Free Peace Shall Destroy Many by Rudy Wiebe

Despite his concern, Thom found himself strangely elated when the peering suspicion about him retreated to the defensive as Joseph spoke:
    “I addressed
the young
people in English for only one reason: at least four in the group could understand no word of German. Since I was speaking on non-resistance and believe it to be based on the love the Christian has received from God, Franz was persuaded that my using English would benefit them also. How can we dare keep the gospel to ourselves? This church has sent David Wiens and his wife as mission workers to India, but if we are concerned that those half-way around the world hear the gospel yet allow no syllable to escape to unbelievers living beside us, then I wonder if Wapiti Church is concerned with spreading God’s Word or having the record in the conference yearbook of being the smallest church in Canada to support a missionary couple.”
    For an instant there was no stir. Then, as if compelled by unbelief, one by one the congregation turned to look back at Joseph. Even from the teacher, Thom could not quite believe it. He had moved his head only slightly when his glance crossed with Rempel. Beyond the surprised indignity of the older man’s gaze there stirred pain. One could not doubt his sincerity. Thom twisted to stare at the pulpit, torn.

    The chairman spoke into the silence, discomfort edging his voice, “Well, brethren? Time is passing.”
    The rustle of turning to study the clock on the wall eased the hush. Then the Deacon rose to face them, grimly handsome, his body pushing broad against the shiny suit. Thom glanced sideways at Pete; his face was set like his father’s, butstaring at the bench-back. As, in the years of their growing up together, Thom had comprehended the difference between their fathers, how he had envied Pete. Prompt, accurate decisions, always perfectly confident of direction and purpose: small wonder Pete could be so rock-like in his belief; there would be only one way for Joseph when the Deacon was through. Yet now, for the first time in the three years he had been a church member, Thom was not certain he was about to agree with all.
    “When, by the grace of God alone, we were able to escape the terror of Russia and come to Canada, we were as destitute as it is possible to be. We had nothing—only debts. Yet despite the Depression years, I know no one doubted but God would see us through. We all believed that the faith of our fathers which had carried them across lands and seas was with us still. There is not one here whom the Lord has not prospered. Our travel debt has been paid to the CPR; we own our land; we have enough to eat. And all of us agree that our children know the Bible and the traditions of our fathers because we have been separated from the worldly influences which bother many other Mennonite churches. We also know that much of this separation has been brought about because we have held to the German language in both church and home. Our church depends upon these young people; if we who remember the old home in Russia grow lax, we will quickly find that we no longer care to come to church. ‘We can stay at home and listen to the radio as well.’ Soon the young people, tired of our simple ways, will want to go work in the towns where there are no Mennonite churches. Then, ‘The English churches are just as good—I can just as well go there. And besides, I can do anything I want and still remain a good member in their records.’Only too well do we remember with an aching heart those young men who once confessed Christ in this church and who have since gone the way of sin because the world offered new enticing things. If their example teaches us anything, it is that we
must
hold to
everything
we have ever believed! We can drop no iota! Especially in these days when the war madness grips this good country that has given us shelter.
If we are to have a witness in the land we must remain firm in the ways of our fathers!
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