Aussiedler united by homesickness

Several distinct enclaves of Mennonite immigrants to Germany from former Soviet republics (often called Aussiedler) recently united for the first time to hold evangelistic services in the Low German language.

Their theme, “Finding a homeland,” addressed homesickness they feel for Russia and offered hope of a permanent home in heaven. Jacob Funk, German radio producer at Family Life Network (FLN), Winnipeg, was invited to preach at the services, held in Detmold June 16–25.

Jacob and Helen Funk with pastor Peter Hamm (centre) in front of a Mennonite Brethren Church in Detmold, Germany.

Because of theological differences among the churches, the meetings were held in a neutral place: a Mennonite school auditorium in Detmold. About 600 to 850 people attended each evening.

It is estimated that some 200,000 speakers of Low German reside in Germany. Many of them, church leaders told Funk, are nominal Christians or non-churchgoers.

“But God is at work in how the Aussiedler churches are growing,” said Funk. “Many of the people we were with had become Christians just five or six years ago, even seniors in their 80s.”

Jacob Funk and his wife Helen were invited by Viktor Sawatzki, who broadcasts Funk’s radio programs in Germany, and by Low German Friends, an Aussiedler society dedicated to promoting the language.

“Low German Mennonite immigrants to Germany often suffered for their faith in the former Soviet Union, so they guard very closely what filters into their community from the outside,” said Funk. Because they listen to his radio program, Licht vom Evangelium, “they felt I was safe.”

Helen Funk produces radio programs for women and children in the Low German language but was not invited to speak; the churches do not permit female speakers in public meetings.

Many people requested to speak with a pastor or counsellor, Funk said. “What I find impressive is their heart for the Russian people. They go back to Russia to build churches and evangelize.”

—Dorothy Siebert, FLN