TENTH BIRTHDAY

Then

The Mennonite Centre celebrates 10 years!  Last week we had the pleasure of planning and participating in a special commemorative event – the fulfillment of a vision born more than a decade ago when Mennonites started coming back to Ukraine.  A quick review - in the year 2000 the former Halbstadt Maedchenschule was purchased and restored to become a centre for humanitarian aid and development.
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Now

The first NA directors, Herb and Maureen Klassen, pioneered this effort in the spring of 2001.  They recall “all the hard work that was needed to clean those old bricks of years of white paint.”  Al and Peggy Hiebert replaced the Klassens in the fall of the same year.  They report, “when we arrived the restoration of the building was in its final stages.  With help of the staff we were able to employ, we began programs at the Centre.  The Pensioners Tea was the first ongoing activity.” 

Ira Kurukina, our creative, dedicated and hardworking cook, has been with us from the beginning.  Sadly, her husband Sasha, who worked for years as our watchman, passed away early last week.  We attended the burial service which was an intimate affair in Ira’s yard.  Pastor Jakob Tiessen and members of the church conducted the service; then we all followed the procession to the cemetery, led by a man carrying a large wooden cross. People commented later, saying there had been such a dignified, respectful atmosphere at the graveside - usually there is a lot of wailing.  The family had been comforted by Jakob Tiessen's words about our heavenly home where there is no more sorrow and no more crying.   

Vladimir Nikolaivitch Ulyanov and Elena Ivanova Potruh have been coming to the Pensioners Tea regularly through the years. Vladimir Nikolaivitch remembers the crowds that gathered for the dedication ceremony at the Centre and the Cossack show in the park.  He suffers from depression, lives alone and says that coming to the teas relieves his loneliness.  He is also a poet and often entertains his tea companions by reciting his poetry.

Elena Ivanova keeps coming primarily “to see her friends and to sing songs.”  She praises God for the opportunity.  Each month birthdays are celebrated; Elena has kept all the birthday cards she’s received through the years.

As well she is grateful for the glasses we’ve provided. Since 2009 we've dispensed more than 625 pairs of glasses to needy seniors. When not wearing hers Elena proudly keeps them in her designer case. She also expressed appreciation on behalf of
her granddaughter who is able to study at the Zaporozhye Pedagogical Institute on a Centre scholarship.

The work at the Centre has grown to include projects in outlying areas and recently also in the former Chortitza and Yazykova colonies.  Hundreds of projects have been undertaken for individuals and institutions, some one-time only, others ongoing.  Through the years eight couples have come as NA Directors to work alongside our Ukrainian Manager.  Thinking of our involvements I’m sure that all of us would resonate with the sentiments of Herb and Maureen -

“we have fond memories of spring in Ukraine, the warmth of the friends we have made there, the vibrant red tulips and fragrant lilacs that welcomed us, to the sunflowers that bade us farewell.  They remind us of the resilience of the people of Ukraine, who stand tall and bloom, their faces always turning to the Sun, inspite of the many setbacks and challenges they face."



With ongoing gratitude to our donors we have been able to alleviate some of these challenges, enabling people to survive and grow and blossom. It's been a rewarding decade!

For further updates on Centre activities and details of our 10^th anniversary celebration check out the 2011 FOMCU fall newsletter that will be coming out soon.


If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU".  Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU".  All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer,  3675 North Service Rd.  Beamsville Ontario, Canada  L0R 1B1  Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card giving.

GRATITUDE & THANKSGIVING

In our day-to-day work at the Centre we can easily develop an attitude that sees, in the lives around us and in our surroundings, only that which is broken and requires fixing.  Needs are so great that it is sometimes hard to see beyond them. However there is so much more to see even though life isn't easy.  In the past few days we've seen people affirming the goodness of life, grateful for the goodness of simple things, the turning of the seasons, the sound of children's voices at play, the fruits of the harvest.

It's not always that we have the opportunity of seeing the difference that your giving makes.  Saturday however, we had just such an occasion. Some time ago Alexander Petrovich, the director of a Sports School in Tokmak came with a request for aid. There was a whole list of needs from balls, to mats, to shoes, to outfits. Our church at home took this on as an Advent giving project.  It is only now that we've had the opportunity of following up. We accepted an invitation to a competition at the school and had the pleasure of watching some of the action as well as participating in handing out awards and     trophies.
More than 40 children competed. These children, many of whom would be out on the streets, have a place to come to where they are affirmed, a place where they can build strong, healthy bodies, where they are learning sportsmanship are and building life skills. We were impressed how orderly the children were, how they waited their turns, how they applauded each other and how they followed instructions. They expressed their deepest thanks for all the support they have received, enabling them to carry on and even to compete with other communities.

One humongous beet!

Sunday we joined the Kutuzovka church for their Thanksgiving service - a three-hour event followed by a three-course meal. No translator whispering in our ear this time. The German and English speakers were all busy with their own specified tasks, busy making this day a grand success.


Over 150 people crowded into the small worship space - children were all dressed up. The sanctuary had been transformed with creative, colorful displays in every corner. Interesting to observe that the "tools of the trade",
                                            hoes and rakes, were part of the display.  It's mostly manual labour in this part of the world. Tables were set up outside and after the service all were treated to borscht, salad, mashed potatoes with a meat topping, various pastries and melons for dessert.



The culmination of the harvest season was celebrated in thanksgiving; an expression of gratitude to God that once again canning jars and root cellars have been filled for the coming winter.

**click into pictures to enlarge


If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU".  Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU".  All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer,  3675 North Service Rd.  Beamsville Ontario, Canada  L0R 1B1  Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card giving.

A SUNDAY AFTERNOON STROLL

We walk the streets of Molochansk and ask ourselves some questions. Has anything changed since we were here last, 15 months ago? As we dodge the potholes and large concrete blocks covering sewer openings we notice that roads have deteriorated further.  Cars weave from one side of the road to the other to avoid obstructions.  We see that two of three service stations in town are now abandoned. We are told that these two had tried to undercut the price of the state gas station by watering down the gas. They haven't survived. There are still cars on the road indicating that some people have jobs. We arrive at the main street and pop into some of the little stores.  Prices on almost everything have risen considerably.  According to World Bank figures, since the economic downturn in 2008, the Ukraine hryvnia  has lost about 40% of its value against the US dollar. Understandably this is having a devastating effect particularly on seniors and the unemployed. The good news is that Ukraine is expecting a very good grain harvest this year which could help stabilize prices.

Looking across the street and seeing the town duck pond, reminds us of our Mennonite past.  As we wander around it, we muse and wonder what it may have looked like then - a hundred years ago or more. Was it a gathering place?  Might it have been a place for a romantic tryst? Situated in the centre of town and lined with poplars to the west, it still holds charm. A year ago the townspeople planted more than 100 trees around its perimeter; only a few hardy ones survive.

We continue our walk, turning the corner toward home. Soon we come across the backyard of the Mennonite Centre.  We hear children's excited voices and as we come closer we see many children, young and older, playing games.  This is the regular Sunday afternoon Sunday School run by the Kutuzovka Mennonite Church.  We offer use of the building and yard enabling many town children to attend - we counted more than 30.

Just before we turn another corner toward our apartment building, half-hidden in the trees, is another remnant of Mennonite times. One hundred years ago this ornate gate would have been an entrance to a wealthy Mennonite home or estate. Its sturdiness has withstood the elements, also attempts to tear it down in order to reuse the bricks. Again our imagination gets going.

Along the route today we've passed many other gates, all of them hanging with this season's abundance, delicious mouth-watering grapes. The richness of the soil has produced another plentiful harvest, enabling people to survive. We've been grateful beneficiaries of this bounty. Again this week people with various needs have come through our gate asking for assistance. Together with Dema, our Ukrainian director, and our board of  directors we discern how best to respond. Through the generosity of our donors we have the joy of offering hope to many. Thank you!

If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU".  Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU".  All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer,  3675 North Service Rd.  Beamsville Ontario, Canada  L0R 1B1  Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card giving.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Each return to Ukraine is a new beginning - a renewal of friendships and acquaintances, a reviewing and catching up on projects and activities at the Mennonite Centre, learning and adjusting again to what works and doesn't work in this part of the world.  This time it didn't take us very long to plunge in.

After our arrival last Tuesday evening and a short night's sleep we were off before 8 a.m. to attend a very important and delightful event marking the beginning of the new school year.  "First Bell" much like "Last Bell" in spring, is a pageant involving school children, teachers, parents, town dignitaries and all others interested.  We had received a special invitation.  The red carpet is rolled out and proceedings take place on the school ground.               Children, bearing flowers for their teachers, are dressed in their finest.  First graders and the graduating class are particularly singled out and honored.  All are encouraged to put in their best efforts as they embark on another year of learning.  Prior to this, parents have spent time and effort cleaning, renovating and decorating classroom; no state budget for this type of thing.  A prize goes to the most creative effort.  Again, it becomes obvious that Ukraine loves its children.

On the other end of life's spectrum, the elderly, haven't received as much care and attention.  In this past week we've been pleased to learn that there is now some state funding to provide residential care to needy seniors in our area.  Right next to the building that was once Muntau hospital, built by Mennonites in 1889, is the former Molochansk hospital.  The second floor is currently being renovated to become a 30 bed senior's home.  To assist this venture the Mennonite Centre has provided an industrial size stove, fridge, washing machine and boiler, also funding to rebuild the bathing/shower areas, replacing old plumbing with plastic pipes.

In addition we've funded the purchase and installation of three large water storage tanks to maintain constant water pressure and a sufficient supply should the water go off, which has happened four times since we've been here.  Twice this past week we've been invited to come and view the progress.  It was deeply heartwarming to discover that a prominent businessman, living in the apartment above us, has volunteered his time as project manager.  Not only that, he is also donating sinks to be installed in each resident room.  He told us, "I have observed the work Mennonites have been doing through the years and now it is my turn to give something back to the community."

He had a bright smile on his face as he showed us around.  Modeling civil society is one of our mandates at the Centre.  How wonderful to see this becoming contagious. Another new beginning!  It is worth remembering that back in 1903 Mennonite villages in the Halbstadt (Molochansk) community established a 60 resident facility for the elderly who could no longer be cared for by their families.

Over the past five years the Kutuzovka Mennonite Church, the church where we worship, has been providing elder care on a smaller scale. Currently nine women are being cared for.  On Sunday four of these babushki with their caregiver Lili, sang a praise song during the service.  They feel that they are living in a paradise.  It is our privilege to also support this venture financially.

Saturday, as an expression of  thanks, we invited our staff and their families to a picnic at the river.  Lots of food, fun and games - a great way to launch a new season.

Our continued gratitude to all the donors that make this work possible.  If you wish to contribute to the work of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine make your Canadian cheques to "Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine" or "FOMCU".  Cheques from American donors should be made out to "MFC-FOMCU".  All cheques should be mailed to George Dyck, Treasurer,  3675 North Service Rd.  Beamsville Ontario, Canada  L0R 1B1  Check our website at http://mennonitecentre.ca/ for information on credit card giving.

POSTLUDE

Tomorrow morning we leave for home. Our three months have flown by, not quite enough time to see everything through, but others will come and carry on. It's been another adventure and activity packed week. As in other years we were invited to attend graduations and final concerts of the Molochansk band, music and dance schools. We have supported each of these institutions and it is a pleasure to see them thriving. Most memorable was the dance concert at which a tribute was given to Nikolai Nikolaiovich, the beloved director of the Molochansk Music School, who passed away in April. While the band played Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor, a powerpoint of his life was shown and dancers, many of them weeping, performed beautifully choreographed movements by candlelight. His legacy will live on.

The "Last Bell" ceremony at the Ukrainian school was a gala outdoor production. On observation we decided that the theme had to be "Launched to Fly." Actors dressed in black and white performed a pantomine which included releasing a black and white bird. There were emotional farewells to teachers, parents were honored, then the torch was passed to younger students. The ceremony concluded as graduates symbolically released balloons into the sky. One hopes the world they will be entering will open doors of opportunity for them, allowing them to fly.

Lack of employment and corruption remain huge problems. Russlan is 31 years old. He is a recovering alcoholic. Four years ago, he told us, he was a very bad man. Then our pastor and his wife, Jacob and Natasha Tiessen, offered him shelter. Today people do not believe he is the same person. Last month he was able to find employment in a greenhouse, working 13 hour days. The first weeks he was given positive feedback, then on the fourth week his employer began finding fault with him. This escalated and finally he was sent away, given only bus fare home. This is the second such incident we've heard about in past weeks. There seems little protection for employees unless a formal contract is entered into. Before we left home a friend handed us some money to be used for a project of our choice. Rudy had the idea of providing a bicycle for a boy from a poor family. We were talking about this with the Tiessens when Jacob asked, "how about a 31 year old boy?" Russlan is living with them again, has no means of transportation and is wanting to look for further work. There was no doubt in our minds that this was the right opportunity. Thursday we had the joy of presenting him with a new bicycle. For a moment he was speechless, then he immediately offered a prayer of thanksgiving. We've been told that he went around town telling people this story. He was told "this can't possibly happen , there has to be something sinister behind it." Experience has made many people suspicious and distrusting.

This week we again had the joy of hosting friends from home. Peter and Hilda Goertzen and their relatives from Germany joined us for several days. We spent Saturday driving through the countryside, visiting former Mennonite villages. Both Hilda and Rudy have roots in Hierschau. Several years ago we had connected with Margarita Krivetz, nee Plett, Rudy's distant relative. In the meantime we heard that she had moved to Zaporozhye, was very ill and unresponsive. People in Hierschau, however, told us that she was back living with her daughter-in-law. We managed to locate her and there was immediate recognition. What a joyful reunion with this delightful ninety year old.

Yesterday, one more fascinating day. We had the opportunity of hosting 60 MEDA representatives from North America as well as the Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine, His Excellencey, Daniel Caron. Mennonite Economic Development Associates has been given a multi-million dollar CIDA grant and is one and one half years into a five year project aimed at helping 5000 small scale farmers in the Zaporozhye region and Crimea get access to credit and gain skills in planting, storing, packaging and marketing their produce. Ukraine used to be the breadbasket of Europe.


the Ambassador & Rudy

Now Ukraine farmers are again tilling Russian Mennonite ancestral soil. We joined Steve Wright, (photo to right) the director of the project, and the MEDA group in visiting two model farmers in our area. One Molochansk farmer has a cell of 75 farmers producing table grapes, seedlings and garlic. He is obviously prospering. The other is operating on a much smaller scale, also producing grape seedlings, strawberries and roses. Our staff provided a delicious noon meal and we were entertained by Natasha, a Ukrainian MEDA staff person who sang Ukrainian folksongs, accompanying herself on the bandura. In the afternoon we escorted a group on visits to former Mennonite historical sites. It was interesting to visit Juschanlee, to think back to the time of Johann Cornies more than 150 years ago and realize what he was able to achieve in land reforms and agricultural practices in the Mennonite colonies. Perhaps history will repeat itself.

SEEING AND PERCEIVING

After two weeks of rainy weather the landscape is lush and green, meadow grasses more than waist-high in places; acacia trees lining the streets, spreading their graceful branches laden with blossoms exuding intoxicating perfume; fruit trees bursting with ripe cherries and apricots swelling before our eyes. As we look out of our kitchen window we observe people foraging for mushrooms on the soccer field. All of this so different from last year when frosts destroyed blossoms and rains failed to come in time. If all goes well Ukraine should have an abundant harvest this year.

As we travel city and country roads we still see remnants of our Mennonite past, but sadly many buildings are crumbling. This week we had the opportunity of driving to Chortitza and I was able once again to see the girls' school my mother attended in the early 1920's. This magnificent building was erected in 1904 to provide high school education for girls. It is still a school today; it hurts to see the structure deteriorating. There is no money to provide the needed repairs. A few days ago we received a visit by the head doctor of our local hospital telling us that they are being forced to downsize, offering us the former Muntau Hospital, suggesting that we could use the space to operate a nursing home. It is too costly for them to heat and a lot of repair is needed. A century ago this hospital was led to prominence by Dr. Tavonious who loved the people and at the same time kept abreast of scientific medical advances.

Next door to our apartment we see the shell of the former Willms mansion which was built in 1908 and at that time referred to as a "palace". It's former grandeur is still evident. As recently as 15 years ago the building was used as a concert hall and a place to host special events. Destruction set in after Ukraine independence because there was no money or will to maintain it. Sadly it has become a hangout. Tourists from North America and Europe continue to arrive hoping to connect with their past and set foot on ancestral soil. This week we hosted two such groups. It takes a bit of courage and dexterity to enter the Willms mansion. Walking through the enormous salon at one end of the house there were differences of opinion as to what the recessed space in front of the stage was meant to be. Some suggested an orchestra pit, others a baptismal tank. So much for orientation and perception. It's a pleasure to host these groups, to show them through our museum and to relay information. Our cooks provide delectable meals on request.

Wednesday our Mom's group had a cooking class - using ingredients that are readily available in every household - bread and eggs. They decided that next month they would like to branch out from the known and try something a little more exotic. Many are single moms, some living with a parent, unemployed, depending on their kitchen gardens for their livelihood. For most, this two hour block in the week in an oasis, a time of listening and sharing, a time of creativity and fun, a time when they can forget their day-to-day cares and burdens. The group is lead by Oksana, who is also our able bookkeeper.

More than 300 young people attended another "Youth for Life" presentation on Thursday. It was held a the local Russian school. A further event is planned for the Tokmak city schools in September. So far over 20 schools have participated. Each school is choosing a student who exhibits a healthy life-style. An awards ceremony is in the offing later this week.

A visit to the local psychiatric hospital was an eye-opener in terms of facility and patient care. This large facility services the region and again there is little government money for upkeep and repair. The floors in the women's section were in dreadful condition and our organization agreed to put in tiles. Staff expressed deep appre-ciation when we went to see the finished task.

Ben Stobbe, our board chair from Victoria BC, is with us for two weeks. It has been very helpful in terms of review and setting goals for the organization. Our time is rapidly drawing to a close. Our eyes have been opened to a greater understanding of Mennonite history, faith and culture here in Ukraine and also the needs around us. We hope and pray that our perceptions will lead to helpful decision making and enablement.

STEPPING INTO THE PAST

Over the past week we've had the pleasure and the privilege of delving into various aspects of our Mennonite past. We joined our friends, Peter and Helene in their quest to find Helene's ancestral villages. She knew that her maternal grandmother had married into the Nikolai Schmidt family, wealthy landowners of the Steinbach estate in the southeastern corner of the Molotschna colony. It wasn't difficult to find the place. Many buildings still remain and are maintained as part of an orphanage surrounded by lush green fields and golden meadows. Aside from a few young boys, the place seemed deserted. We took our time wandering through the area, sharing memories that had been passed along through the generations. Finding the village of Franzthal however, was another story. This was the village where Helene's father grew up. She knew the general location, even farther east than Steinbach, but had been told that nothing remains. Her father, for whom it was very important that Helene at least set foot on familial soil, had given precise instructions. "Get to the village of 'Nelhovtje,' go through and you will find a bridge over the Juschanlee river. On the other side is Franzthal." As a young man living in this region in the 1940's, it had been his job to deliver the post on horseback, riding from village to village. We managed to find "Nelhovtje", drove through the village in the direction of the river until the road became a narrow track. Should we carry on? As we sat and deliberated, a car drove up. Using what meagre Russia we had plus sign language we indicated that we were looking for Franzthal. The people in turn indicated that they would be right back and sure enough, in minutes found someone who could speak English. Yes, we could drive down the track and would soon come to the river. Before long a beautiful pastoral vista unfolded, but sadly the bridge spanned only half the river. As we strolled along the meandering stream, seeing a loon and a heron, we tried to imagine ourselves 150 years ago, glancing across the water and seeing a thriving Mennonite village with 3 flourmills, a brickyard and other businesses, farms and orchards.

A major highlight at the end of the week again took us back 150 years, but this time in a different direction. We had the opportunity of participating in a celebration commemorating the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Mennonite Brethren church on the site of the first MB church building in the village of Rueckenau. Together with many Ukrainians from surrounding communities we joined an international delegation from Japan, Germany, Brazil and Canada. Unfortunately representatives from Paraguay were held up in Vienna due to a visa problem. As we waited for proceedings to get underway, it was a delight to see a familiar face, Margarita, who had spent a year in Abbotsford with the MCC Volunteer Exchange Program. She is now back home in Zaporozhye.
Interestingly, it was Ukrainian dignitaries who welcomed us to the commemoration. Elizaveta Vladyslavovna recounted the history of Mennonites coming to Ukraine at the invitiation of Catherine the Great to colonize the Russian steppes, on to the disintegration and tragic end of the Mennonite commonwealth. She asked us to honour our past and not be ashamed of our motherland. Representatives from the Zaporozhye Oblast and the Tokmak Region gave greetings. We were entertained by a Ukrainian folk ensemble and Marina Romanova sang an moving song in German and Ukrainian. In answer to my query about the text, she wrote out these words: Das Lied ist ueber Russland, die verlassen ist von Mennoniten. Sie muessen zurueck reisen. Es tut leid, das Elternhaus und Graeber zu verlassen. Translated: the song is about Russia, left by the Mennonites. They must return. It hurts to leave fatherland and gravesites behind. Greetings were relayed by Johann Matthies, MBMSI representative for Europe and Asia. David Wiebe, Executive Director of the Canadian MB Conference addressed the audience as well as giving greetings from ICOMB, The International Community of Mennonite Brethren. Rev. Moriki Hatakenaka from Tokyo spoke about the chain of events causing Mennonites to leave Ukraine, to move to North America, then to come to Japan as missionaries sharing the gospel. He closed with a prayer of gratitude. Then finally, the unveiling of the plaque engraved in Ukrainian, German and English. Mounted next to a pole which once held a communist flag on the wall of what is now a sunflower oil factory this memorial drew Ukrainians and Mennonites from around the world together in unity and will remain a symbol in the community.