A Time to be Born
Memoir of a Canadian Mennonite
by Peter Penner

---

Having a title that suggests that I was born to do something for three generations of Russlaender Mennonites is a bit crass, and yet that is what three testimonial contributors suggest, though unknown to one another. “Peter Penner's rich and varied life exemplifies bridge-building between the worlds of church and academy. Situated as he was on the physical ‘edge' of Mennonite communities for much of his career, his perspective on their history and identity is full of insight. As pastor, teacher, scholar, and volunteer, he has brought a critical yet gentle and loving eye to a lifetime of service.” Marlene Epp, ‎University of Waterloo Another, the late Paul Toews, Fresno, CA, historian, “This autobiography of Peter Penner is a vivid and powerful story of combining objective and dispassionate scholarly analysis with deep religious commitments.” A third, a non-Mennonite wrote: His research and exposition of the MB Mission to India “brought together the accumulated and finely honed scholarly skills, both historical and theological, that Peter Penner possessed.” Robert Eric Frykenberg, University of Wisconsin While this Memoir covers three generations, each of which has brought its different experiences, excitements, and decision-making, one constant has been the Mennonite faith and culture with which I was imbued in those first thirty years. What were those years like for me? Justina, herself the greatest of volunteers, has been my wife and companion for more than two generations. We have touched many lives, have seen many things, and have stories to tell.

---

"Of the stories about Norman and Christel Marsh, 1968 and 1981, he writes: “I have read the sections of your book concerning my parents with great pleasure and if the rest of your book is of the same standard I have no doubt it will make fascinating and excellent reading.” (See image 10) Henry Marsh whom I met when he was eighteen years old, is now Henry Marsh CBE, ME, FRCS, Neurosurgeon, and author of Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death, and Brain Surgery (2014). I reached him in Nepal. “Penner has been a long-time member of the academy and a long-time committed churchman. Some see those as contradictory commitments, Penner’s life shows their complementarity." Paul Toews, Fresno, California, historian “Peter Penner's rich and varied life exemplifies bridge-building between the worlds of church and academy. As pastor, teacher, scholar, and volunteer, he has brought a critical yet gentle and loving eye to a lifetime of service.” Marlene Epp, Professor of History and Peace and Conflict Studies - ‎University of Waterloo This compelling autobiography traces the life of Peter Penner from his birth in Soviet Russia and his journey through nine decades in Canada. It reveals a committed family man, whether Mennonite pastor or history professor, becoming a highly respected author and scholar. His account provides a fascinating insight into, not only the lives of Peter and Justina and their children, but also the institutions and organizations of which they were an active part. Both were dedicated volunteers in their communities and made a difference. This publication is a narrative of a challenging and positive pilgrimage; truly an evocative and humble memoir well worth reading. Vern Heinrichs, friend, entrepreneur, philanthropist

---

Peter Penner, researcher and writer, was born in Siberia on April 7, 1925, and came to Canada with his parents in the very next year. He grew up in what is now Lincoln, Ontario. He married Justina Janzen in July 1949. Following three years in Bible college, he earned his BA from the University of Western Ontario, and his MA and PhD in History at McMaster University, Hamilton, in 1962 and 1970. He served his Mennonite Brethren denomination until 1964, when he took a lecturer's position in History at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. He rose through the ranks until in 1983 he was made Professor of History and served his Department as Head from 1985 to 1992. Over a period of twenty-seven years he taught British and European history, including Russian and Soviet history, with a speciality in British India. His first of three sabbaticals included four months in Northern India during 1972-73, having been awarded a Shastri Scholarship for that period. In all he published eight books and edited three, four on various aspects of the 19th century the India (British) Civil Service, and three on the Mennonite Brethren. After retirement in 1992 he was honoured with the title Emeritus Professor of History.

---

Contributors

Author

Peter Penner

---

FriesenPress Editions

---

---

Other eBook Editions

This book is also available in eBook format from these sites.

• Amazon Kindle Store
• Nook Store
• Kobo Store
• Apple Books
• Google Play