawn up and planning began. It was not long before others who had come to Canada during the same time period heard about the proposed celebration and wanted in. Plans were also made to raise $50,000 for MCC projects in Ukraine, $1000 for each year in Canada. Wiebe said the committee considered him insane, but they went ahead and people and businesses gave money. Wiebe then commented, “When you do the work of the Lord and do it His way, it all works out.” Ukraine was chosen as the recipient because this was where the Mennonites had lived for many years, and, although they had suffered there too, it was the Communist regime that had made them suffer, not the Ukrainian people. Wiebe said, “We have experienced forgiveness; we want to also extend forgiveness.” This forgiveness is also demonstrated in the book. The book recounts stories of abuse and torture, but Wiebe stated, “There is a river of forgiveness running between the lines. There are no accusations, no spirit of revenge.” Wiebe summed up his feelings at the end of the day after one of the launches: “This book was a labour of love. We have done it for our people, children and grandchildren, and as a thank you to God and Canada.”

 – sbb

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Last modified December 11, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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