"On the Sunday of January 29, 1525, there was a great commotion in a church near Zurich, Switzerland. Just as the pastor was about to preach, a tall young man stood and asked him in a loud voice, 'What have you come to do?' 'I have come to preach the word of God,' the pastor replied calmly. 'Not you but I have been called to preach the Word!' the young man shouted back."

Reformers, self-styled prophets, teachers, preachers, and common folk come alive in this fast-paced history. Through Fire and Water offers a readable yet accurate look at Mennonites, from the 1500s to today. The book includes stories, photos, maps, and cartoons. In addition, brief essays invite reflection on such issues as church and state, world outreach, and the marks of a faithful community.

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