Mennonite Great Trek - Ak Metchet
June 6th, 2008Today the TourMagination group visited the village of Ak Metchet. This was the final village of the Great Trek and where Klaas Epp died. We spoke with some villagers who showed us where the church and school used to be. Other than the memories, the only thing left of the Mennonite Settlement are one well and two school desks (still in use).
John Sharp led us in a reflective time on what we have learned and what it might inform us today. The memories of the Mennonite presence are many including: the introduction of tomatoes and potatoes, orderliness to the point of fastideousness, and a peaceful resistance to the collectivization of Stalin. There is much more to learn. Each trip uncovers more information and more leads.
~ Ed Epp
