Page 5 - The Diary of A. H. W. Behrens

terms were soon replaced with the actual names of people that were then fondly described in very vivid terms. This is most certainly a missionary who was passionate about his work and the people with whom he worked and had their best interest at heart. This can be seen, for example, in the multiple cumbersome land purchases that were effected in collaboration with the members of his congregation and led them to become proud land owners.
Missionary Behrens wrote this diary for his wife and descendants over an extended period of time – good and healthy years, but also hard and physically challenging years. This is also reflected in his handwriting. Where certain words, names or passages were difficult
to decipher I decided to indicate these by way of a question mark in square brackets in the English translation. These can then be compared to the corresponding terms on the relevant pages in the German original hand-written diary.
I wish the readers of the English version of this remarkable diary an exciting journey through the turbulent times of the life of the astounding Missionary A.H.W. Behrens.
I must emphasize that this is not a work of history. Historians do extensive research from various references and interpret. I strongly recommend Dr Bammann’s work for those
who are interested. This diary is simply the story of Missionary August Heinrich Wilhelm Behrens. He died on 5 July 1948 at the age of 94. He is buried in Kroondal near Rustenburg. May he rest in peace. I am proud of his contribution to his communities and extremely proud to be his descendent.
I dedicate this project to my elder brother Wilhelm (Bimmie), my sister Ingrid, and youngest sibling Dewald (in Australia). Equally also to my children, Liezl (in Vancouver), Ludwig, Paul and Elène. May you enjoy the step back in time and find wonderful stories, both for yourself and your families - and especially for my grandchildren, currently Iris, Mieke and Joel (in Vancouver) and Paul (with Joseph arriving soon). And to my wife Helène – thank you for your family values, listening to my stories and sharing my excitement as this project unfolded.
I will also distribute to my cousins. To them and all the other readers – enjoy and be safe!
Paul Werner Behrens (“Werner”) Johannesburg
December 2020 pwbehrens@gmail.com