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Shank, David A. (1924-2010)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2010 Nov 8 p. 10
Birth date: 1924 Oct 7
text of obituary:
By Mennonite Mission Network staff
GOSHEN, Ind. — David A. Shank, a mission worker in Europe and West Africa and professor at Goshen College, died Oct. 20 at his home. He was 86.
Shank and his wife, Wilma, served with Mennonite Board of Missions in Belgium from 1950 to 1973 and in West Africa from 1979 to 1989.
shank was a pioneer in biblical and theological training in Benin, wrote Ernest Oueounou, president of one of the major councils of churches in Benin, in a condolence letter addressed to Shank's family and to Mennonite Church USA.
"Through Dr. Shank's fervor and love for God's work, he brought together Christ's body in Benin around God's word," Oueounou wrote.
In 1983, Shank taught the first ecumenical Bible training seminar in Benin at the invitation for a council that brought together all non-Catholic churches in the country.
This seminar was the seed that gave birth to Benin Bible Institute, where thousands of West African church leaders from more than 70 denominations have been trained.
James R. Krabill, Mennonite Mission Network's senior executive for global ministries, served in