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Journey With Foolish Trust
by
Shirley Dyck Fraser
Journey With Foolish Trust is an insightful exploration of Mennonite heritage and faith, blending personal narrative with historical context. Shirley Dyck Fraser begins by sharing the story of her family’s life in rural Canada, offering a glimpse into the strength and resilience of the Mennonite community. Through her anecdotes, she reveals the unique way of life that shaped her upbringing, from family responsibilities and communal gatherings to traditional foods and childhood experiences. Transitioning to a broader perspective, Fraser has provided a detailed account of the history of Christianity and of Mennonites. She traces the impact of Jesus Christ’s teachings on Mennonite theology, which emphasizes core values such as love for God, neighbours, and even enemies. Fraser also explores the challenges faced by the Mennonite community, detailing their persecution and mass emigration from Netherlands, Prussia, Imperial Russia, and Canada. Despite these hardships, the Mennonites remained steadfast in their faith. Their journey spans centuries, from ancient times through the Christian Reformation, where key figures like Menno Simons laid the groundwork for their faith, to the establishment of communities in Southern Russia, and finally, to their arrival in Manitoba in 1875. Journey With Foolish Trust offers readers an opportunity to renew their faith and find purpose in life, reaffirming that while life is difficult, there is a way to live with fulfillment and peace in all circumstances.
"...[Journey With Foolish Trust] is an important addition to Canada’s religious history... An enlightening and intimate history of Manitoba’s Mennonite immigrants." —Kirkus Reviews
Shirley Dyck Fraser, BScN, RN, MSW, is a retired nurse and social worker with an extensive background in both fields. Raised on a farm near Saskatoon, Shirley earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Saskatchewan and worked in community public health in rural Saskatchewan. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel across Europe and volunteer as a nurse in the Caribbean through the Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO). Upon returning to Canada, Shirley pursued a master’s degree in social work and continued her career in health and social services. As the last living person in the line of fourth-generation Mennonites from the Russian Mennonites who emigrated to Canada in 1875, Shirley felt a deep responsibility to preserve and share her family’s faith and history. Her inspiration for writing this book came from a request by her sister, who sought to strengthen the faith of her family. Shirley has always been deeply influenced by the teachings of Christ, particularly those emphasizing love, humility, forgiveness, and peace. These principles have guided her through life’s challenges, and she hopes to inspire others to embrace these values in their own lives, finding strength and purpose in faith. Shirley lives in Winnipeg with her husband. They have 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren. They enjoy their house, garden, books, being with nature and their dog, cats and a budgie bird.
Contributors
- Author
- Shirley Dyck Fraser