After World War II, MCC helped some 12,000 Mennonite refugees from the former Soviet Union find new homes. Long-time MCC worker Elfrieda Dyck tells of a harrowing voyage from Europe to South America with 578 refugees aboard the Charleton Monarch.

Engine failures, rancid food, a rebellious crew, seasickness, four babies born by candlelight--Elfrieda Dyck recounts the hardships she and the refugees aboard the ship endured. The voyage strengthened the refugees' faith and they gained courage for the pioneer hardships that lay ahead as they forged new lives in South America.