and stayed home. What you did not all tell when you returned
home! A higher Roumanian officer had noticed you, and attracted
by your cheerful behaviour and looks, came over to you with a
plate full of sweets and had congratulated your Dad upon his
“coppasa de dragalasi” (so cute children). I am merely recounting
this, because even three days later the hard reality became so
different; those same Roumanians were then our enemies.
Chosen People Ministries . chosenpeople.com | 25
THE TERRORS BEGIN
During the night from Saturday to Sunday it started; cannonthunder
was heard from the Pruth, at a distance of about 20
kilometers. Right afterwards we were bombarded. On June
22nd, Sunday evening, Daddy conducted his last meeting in our
auditorium. There were few people present and the dreadful
racket and thunder were an awful accompaniment. With a quiet
and firm voice, Dad encouraged his congregation. He spoke as
though he knew that this was the very last time and put his whole
heart into his words, “Who knows what is awaiting us in the next
days and where we shall be over a week from now, but: ‘God is
our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore
will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the
mountains be carried into the midst of the sea’” (Psalm 46:1–2).
The following days and especially nights were spent in our airraid
shelter. The harmless exercises had changed to gruesome
reality. As soon as we would reach the kitchen upstairs to get
us something to eat, again and again we would have to get
right back to the cellar. The pounding and exploding was terrific.
Every time it would seem that our house also was hit. The
windows rattled, and blast followed blast. Our smallest children,
a three-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy, who knew nothing
of danger, remained cheerful and quiet and made only surprised
eyes over the unaccustomed noise. But you older ones cried and
trembled and we in our fear cried to God for help. I shall never
forget the attitude of our Ruthy-child, who prayed with a loud
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