God's Hand Upon My Life

the long version

This is the autobiography of Abram J. Friesen (1907-2001), narrating his life's story: childhood in a Mennonite settlement near Omsk in Siberia (central Russia), immigration to Canada in 1926, training for a career in shoe repair/sales, marriage to Katie Martens (1910-1991) and family life, commitment of Christian ministry and mission, including Abram's two years of school teaching at Poplar River Indian Day School (1944-1946) under the direction of the United Church of Canada while he completed his alternative service as a Mennonite conscientious objector to the Canadian military draft during WWII (pp. 167-248). From the back cover . . . "I remember the author as a favorite uncle after whom I was named. As a youngster, I looked forward with joyous anticipation to his many visits to my parents' farm in Oak Bluff, Manitoba... Even though Uncle Abe and Aunt Katie moved to British Columbia in the late 1940s, the bonds then established have not only remained strong over the years, they have grown much stronger... We are delighted to see him publish his memoirs... My uncle's memoirs are the result of his laying up the words of God in his heart and soul." ~Abraham Friesen