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John Esau, a retired missionary to Congo and Lithuania, passed away Saturday, May 9, at age 72. John suffered a heart attack May 4 while in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a Church Partnership Evangelism team.
"John was a vibrant person with a strong mission vision and a keen desire to help others," stated Harold Ens, General Director of MBMS International. "He will be missed by his many friends around the world."
Esau was born Jan. 3, 1926 in Kleefeld, Ukraine. His family immigrated to Canada three months later. As a young man, he moved to Ontario and farmed for several years. After attending college, he worked as a teacher before being ordained as a minister in Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church.
In 1951 John married Agnes Suderman. They began their relationship with MBMS International in Congo, where they served as resource people and counsellors to church leaders of the southern region 1955-60.
From 1961 to 1979, John pursued an academic career and taught at the Nova Scotia Teacher's College.
In 1974, Agnes passed away after a battle with cancer. The following year, John married Sophie Quiring. While in Canada, John and Sophie continued to be involved in ministries of various kinds, including the development of a camping program as well as several church plants.
Again, John felt a call to Congo. He and Sophie returned there for a mission assignment 1981-91. In 1985, they helped found the Nzash Mwadi Bible School. He also conducted seminars with church representatives, was involved in church building and acted as a general resource for the region.
The Esaus retired in 1991, but their love for missions remained strong, and they continued to serve as volunteers. Shortly after retiring, they returned to Congo for a one-year term, and John stayed on for another three-month period to ensure the continuity of the Nzash Mwadi Bible School
In 1994, the couple again served on a short-term assignment, in Panevezys, Lithuania, with MBMS International. John also drove the bus for the musical group Esengo for much of their 1997 North American tour.
John is survived by his wife Sophie and six children. A memorial was held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Sunday, May 10. HIs body was returned to Canada for burial. -- Brad Thiessen, MBMS International Secretary for Media and Communications
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