European Mennonite Voluntary Service

youth idealism in post-World War II Europe

Plot

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. "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," observes 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," asserts Robert 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," emphasizes John A. Lapp, Executive Secretary Emeritus, Mennonite Central Committee.