Music: Hope for Displaced Mennonites

There was something truly special about the early settlers of Village Number One—many of them were blessed with a natural gift for music. When the days grew long and challenging, their voices would rise in song, lifting the spirits of all who listened. However, the most beautiful part of this tradition was that it was never about one individual’s talent; it was a community effort. The harmony of voices created a sound that filled the air with warmth and joy, uniting the people in the most uplifting way.

Village Number One quickly became known for its beautiful voices. They even had a dedicated choir director who led them in song, ensuring that every note was sung with precision and from the heart. They shared it freely—not just among themselves but with everyone in the surrounding villages. It didn’t take long for the Song Fest to be brought to life again—a celebration that honored the rich musical tradition from Russia.

The Song Fest became one of the first significant events in this new, foreign land—a place that didn’t feel like home. It was a time when all the villages would come together, bringing their talents with men’s, women’s, and blended choirs. Everyone worked tirelessly to prepare, practicing late into the evening after long days spent working the fields under the hot sun. Sometimes, they even set aside work to perfect their harmonies, knowing how important this event was to their community life.

On the big day, there was an air of excitement and anticipation. Everyone rushed to complete their morning tasks to gather for one final rehearsal at the schoolhouse. Once the final practice was over, they piled onto ox carts, ready to head to the event's location. Like the grand gatherings of their homeland, the Song Fest was held in a special place in nature—somewhere with shade and plenty of room for all to come together, escaping the everyday grind and reveling in a day filled with song, fellowship, and food.

Different devotionals were shared throughout the day, and the verse from Jeremiah 42:10 spoke to the hearts of the people:

"If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down;

I will plant you and not uproot you, for I have relented concerning the disaster I have inflicted on you. 

Between songs, the participants were blessed with poems and verses that continued to offer words of hope and encouragement. Here’s a glimpse of one poem that was often read during the event:

Beautiful songs on all roads
Are like flowers on life’s journey
Where worry and grief often press
Where Joy and Delight bring comfort
And the sound of music brings happiness.
So Sing! God bless Singing.

It was a day that reminded everyone of the power of worship and community, a day when the bonds of fellowship were strengthened through shared song and the beauty of words. This was the beginning of many music events in the wilderness of the Chaco, a practice that, through the years, would bring healing and comfort to the many hardships they had to overcome.

Note: The details of this event were taken from the recently published book Darp Eent by W. Stahl.