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Retired missionary passes away


Erven Thiessen, a retired MBMS International missionary, passed away Sept. 9. He was 81. He is remembered for his selfless service for the work of the Lord’s Kingdom.

He was born in Reedley, Calif. As a young man, he studied at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola) and served in the navy as an aircraft carrier pilot. He married Lorene May 30, 1949. Early on they were committed to mission service, applying to MBMS International while still on their honeymoon.

He first felt the call to missions while in Bible school. Later, his mother told him that she had dedicated him to the Lord for missions before he was born, stating to the Lord that if her baby would be healthy, she would want him to serve in a mission field.

Erven and Lorene both felt a burden for India, but MBMSI needed workers in Brazil. The Thiessens responded, serving as missionaries there for 33 years. They directed an orphanage in Curitiba and then served as church planters and as a resource couple to the Brazilian MB churches. Erven was proud of his three children, often taking them along as he travelled to churches in the interior of Brazil.

“Even though their experiences were not always easy, Erven and Lorene were faithful to their call as missionaries,” says Dale Warkentin, MBMSI director for constituency relations. “They always put the work first.”

James Wiebe served with the Thiessens. He recalls his family’s arrival to Brazil. “After spending the entire previous day visiting rural churches on mission business, Erven took the eight-hour trip with his sons to meet us at the airport, travelling all night. Despite how tired he must have been, he was waving and welcoming us.”

In 1988, Erven and Lorene retired from missionary service. They served as deacons at Reedley MB Church. Erven is mourned by Lorene; children Bob, Gerry and Elaine; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.  – Shelly Spencer, MBMS International

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Last modified November 17, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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