Two veteran missionaries to Congo and Quebec pass away

Helen Derksen passed away in Winnipeg on Dec. 17. She was 86 years old. Helen and her late husband Henry served as missionaries to Congo from 1951–1979 and in Quebec churches following their retirement from overseas mission work. MBMS International Regional Director for Africa, Nzash Lumeya, remembers Helen as a perceptive and quiet leader serving with compassion and passion.

Helen received her teaching certificate and later attended the MB Bible College in Winnipeg. She and her husband Henry were members of the MB Church in Boissevain, Man.

Under MBMS International, Henry and Helen went to Congo in February 1951. Helen said of her calling to mission work in a 1966 letter, “I joined my lot to a man who had a call to mission work. Since his call was not cancelled after our marriage, I consider myself called to help him in whatever work the Lord has for us.”

During their years in Congo, Helen served by teaching missionary kids and housewives while Henry spent his days in various high schools and Bible institutes. Lumeya says, “Helen and Henry are loved in Congo. They have been very instrumental in leadership training.”

Helen is survived by her children John, Paul, Gerry and Viola and extended family.

Funeral services were held in Winnipeg Dec. 22. Memorial contributions can be made in Helen’s name to MBMS International.

Benjamin Klassen passed away Jan. 2, in Ontario. He was 75 years old. Ben and his wife Anne served as missionaries to Congo during four terms from 1954–1974. Following their retirement from overseas mission work they planted churches in Quebec using their French language ability. MBMS International Regional Director for Africa, Nzash Lumeya, recalls that Ben was an engineer of higher education in Congo and that many leaders today were once under his tutelage.

Ben attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School, MB Bible College in Winnipeg, and Waterloo (Ont.) College. He was a teacher.

Ben and Anne were married August 20, 1950. Two years later he wrote a letter to MBMS International, then BOMAS, stating, “Today I want to do what has been weighing heavily upon my wife and me for a long time, and that is to write a letter of application for foreign missions.” The Klassens’ placement in Congo lasted over a period of two decades during which Ben served in various leadership capacities at schools in the areas of Kipungu and Kikwit.

“He was an example in the classroom and didn’t mind hard work. When there were school furnishings needed he would often make them himself in his back yard. He could smile and be serious serving his Lord. I for one, enjoyed working with him,” says co-missionary Arnie Prieb.

Ben is survived by his wife Anne, their four children William, David, Irene and Ruth among other relatives.

Funeral services were held Jan. 8 in St. Catharines.

—Megan E. Roberts, MBMS International