Loren Entz, 78, a mission worker who helped preserve local culture and language while sharing the gospel for 30 years in Burkina Faso, died June 27 in Winnipeg, Man. He had experienced several challenging years with an undiagnosed illness.

Entz and his wife, Donna, were among the first Mennonite Board of Missions personnel to work through Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission in the West African nation known until 1984 as Upper Volta, serving there from 1978 to 2008.

Beginning in the mid-1980s, the Entzes worked among the Dzuun people. Through ethnographic research — beginning with listening to elders share local stories and folktales — they helped develop a writing system and recorded about 70 Old Testament stories for translation into the Dzuun language.

They later produced radio programs featuring biblical stories alongside traditional Psalms songs and local folklore. Entz used his agricultural background to grow medicinal crops to address nutritional needs.

Born March 13, 1948, in Newton, Kan., Entz did alternative service during the Vietnam War in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he encouraged rabbit raising in villages. From his work with the Congolese, he learned that his relational gifts were more important than the programs he started. This became his passion that guided his work. He made time for every person who entered his courtyard.

During their first decade in Burkina Faso, the Entzes focused on learning the trade language, Jula, building relationships with new believers, partnering with Catholic communities and helping to strengthen the emerging Mennonite team in the Kénédougou province.

They raised their three children — Zachary, Mariam and Aisha — as active participants in village life.

Siaka Traoré, a longtime Burkinabè colleague, compared Entz (known locally as Seydou Jan) to the Apostle Paul for his incarnational ministry.

“The fruit of Seydou Jan’s hard work today is the establishment of local churches among the Dzuun people, and God wills the dedication of the New Testament in the Dzunn language on Dec. 5, 2026,” he said.

After retiring from Burkina Faso, the Entzes moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where they chose not to own a car and focused on simple, relational service — conversations on public transit, hospitality in their home, teaching English and tending a community garden.

Donna Entz continued working to strengthen Muslim-Christian relationships with Mennonite Church Alberta, while Loren cared for their home. They later moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family.

Dan Nighswander, former general secretary of Mennonite Church Canada, said Entz “loved the people with whom he and Donna lived” and “delighted in sharing their stories . . . with deep respect and good humor.”

He is survived by his wife, Donna; their children and families.