“During the period spanning the Korean and Vietnam wars, more than 1,100 Pax volunteers left the U.S. for service in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America. Redekop gives an insider’s perspective and raises intriguing questions about this Mennonite program of global dimensions.” —Rachel Waltner Goossen, Author, Women Against the Good War

“A half-century ago energetic young Mennonites plunged into the rubble of war-torn Europe to offer compassionate service ‘in the name of Christ.’ In The Pax Story, part historical analysis and part memoir, Redekop looks back with a fond but critical eye on the organization he once led. The result is a concise account by a seasoned scholar that is both critical and engaging.” —Perry Bush, professor of History, Bluffton College, and author of Two Kingdoms, Two Loyalties: Mennonite Pacifism in Modern America

“Redekop provides objective analysis of a worldwide movement for which he was a co-originator and early executive.” —Donald F. Durnbaugh, Director, Brethren Service Commission in Austria (1953-1956); Professor Emeritus of Church History, Bethany Theological Seminary; Archivist, Juniata College.

“What a blessing that Redekop, founding father of Pax, has written this anniversary history! He was present at the creation, a primary mover who has not lost his enthusiasm for the endeavor. Thanks to Cal's energy and scholarship, the Pax memory will endure.” More. . . .
—James C. Juhnke, Professor of History, Bethel College

“I hope this book will rekindle in all of us a renewed determination to find contemporary applications of the Pax ideals.” —Al Keim, in the Introduction

Summary: For twenty-five years “Pax-ers” showed by example that there are still persons motivated by service and good will. Pax was one of the first—if not the first—overseas alternative service programs. Included are extended personal accounts of what the Pax experience meant for those who served, photos, extensive notes, and index.

Market: Anyone involved in Pax or similar service organizations; historians; church leaders and pastors; scholars and others interested in experiments in alternative service to war; church study groups; any readers interested in an inspiring account of those 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.

The Author: Sociologist Calvin W. Redekop, Harrisonburg, Virginia, has taught at Conrad Grebel College (Ontario) and Goshen (Ind.) College. Among his many publications are Leaving Anabaptism (Pandora Press U.S., 1998), Mennonite Entrepreneurs (Johns Hopkins, 1995), and Entrepreneurs in the Faith Community (Herald Press, 1996, co-edited with Benjamin Redekop).

Publisher: Pandora Press U.S. (copublished and codistributed by Herald Press)
Available: September 30, 2001
Approximate Pages: 160
Price: $13.95 ($20.95 in Canada)
Format: 5.5 x 8.5 trade paper
ISBN: 1-931038-00-7

The Pax Story orders:

• Pandora Press U.S. Online Order Form
• Pandora Press U.S., Herald Press, and other order options
• Credit card orders through The Pax Story page, MennoLink Online Bookstore