Letter
to Rev. D.D. Toews from Rev John Wiebe re his visit to CO camps,
22 March 1943. (MHC, 1323-946) translated from German into English
16
Mile Camp, Rad[ium] Hot Spr[ings]
March
22, 1943
Rev.
D.D. Toews
Rosthern,
Sask.
Dear
Brother Toews:
It
has been some time since I last reported to you. Since then you
have been seriously ill in hospital. I have heard that you are at
home now and that your health is improved, thank God.
Upon
request of the Committee, I travelled to Jasper on February 3. The
first difficulties arose through the [Seventh Day] Adventists who
are strongly represented there. Because of their confrontational
arguments I was compelled to give clarity to the men re. law and
grace, the annihilation teaching, eternal damnation, etc. Later
we managed to get together again in a reasonable manner. I seek
for unity in the camp but not as the expense of the truth.
The
work at present is hard and is primarily at Jasper. On the ice of
Lake Edith they are building a box 60 x 30 and 20 feet high, which
is to be filled with ice and then sunk. Since spring is approaching,
they are rushing to be finished with the work on the ice and thus
are working day and night in two 11 hour shifts.
I
also visited the 3 camps at Seebe for several days. The worship
services were well attended and we experienced the blessing of the
Lord. However, a certain pressure rests upon the men at Seebe which
people at home don't know. This results from the continuing harsh
treatment and dirty work. They are building “mine props” which,
in spite of the hard work, they are not able to supply in sufficient
number. I spoke to Mr. Holman, of a higher Board in the National
Forestry Reserve. Mr. Holman's office is here in Calgary. Since
then, Brother Penner reports that the treatment is better. Brother
Penner is a minister of the Holdeman Church and served in Seebe
after me.
Arriving
in Banff, I visited the Wesley Ewerts and also the camps for several
days upon the wish of Brother B.B. Janz of Coaldale. Since the road
to Radium Hot Springs was closed and there was no chance for a ride,
I travelled the long detour via Golden. Now I'm working here at
16 Mile Camp. The 21 Mile Camp is 5 miles away, but I cannot visit
there now since 4 young men have the mumps and the doctor has quarantined
the camp. If I come in contact with the men over there, I will have
to stay for 15 days after the last of the men are well. I can't
do that. I don't know what they will do with those who are now getting
farm leave.
By
means of physical work, I earn my meals as I also did in Jasper
and Seebe. I want to go back to both those stations before I leave
for home.
Enclosed
are the lists for the camps.
Respectfully
yours and wishing you health, I remains yours in Christ!
John
I. Wiebe
16-Mile
Camp
Radium
Hot Springs, BC
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