August 5thMemories of Loren Entz
Donna and Loren were integral to the North Edmonton Ministry. Here are some remembrances from those who knew him there.
We appreciated Loren's gentle spirit and gift of hospitality, which complemented the intercultural/faith work of the North Edmonton ministry.
This was demonstrated in the countless number of people from various faith/cultural/social economic backgrounds that Donna and Loren hosted in their North Edmonton apartment. This welcoming hospitality extended to their neighbours at various bus stops, community centres and other welcoming spaces where people gathered. Loren's faith in Jesus was central to his life and witness and enabled him to be fully present with whomever he met, regardless of their life circumstances. Sitting on the North Edmonton Ministry Steering Committee (Don), I also appreciated Loren's wisdom and well-thought-out responses related to issues that came up in our meetings.
-Don and Joyce Baergen
We so relished the company of Loren and Donna, and valued their warmth, vitality, and passion to live as Jesus-followers. Long ago we lost count of all the tasty meals at their apartment in Edmonton, with lively discussion, often with other interesting guests, and rich fellowship. Loren’s magnificent beard gave him the appearance of an OT patriarch, and at every gathering, regardless of where it was, his height meant that one was always aware of his presence, but despite that in speech and interactions he was never pushy or dominant or insensitive. As Donna’s partner in North Edmonton Ministries, his was the voice of wisdom, of caution, and of considered evaluation; but equally, he was an utterly loyal and reliable support for her vocation, assisting and facilitating in countless ways so her ministry flourished. We also enjoyed Loren’s enthusiasm for locally grown produce. He would scour the neighbourhood for unharvested fruit, sour cherries being a particular favourite, to supplement his breakfast for the coming year. Likewise, any unkempt vegetable patch in the neighbourhood would be taken over by Loren, to grow carrots, beets, leafy greens, etc. We recall helping him harvest one such bed, when the ground was already frozen, but, fittingly, the carrots were enormous and sweet. He had the perfect touch for making the most of those yards, whose owners of course got a taste of that unsought bounty. The Entz’s move to Winnipeg left a gaping hole in our lives, but our infrequent visits to see family in that part of the world, always included a stop at their stately (albeit shared) home, where Loren continued as a quiet, engaged host, although his energy was diminished. With his passing our lives are the poorer, but now he is released to joy in heaven.
-Eleanore and John Woollard
Valerie first met Loren and Donna Entz in Elbing, KS, as they were visiting family while on home leave from Burkina Faso and her parents, Rev. David and Anne Braun, were pastoring the Elbing Mennonite Church (1977-1982). She was studying at Bethel College, N. Newton KS (class of 1982), and remembers the Joy we shared around the Sunday Faspa after church. They are a part of the many people who encourage her faith in following Jesus. Valerie continues to remember growing in faith as we served together in MCCA / MCA North Edmonton Ministries, and the Joy that was shared during the Christian/Muslim Dialogues.
Robert was privileged to volunteer with Donna and Loren through his participation in North Edmonton Ministries as a member of the Advisory Committee from inception in 2011 until 2021. Loren and Donna hosted our committee monthly in their apartment located within a multi-ethnic neighborhood, where we shared food – frequently together with Muslim friends – planned Dialogues, encouraged outreach to various social, cultural, and religious communities, and reported to our Mennonite constituency. Strong friendships were fostered; they also met people by riding public transport, mentoring interns, doing community gardening, organizing neighborhood parties, sitting on community league boards, and attending various celebrations or worship services to humanity’s common Creator. Loren, who participated in life’s adventures, observed how others also “showed up”.
To celebrate Loren Entz, we have this Acronym to share:
L - Loved by God, family and friends
O - Observant to fine details, to the image of God in people
R - Respectful of faith, culture, heritage, peace
E - Educated in God’s wisdom, the Bible, the Koran, Community Building, Agriculture, Languages
N - Nurturing of spouse, family, people of faith, trees, and gardens.
E - Envisioning of Seeking God’s Kingdom first
N - Non-violent; a true Peace Maker living simply
T - Thankful leading to Happiness in Faith, Work, Play, Life, and Prayer
Z - Zealous to “act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with God” Micah 6:8
-Robert G. Proudfoot and Valerie A. Braun Proudfoot
