UP FROM THE RUBBLE. The Epic Rescue of Thousands of War-ravaged Mennonite Refugees

Dyck, Peter, and Elfrieda Dyck

ISBN 10: 0836135598 / ISBN 13: 9780836135596

Published by Herald Press, Scottdale, PA, 1999

About this Item

"Up From the Rubble" is the story of Peter and Elfrieda Dyck. The Dyck's were part of the Mennonite church and helped move 12,000 Mennonites from Eastern Europe to other countries. Their story tells of the troubles not just of helping the immigrants in Paraguay, but dealing with the trauma of post-war Europe. Included are photographs. This copy is clean and solid.

Seller Inventory # 008016

Bibliographic Details

• Title: UP FROM THE RUBBLE. The Epic Rescue of Thousands of War-ravaged Mennonite Refugees
• Publisher: Herald Press, Scottdale, PA
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0836135598
• ISBN 13: 9780836135596
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

About this title

Synopsis

The passing, on January 4, 2010, of Peter Dyck, following the death of his wife, Elfrieda, in 2004, marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Mennonite life and history. Readers can re-live those incredible days following World War II when the Dycks helped Mennonite refugees escape from war-torn Europe and to find new homes in South America and Canada. In addition to the epic story, the book contains many photos. 384 Pages.

About the Authors

Peter and Elfrieda Dyck were lifelong servants to people in need around the world. They were well known in Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Amish communities throughout Canada, Europe, Paraguay and the United States, especially for their work with Mennonite Russian refugees and with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). During World War II, he served with MCC in England. While in England he met and married Elfrieda Klassen, a nurse who also was serving with MCC. At war's end they moved to the Netherlands to direct a massive relief effort. In 1946, the Dycks set up refugee camps in Germany for thousands of Mennonites who had fled the Soviet Union. Over time, they led 5,500 Mennonites by boat to South America, predominantly Paraguay. This experience provided content for Dyck's stories and was the basis of the book, Up From the Rubble that they co-authored. After the war Peter and Elfrieda served as administrators with MCC; he later also served as a pastor and story-teller while Elfrieda returned to nursing. In addition to Up From the Rubble, he also wrote three children's books: The Great Shalom, Shalom at Last and Storytime Jamboree. He also wrote a meditation on growing old gracefully, Getting Home Before Dark. Peter died on January 4, 2010. Elfrieda passed away August 20, 2004.

Peter and Elfrieda Dyck were lifelong servants to people in need around the world. They were well known in Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Amish communities throughout Canada, Europe, Paraguay and the United States, especially for their work with Mennonite Russian refugees and with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Born in Russia in 1914, Peter was a child when the Russian Revolution ushered in the start of the Soviet Union. At 6 years old, he almost died during the Russian Famine of 1921. Dyck and his family were rescued by food shipments sent from Mennonites in Canada and the United States, a kindness he would not forget. Six years later his family, including eight siblings, fled Russia and settled in Saskatchewan. During World War II, he served with MCC in England. Motivating his decision to work with MCC was his memory of the food aid he received as a child from the agency. While in England he met and married Elfrieda Klassen, a nurse who also was serving with MCC. She, too, was a Russian refugee who moved to Canada. At war's end they moved to the Netherlands to direct a massive relief effort. In 1946, the Dycks set up refugee camps in Germany for thousands of Mennonites who had fled the Soviet Union. Over time, they led 5,500 Mennonites by boat to South America, predominantly Paraguay. This experience provided content for Dyck's stories and was the basis of the book, Up From the Rubble, that they co-authored. After the war Peter and Elfrieda served as administrators with MCC; he later also served as a pastor and story-teller while Elfrieda returned to nursing. In addition to Up From the Rubble, he also wrote three children's books: The Great Shalom, Shalom at Last and Storytime Jamboree. He also wrote a meditation on growing old gracefully, Getting Home Before Dark. Peter died on January 4, 2010. Elfrieda passed away August 20, 2004.