Isaak, Kornelius (1928-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Sep 18 p. 1

Birth date: 1928

text of obituary:

Young Missionary Killed By Morro Indians in Paraguay

KORNELIUS ISAAK, 30, FATALLY INJURED IN ATTEMPT AT FRIENDLY CONTACT WITH FIERCE TRIBE

Thursday, Sept. 11, the office of the General Conference Board of Missions, 722 Main, received the following telegram from Asuncion, Paraguay: “Missionary Kornelius Isaak, wounded yesterday by Morros, died today. Funeral tomorrow, Gerhard, Giesbrecht.”

Kornelius Isaak, stationed among the Chulupi Indians in Neuland Colony, was a General Conference missionary serving under the Mennonite Brethren Mission Board in Paraguay. He was a son of the well-known Elder Jacob Isaak, General Conference leader in Paraguay, and a brother of Jacob Isaac Jr. [Jakob Isaak Jr.], student at the Mennonite Seminary in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Further background material on this tragic incident is given in the following report by Rev. P. K. Regier, General Conference executive secretary who returned from South America only a few weeks ago, and in a release from the Mennonite Brethren Board of Foreign Missions, Hillsboro, Kan.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Sep 18 p. 1, 3

text of obituary:

Promising Young Worker

By Rev. P. K. Regier

On Saturday evening, June 21, it was my privilege to visit the Chulupi Indian village just outside of the New Halbstadt of the Neuland Colony in Paraguay. Mission work is being done among these Indians and two young missionaries, Kornelius Isaak and Walter Rennert, were working together in this mission enterprise. At the time of my visit the foundation for a church building had already been laid and the two young men with the help of some of the Indians were at work on the building.

FATALLY WOUNDED — Kornelius Isaak, General Conference missionary in Paragiay

These two young men had learned the language of the Chulupi Indians and were preaching the Gospel in their native tongue. On that Saturday evening a prayer meeting was held in the yard of the two missionaries just outside of the Indian camp. We arrived early at this home and the Indians began coming to the prayer service. Group after group came and it appeared as if the whole village must have been emptied to swell the attendance.

Prayer Service

It so happened that Ernst Krupka, the evangelist from Germany, and myself were the visitors at the prayer meeting. After the missionaries had given brief messages and the two of us had given Christian greetings to our Indian brethren in Christ, many of the Indians led in audible prayer in a very impressing service. We went away from the service with the feeling that a most effective mission work was being done by these young men and we thanked God for the souls which had already been won to Christ in such a comparatively short time.

On Sept. 11 we were shocked by a telegram to the Mission Board that one of those young men, Kornelius Isaak, son of Elder Jacob Isaak of Fernheim, had been wounded by the Morro Indians Sept. 10 and that he died the following day as the result of this attack.

Savage Tribe

The Chulupi Indian tribe is a tame, peaceful tribe and not a menace to the lives of our Mennonites in the Chaco. On the other hand the Morro Indians are a wild, savage, bush-inhabiting tribe and have on two previous occasions attacked Mennonite families.

We are deeply grieved that the mission work of this fine, promising young Christian worker has been cut short so that he can no longer minister to a needy Indian tribe just when the work had made such a wonderful beginning under the evident blessings of God. It is our sincere prayer that the Lord may comfort the bereaved family, and that He may use this tragedy to the salvation of many precious souls.

Details Not Learned

Hillsboro, Kansas. — A Mennonite missionary in Paraguay has given his life to reach the savage Morro Indians with the Gospel.

Dead is Kornelius Isaak, 30. News of this tragedy is based on a cablegram received here by the office of the Mennonite Brethren Board of Foreign Missions on Sept. 11.

Just where the tragedy occurred and whether others were injured in this encounter has not yet been learned.

Missionary Giesbrecht had written of a planned trip to establish friendly relations with the Morros. On Monday, August 25, Missionaries David Hein, Kornelius Isaak Johann, a Lengua Indian preacher, set out by jeep and trailer for the Morro bush territory while the church prayed for their protection and a successful contact with the Morros.

Departure of the party was preceded by appropriate missionary services in Fernheim the previous day. On Sunday, August 24, Missionaries Gerhard Hein and Walter Rennert were ordained.

Bro. Isaak is survived by his wife, the former maria Born, and several children. His parents are Bro. and Sister Jacob Isaak of Fernheim. Mrs. Isaak is the daughter of Jacob Borns, also of Fernheim.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Sep 25 p. 1, 7

text of obituary:

MCC Worker Gives Report of Meeting With Morros And Missionary's Death

SINGLE THRUST BY SPEAR PROVES FATALTO KORNELIUS ISAAK IN MEETING WITH MORRO INDIANS

(The following letter from Robert and Myrtle Unruh, MCC workers in Paraguay, gives details of the tragic incident in the Paraguayan Chaco in which Missionary Kornelius Isaak was fatally wounded by a Morro Indian. The letter was addressed to Rev. John Thiessen, executive secretary of the General Conference Board of Missions, who comments, "We have all read about the missionaries who approached the Auca Indians in Ecuador and who were killed. Now the Morro Indians have cut short the life of one of our General Mission Board among the Indians in Paraguay. This report of the tragedy should go deep into the hearts of all of us so that we remember all our missionaries in all lands more faithfully before the throne of grace."

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FILADELPHIA, PARAGUAY

September 11, 1958

THE event which led to the death of Kornelius Isaak took place yesterday morning near the Pure Oil Co. camp about 175 miles north of here. Missionaries Kornelius Isaak, David Hein and a Lengua Indian Christian had spent the past three weeks in that area trying to establish contact with the Morros, using the oil company camp as their base camp. As i reported in my other letter, they had been able to exchange gifts with them several times but had never seen them.

Yesterday morning about 9 o'clock the brethren left the oil company camp by jeep to see if they could continue the gift exchange.

After having driven a fee miles they suddenly saw a number of Morro Indians standing in the road ahead. They stopped the jeep, got out and motioned for them to come nearer, which they did. At first only a few came, then more until they numbered about 50.

The last ones that came were carrying weapons. They surrounded the men and the jeep and the men began giving them clothing which they readily accepted. However some of the Morros grabbed hold of the Lengua Indian and tried to tie his hands. He was able to jerk free.

While this happened Brother Isaak had turned to get more clothing from the jeep and was jabbed in the side with a spear by one of the Morros. When the Morros drew back the missionaries got into the jeep and backed away, waving to the Morros. The Morros waved back to them also.

*            *           * Brought Back by Plane

UPON arrival at the oil company camp Brother Isaak was immediately brought to Filadelphia in the oil company plane accompanied also by Brother Hein. Since there is now no surgeon in Filadelphia it was necessary to call a doctor from Neuland colony. Jeep trouble delayed the doctor's arrivalsothat surgery was not possible until toward evening. The doctor found a very badly damaged spleen, much internal bleeding and evidence of a damaged lower lobe of the lung.

Brother Isaak regained consciousness after the operation and remained conscious until about an hour before his death. He was aware of the seriousness of his condition and was fully prepared to die. In spite of much pain he prayed much for the Morro Indians, that they too would hear and accept the Gospel. He passed away at 4 a. m. this morning. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife and three children, the oldest of which is four years.

*            *           * Indians Return

THE strange part of the story is that when Brother Hein got back to the oil company camp with the plane yesterday there were about 70 Morros there, all very friendly and without weapons. They stayed at the camp most of the rest of the day and willingly accepted food and gifts of all kinds, even allowing themselves to be photographed. Toward evening they left but came back again today and stayed at the camp all day, again showing all signs of friendliness. Of course no one can tell whether they will remain friendly but we hope and pray that it may be so.

The passing of Brother Isaak leaves a great gap in the home, the community, and the work of the church. He had been active in mission work for almost ten years and had mastered the Chulupi language. His was a radiant Christian witness which won a place in the hearts of all who knew him. He was deeply loved by the Chulupi Indians and they are heartbroken by his death.

We cannot understand why he should have had to give his life but we know that he very definitely felt the call to do so and that he did it willingly. We rest in the confidence that God makes no mistakes and we pray that his example may challenge and inspire others to dedicate their lives to Christ and His Service in the manner that he did.

Above all we must continue to pray more than ever before for the great responsibility which God has given the Mennonites here. May His will be done in bringing the Gospel to all Indians in the Chaco who have never heard it!

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Oct 9 p. 1

text of obituary:

Large Attendance At Funeral Of Martyred Missionary; New Efforts To Be Made To Evangelize Morros

MORE THAN 2,000 PRESENT AT SERVICES IN FILADELFIA M. B. CHURCH, FRIDAY, SEPT. 12

Filadelfia, Paraguay. — Funeral services for Kornelius Isaak, held in the large Mennonite Brethren church here Sept. 12, were marked by expressions of new determination to evangelize the hitherto unreached Morro tribe.

Kornelius Isaak was fatally stabbed during a contact with the Morros several days earlier.

The church was unable to accommodate the many who came from various villages and colonies, it being estimated that more than 2,000 were present.

Abram Harder opened the services and Jakob Duerksen, a close companion and school friend of Isaak's, challenged young people to fill the gap left by Isaak. Other speakers were David Hein, Gerhard Giesbrecht, Gerhard Balzer, Walter Rennert and Peter Wiens.

Two Indian converts also took part in the services; Gregorio, a Chulupi minister, and Kornelio, a Lengua, who had accompanied the missionaries on their expedition into Morroland. “We Chulupis will help bring the Gospel to the Morros.” said Gregorio, with Kornelio adding that ”he too was willing to die for Jesus.” A considerable number from the Indian Christian community were among those attending.

Three Volunteers

Isaak is the first missionary from Paraguay Mennonites to have died at the hand of hostile Indians. With the initial contacts now established, mission work among the Morros is to be undertaken as soon as possible and three young men have already volunteered for the project.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 Oct 3 p. 2

text of obituary:

Dawn of Understanding

10 Years After Missionary's Death, Moro Indians Laying Down spears

Missionary Kornelius Isaak (left) with his Lengua Indian friend, Cornelius, just before they drove out to meet the Moros on Sept. 10, 1958.

By Marion W. Kliewer M. B. Board of Missions and Services, Hillsboro, Kan.

"THE BOOK said I must go, I couldn't listen to people. I had to go, to obey the call," said Cornelius, the Lengua Indian, 10 years after Kornelius Isaak was fatally stabbed by a Moro Indian in the Chaco, Paraguay.

Mary Isaak, the widow of Kornelius Isaak, recalls the day her husband asked for her willingness that he go to make contact with the Moro Indians. Her struggle was very real, for they were parents of three under-school age children and expecting the fourth, but their wedding text, "but the greatest of these is love," helped her to a victorious acquiescence.

KORNELIUS ISAAK, at the time of his death, was successfully serving the Chulupie Indians, who loved and respected him, but the command to make Christ known to every creature included, for him, the wild Moro tribe. The only contact with the Moros thus far had been several savage attacks upon Mennonites in some villages. The Moros were feared not only by the white man, but also by the Chulupie and Lengua Indians living near the Mennonite colonies.

On Sept. 10, 1958, Cornelius the Lengua, together with Kornelius Isaak and others set out by jeep with many gifts to try to establish friendly contact with the tribe. At one point they saw a feathered spear stuck through a type of purse and so pinned to the ground. The Indian interpreted this to the others as a sure sign of danger. The purse, representing strangers, and the stab through it could mean "death here." They replaced the Moros' articles with gifts, a friendly token.

SHORTLY BEFORE they reached the Moros, the group stopped for prayer for strength and guidance. They overtook the Moros in their jeep. The Moros came very close, yelling, not singing, not friendly.

Cornelius the Lengua recalls how afraid he had been several nights ago but now, surrounded by this tribe, there was no time to give way to way. They gave them gifts, but they couldn't give them fast enough and the Indians simply grabbed everything.

Cornelius, the Lengua, glanced at Isaak just as a Moro was stabbing Isaak in the side with his spear. Isaak took the spear out himself and handed it to his friend, the Lengua, who put it in the jeep. The Lengua was seized but managed to pull away.

AT ABOUT that time missionary David Hein lifted the rifle from the jeep high in the air because the Moros were grabbing for it. This frightened them away and they faded back into the bush.

Kornelius Isaak was badly injured internally and was flown to Filadelfia hospital by plane. But for him there was no hope. His wife, Mary, recalls how afraid she became, but he said, "All will be well, and if not, as the Lord feeds the sparrows, so also he can feed you." Later, shortly before he died, he regained consciousness and prayed for his wife, for his children, and for the Moros. These were his last words.

THE DEDICATION of Isaak involved a price. But it needs to be remembered that he had been paying the price all along. He did not gain a sudden burst of dedication; he continued the consecration which characterized his life.

When Cornelius, the Lengua, was told of Isaak's death, he said "miena mucho soad," a Low German and Spanish mixture meaning, "I have much sadness."

RECENTLY, when he was asked by Mennonite Brethren Missionary Lucille Wiens of Coaldale, Alberta, nurse to the Indians in the Chaco, what he thought his work had accomplished, he said: "I think if the missionary hadn't gone, the Moros would be bad today. Isaak died and the Moros know it. They also know Jesus died. Some are saved. My wife, my children, and other Lenguas know that all people are to hear the gospel. We know what the Word says."

Mary Isaak continues to live in Filadelfia with her four children. She is vitally interested in the mission work today as she was at the time she stood by her husband's side. Her children grow up in the knowledge that their father, a hero of faith, died in the service of the King. The Bible makes much of heroes of the faith. It is right and proper that we pause to remember those who have carried out Christ's command.

THE WORK did not die with Cornelius [sic Kornelius] Isaak. Others have shouldered it, among them the New Tribes Mission. The Mennonites in Filadelfia have given them a house and financed the digging of a well. Clothing and peanuts and other items have been given by the Mennonites to lend support to the work.

Several hundred Moros have laid down their spears. They are beginning to understand the message of peace, of forgiveness, which is replacing their eye-for-an-eye way of life. In their creed, one life always had to pay off for another life. The dawn of understanding came when they realized that Christ was the life laid down for all of us.