March 15, 2007
Danie du Preez: 1941-2008

Below are just a few of the many condolences that came from across the globe after the passing away of Oom Danie du Preez.. Included are photos of him and his wife, Dina du Preez, as well as DFL staff and other volunteers who worked with him on the mission station at Zavora, Mozambique. Click here to download the word document of all the condolences.

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Ek het 'n hart wat oorloop van dankbaarheid vir die 42 jaar wat ek bevoorreg was om met Danie getroud te wees. Vir my was hy altyd 'n bron van krag en veiligheid.  Sy hele lewe was toegewyd aan Vader deur Jesus Christus.  Self net voor sy dood kon hy opnuut die keuse maak om die wil van Sy Vader te doen en nie sy eie drome vir sy lewe te volg nie - al het dit sy dood beteken.  Sy nalatenskap aan my en ons kinders is dus kosbaar en ons sal graag sy voorbeeld volg.

Dina Du Preez, (Wife of Oom Danie)

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Liefste Paps,

Ek gaan jou so baie mis! Baie dankie vir ‘n huis vol soveel liefde. Dankie dat pa ons grootgemaak het volgens die beginsels van God se Woord wat ons nou nog saam met ons neem en toepas. Ek waardeer al pa se opofferings en harde werk om te sorg dat ons as kinders kon studeer. Pa het ook baie prysgegee om die Evangelie by mense uit te bring en pa geniet nou reeds die vrugte daarvan in Jesus se teenwoordigheid. Ek sien baie uit daarna om verder in die hemel saam te kuier.

Baie liefde, Danie du Preez Jr (Son)

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It is with a very sore heart I say : Good bye Danie.

You opened your heart and home to me when I was desperate. You always greeted me as if I was important.You touched my heart as you lived your faith.You enriched my life and I am so grateful I knew you. I can just imagine the party in heaven as the Lord welcomed you. Well done you good and faithful servant.

You were the epitome of what a good husband and father should be. I can imagine the grandchildren also adored you. You must have touched so many lives.

My Precious Dina - my heart goes out to you and your children and grandchildren. May the Lord enfold you in His love and comfort.

Love

Kathy Jeffery

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Dit was 'n voorreg om Broer Danie te ken. Vanaf ons oorspronklike ontmoeting was dit duidelik dat Danie 'n Godvresende man was wat 'n duidelike roeping gehad het om die Here voluit te dien. Dit was besonder dat Hy ook later voltyds in buitelandse sendingwerk betrokke geraak het en die mooi werk op die been gebring het in Mosambiek. Alhoewel afstand en besige programme ons min tyd saam gegun het, het ons altyd met warmte gedink aan Broer Danie en sy familie en groot waardering gehad vir sy bydrae in die Koninkryk van God. Hy sal met goeie herinnering gemis word.

Van Greg Denysschen en familie namens Jivannadi Sending, KZN

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To Dina and the children

During October and November 2005 and also in November 2006 I had to meet with Danie and Dina several times. My heart warms up as I think of the times we spent together. We talked a lot about the work they started in Zavora, about their lives. I can still remember nearly every word when Oom Danie shared his testimony one evening. He told us that he surrendered his whole life to the Lord when starting the work in Mozambique. He said: “Now I stop working for myself. From now on everything is for the Lord.”

Though I cannot explain it, as I write this message I can’t help crying because I’m aware I lost my brother, that I really loved. I also cry for Dina knowing that she is also in pain. I saw him working for the people of Mozambique with all his energy. Building, advising, praying, bringing the gospel, sharing his time, supplying them with a lot of materials he brought in from South Africa. I saw a blessed life, that was a blessing for many people in Mozambique/Zavora, but also for many visitors. When I think on all the cooking and refreshments they were giving, I think it should cost me more than 30 years to do something like that.
When I left them in November 2005 they gave me a letter which is still keep on my table and I saw something in that letter that came from the warmth in their hearts. I am still very grateful about that, and it is still very precious to me.

Please let Dina know I really love her with the love of the Lord. I am also very grateful for the opportunity in sharing how Oom Danie’s life was a blessing to me.

Dr. Paul Zuidema

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To Tannie Dina and children

“To You, O God, we have given thanks; for Your name is near, Your wonderful works declared. Psalm 75:1”

We would like to express our deepest sympathy with the passing of Oom Dani last week. We are grateful that we had the privilege to meet him and his wife the beginning of December. He was already very sick at that moment but he was also still full of hope as far as we could see. With this e-mail we want to encourage Tannie Dina, his children and family. We hope and we pray that the work he started in Zavora shall go on.
From the Bible we learn that those who stay behind though grieving they can also have hope knowing that Oom Danie is now without pain and suffering. That is a comfort for all of us but we are aware that on earth there is also pain. The pain from losing, and be separated, from a very loved person. We also know that the comfort and presence from the Lord makes it easier.

In Him we are Bound,   
Kees, Han, Gertjan, Paul en Jaap

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Dear Dina and children

It is difficult to have the “right” words at this time of pain! I just want to express my deepest condolences for the loss of Danie. When I sms George Ochse informing of Danie’s passing I wrote that he was promoted to glory! George replied praise the Lord. Reading the comments of the Dutch brethren and Dr. Paul Zuidema I can just say amen to it. Thank you ever so much for all the love that you both always received us at Zavora! My prayer is that we go forward with Danie’s vision carrying on the work.

In His abiding love, Mário Rocha

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An inspiration to have met a man that walked with Godly authority and love. Oom Danie will be greatly missed. Love Deborah.

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When the Daniels of this world leaves us to be with Jesus, we suffer great loss, but in heaven there's great rejoycing. Like Daniel, your dad made a great difference in his time. Heaven won't be silenced because of his seed that was deposited in others. A seed must die to produce a harvest. How vast the harvest! Love, Peter & Noleen. _____________________________

To the Du Preez Family in Remembrance of Our and Your beloved Danie!!

I  Mary, my first impression of Danie was his steady gaze as he spoke. I never knew him any other way. He communicated clearly, and never was there a hint of confusion.  This I believe stemmed from his relationship with the Lord. But  I  would  venture to say even B.C. he was a man of integrity  and quality.

The man Gerry and I had the privelige of knowing as committed  Christians, and fellow worker in the  Lords  vineyard, was one that it was good to be around. Thoroughness was part of his trademark. Whatever he tackled in the physical, he did with enthusiasm and cheeriness. His natural talents as a man of great practicality he used for the  Kingdom of  God, and whatever he did, spoke for itself.

It was evident he had a close relationship with the Lord. Never did we ever think he was easily swayed with the best intentions. The best way I can describe it was that he kept his head down and got on with the job! We both read him as a man of humility, never was self focused and had a compassion and love that gave him the desire to leave secular work and head out to Mozambique, a country so traumatized after that long civil war, a people who largely felt hopeless,  and in a desperate spiritual need. That is where  Danie and his  beloved  Dina answered the Lord's clear call, and and made it their mission to bring the  "Good  News" of the Lord Jesus Christ and comfort the poor souls that were all around them, giving them hope for their future, and for their  eternal destiny.

Not often in ones life do we meet a couple with that "Special Connection." Danie  and  Dina  were in that  special category. It was a delight to witness the respect and devotion they had for one another, and their love for the  Lord. It amazed me when on quite a number of occasions, I  admired something that Dina was wearing, she would say  "Oh,  Danie bought that for me"!  Wow! such care, so complimentary!.

Danie the father. We have no doubt that he was an exemplary  role model to his entire family. In this sad time consider this, that he was surely a gift to you all. Like a relay runner, he has passed you the batton, take it,  grasp it and run with it in whatever way the Lord shows. That would be the greatest honour you could give in his memory. 

Thank you Lord for bringing Danie and Dina into our lives. You have said: “Blessed are they that mourn, they will be comforted”. We join you Dina and the family for we know you have the extreme comfort of knowing Danie is with the Lord, and that you will see each other again.

With our love   Gerry  and  Mary.          

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Though I only knew Oom Danie for 5 months, I feel like I've known him all my life.  The way God brought our lives together was truly incredible and he will be missed immensely. The last time we were together, I told Oom Danie and Tannie Dina that I couldn't love them any more if they were my blood aunt and uncle. Living so far away from my family, they were and will always be my second family.  Mozambique won't be the same without Oom Danie, but with God's help, we will carry on the vision he started.

I love you Oom Danie!
Debbie Cawman

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Deur die afgelope jare se sendingwerk, het Oom Danie veel meer as net die plaaslike bevolking in Mosambiek se harte aangeraak. Vandat ons saam met hom en tannie Dina begin werk het, het vele Dokters Vir Lewe vrywiligheids werkers besoek in Zavora afgelê. Baie van hierdie mense was van oorsee en ons het keer op keer, positiewe terugvoering gekry. Dit was opvallend hoe die vrywilligers spesifiek vertel het oor hoe ‘n groot sëën Oom Danie en Tannie Dina vir hulle was. Vir sommige was die tyd in Zavora ‘n lewensveranderende tyd waar God met hulle gepraat het.

Ek heg graag hierby aan wat van die vriende vir my geskryf het na aanleiding van Oom Danie se afsterwe. Hetsy Amerikaans-, Portugees-, Engels-, Duits- of Nederlands-sprekend of enige ander taal; Oom Danie was vir almal Oom Danie. Vir my en Dokters vir Lewe was dit ‘n voorreg om oom Danie te ken en saam met hom te werk. Ek persoonlik sal oom Danie baie mis en dank die Here vir ons tye saam. Ek bid ook vir die familie sterkte toe.

Johan Claassen, Aid to Africa project coordinator (Doctors For Life Internatinal)

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Danie going home comes as very sad news. My thoughts are with Dina and their family: South African, Mozambican and International. We will all miss him dearly. He does however leave us with a great hope for our ultimate reunion with Father. Until then may He bring all that are mourning, abundant grace and comfort.

Steven Violano
People’s Republic of China
(first DFL volunteer team to visit Zavora, 2003)

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May God be with his wife and family.

Dr. Wilco Sliedrecht (Netherlands) DFL member

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I’m so sad to hear about Oom Danie – I know how comitted he was to work in Zavora and the tremendous fruit he had already seen from his faithfulness there. I remember him as a quiet and calm man who showed great love for the local people (of Mozambique). I will always remember the time I spent in Mozambique – I feel very previleged to have met Oom Danie and Tannie Dina. Please let her know that I’m thinking about her and praying for her at this time.

Dr Sian Bennet ,United Kingdom (First DFL Medical team to visit Zavora in 2004)

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I never did meet him personally but I have heard much about him. Please send my regards to his family.

Joy Selby
USA (2003 DFL volunteer)

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Lieve Dina en kinderen.

Wat zijn wij geschrokken van het bericht dat Danie is overleden. Hóe erg zal de schok zijn bij jou en de kinderen ...!! We condoleren je/jullie met dit intense verlies!

We hebben er gistermiddag lang over gepraat (en gehuild).De herinnering aan onze tijd gezamenlijk in Závora was zó waardevol. We blijven daaraan terugdenken als een kostbaar geschenk!' Het zal als een onvergetelijke herinnering in ons hart blijven! Ook de paar dagen die we nog samen doorbrachten met Danie in het Krügerpark en de reis naar Kwasizabantu Zulu Natal blijven over als een heel bijzondere tijd in ons leven en zullen een zoete herinnering zijn. Dat we Danie nu niet meer mogen treffen als wij naar Afrika/Mozambique terugkomen stemt ons zeer verdrietig! Wij zullen hem ook erg missen!

Lieve Dina waar kunnen wij jou mee troosten? Gistermorgen hadden we nog zo vurig gebeden of de Here jouw Danie alsjeblieft wilde beter maken.... In datzelfde uur haalde de Here hem thuis.... Op 'n Suidafrikaanse kalender las ik volgend gezegde: 'n Ware vriend is iemand wat vir jou sê: 'Daar waar jou hart stukkend breek, wil ek nabij wees'

Ik denk dat die allerbeste Ware Vriend alleen de Here Jezus kan zijn, en die Ek moet dan met hoofdletter worden geschreven!! Vannacht moest ik ineens denken aan het volgende lied:

`U bent mijn rots wanneer ik wankel, U richt mij op wanneer ik val, Dwars door de storm Bent U Heer het anker; ik stel mijn hoop alleen op U`. Het is lied naar Psalm 62:6 t/m 8 We hopen dat het je tot troost mag zijn Dina!

Wij blijven bidden om hulp en kracht van onze Hemelse Vader voor jou Dina en de kinderen! Ook op de dag van de begrafenis zullen we in gedachten bij jullie zijn! Heel veel liefs en Gods kracht gewenst!

Hessel & Iety
Nederland (Support Group for Zavora Clinic )

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I am sorry to hear this sad news although I did not know Oom Danie du Preez, I am familiar with one who gives their life as a missionary for our Lord. Please pass my sympathy on to his family knowing God has the last say with all of us and only someone who has been called to do mission work can truly understand why we do it.

I will be praying for this family and for all who are obeying the call to this work. For the scripture tells us to go into all the world and work and what soever is right the Lord will pay. Oom du Preez has only gone before us to recieve his just reward. Love to all. Happy to be in his service,

Missionary Betty Gardner
USA (DFL volunteer)

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With sadness, but also thankfulness I got the message about the pass away of Oom Danie du Preez. With sadness as we lost a marvellous person, an example of a Christian and a friend. With thankfulness as Oom Danie was a cheerful Christian, who loved to work for our Lord. Oom Danie cared always for me like for a younger brother, when we stayed with him in Zavora. Finally with joy, as we know, that Oom Danie will be embraced by our Lord Jesus Christ.

My heartiest consolation to Tannie Dina and her family.

Dr Walter Klenner
Germany
(DFL Medical volunteer in Zavora, 2005)

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The following people also sent their condolences and prayer support:

Dr Augustine Lukotwa (First DFL Medical Student Outreach to Zavora, Dec 2004)
Mark Kaiser – Physisian Asistant – USA (1st DFL medical team in Zavora, 2004)
Bettina Marayang – David Wilkerson’s Secretary – USA
Dr. Bola Omoniyi – USA (Part of medical student outreach, Dec 2005)
Heinrich Botes – DFL office, South Africa
Johan Claassen - DFL office, South Africa