Getting Home Before Dark: Stories of Wisdom for All Ages - Softcover

Dyck, Peter J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0836191358 ISBN 13: 9780836191356

Publisher: Herald Press, 2000

Synopsis

"Lord, let me get home before dark." That was the prayer of Peter Dyck, asking God to let him die before age robbed him of his ability to be kind, trusting, loving and generous. Dyck, who passed away January 4, 2010 at the age of 95, had his prayer answered-he got home before dark. In this book of reflections and mediations he writes honestly about his various life experiences, and also of his hopes and fears about growing older. In the end, he concludes, the most important thing is faith in God and building relationships with others.

About this title

About the Author:

Peter and Elfrieda Dyck were lifelong servants to people in need around the world. They were well known in Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Amish communities throughout Canada, Europe, Paraguay and the United States, especially for their work with Mennonite Russian refugees and with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

During World War II, he served with MCC in England.

While in England he met and married Elfrieda Klassen, a nurse who also was serving with MCC. At war's end they moved to the Netherlands to direct a massive relief effort. In 1946, the Dycks set up refugee camps in Germany for thousands of Mennonites who had fled the Soviet Union. Over time, they led 5,500 Mennonites by boat to South America, predominantly Paraguay. This experience provided content for Dyck's stories and was the basis of the book, Up From the Rubble that they co-authored.

After the war Peter and Elfrieda served as administrators with MCC; he later also served as a pastor and story-teller while Elfrieda returned to nursing.

In addition to Up From the Rubble, he also wrote three children's books: The Great Shalom, Shalom at Last and Storytime Jamboree. He also wrote a meditation on growing old gracefully, Getting Home Before Dark.

Peter died on January 4, 2010. Elfrieda passed away August 20, 2004.

Review:

"A beloved elder and skillful storyteller looks back over eighty-five years and shares wisdom he has gleaned from a lifetime of Christian service."
-- Elaine Sommers Rich

About this edition

• Publisher: Herald Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0836191358
• ISBN 13: 9780836191356
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272