Summary: European Mennonite Voluntary Service tells the story of the Mennonite-related work camp movement and its efforts to organize volunteers to help reconstruct Europe after World War II. It includes careful yet accessible analysis and reflection; extended personal accounts of what the EMVS experience meant for those who served; photos, notes, and index.

“I am impressed by such an intense history on service. Here are our roots. Today Christliche Dienste (earlier Mennonite Voluntary Service) is sending more than 60 young German  volunteers to serve in various countries, mainly developing countries and poor areas of North America. Different times have different tasks.” —Barbara Hege-Galle, Director, Christliche Dienste

“Redekop provides a fine-grained analysis of the rapid expansion of MVS-MFD and its sudden demise or ‘transmogrification.’ In general terms he explains the consequences of the lack of differentiation between the emergency relief, rehabilitation, and the further goal of development. . . . This book needs to be read and pondered.” —Robort Lee, in the Foreword

“One of the most dynamic Mennonite movements since 1945 has been youth-oriented voluntary service. It is especially important for North Americans to understand the European part of this story. Redekop is an exceptional quide. —John A. Lapp, Executive Secretary Emeritus, Mennonite Central Committee

Market: Anyone involved in European Mennonite Voluntary Service; historians; church leaders and pastors; students of Anabaptist-related service activities; anyone interested in an inspiring account of Christians who followed Jesus in settings of need.

Shelving: History—Anabaptist, Mennonite, of service organizations, post-World War II; Pacifism, nonresistance; Anabaptists; Mennonites. BISAC: History, Religion. RTM: 430 History/American; 690 Religion/Ethics.auffman tells stories of his encounters with Iranians, their culture, and their politics, to give witness to ways walls can break down when the stories, culture, and history of others are attended to.

Publisher: Cascadia Publishing House LLC
Copublisher: Herald Press
Publication date: July 27, 2010
Pages: 130 with photos and notes
Format: 5.5 x 8.5" trade paper
Prices: $14.95 US/Can. ISBN 13: 978-1-931038-79-9 ISBN 10: 1-931038-79-1