I found this diary amongst the Theo Behrens archives in July 2020. A. H. Wilhelm Behrens is my great grandfather. In his diary he expresses the hope that his grandson, Theo, will be interested in his story. Thankfully, the diary found its way to his intended recipient. As I am growing older, the need to understand my family history grows. We can only know who we are if we know where we came from. It is also easier to understand how our parents raised us if we know where they came from and how they grew up. Us Behrens siblings found wonderful stories about our father after his death. Although he told us many stories, I am sad that I missed the opportunity to remain curious when he was still alive. It should be a lesson for all parents and children. Parents should tell their children the stories of their lives and children must remain curious and keep asking questions. It enriches lives. After my father’s death in 2011, my next injection about the Behrens history came in 2012, when my brother, Dewald, sent us pictures from the missionary museum in Hermannsburg, Germany. Soon thereafter the two of us were given the opportunity to contribute to the English translation of Dr Bammann’s epic work on the birth and rise of the Bethanie community1 where Behrens (snr) and Behrens (jnr) feature prominently. This diary is that of Behrens (jnr). This diary is a refreshing addition to my ability to share Behrens stories with my children and grandchildren. I started reading the diary with my smattering of German and when I came to the story of the mamba and the Zulu procession, I knew that I had to have it translated. I was extremely excited but also a little fearful about what I would find. The diary spans the Anglo/Boer War and the First World War and ends well into the Second World War. What would I find? I decided to proceed; however, I would manage circulation after considering the final translated result. 1 The Bakwena ba Mogopa of Bethanie – Heinrich Bammann. Ludwig-Harms-Haus GmbH, Hermannsburg, Germany, 2015. ISBN 978 3 937301 97 2.
country with Covid-19, a sharply declining economy, increasing unemployment, crime and corruption and extremist noises raising the temperature. It is a period in our history where I am increasingly concerned for the future of my SA-based children. I was lucky to find Renate Wolf to do the translation. I met with her in Pretoria during August 2020. My requests were simple: a) she had to translate the diary “as is”, do not spare the blushes, b) I only wanted to see the completed work – not piecemeal, and, c) I wanted to present the finished product to my siblings and children as a Christmas present. My curiosity overcame me by the end of September. Renate responded to my query on progress with the statement that her family now had to bear with her with missionary stories at dinner time. I was elated! Renate convinced me that the translation should retain the pagination format of the diary and that I should include the corresponding, originally written pages in the final product. Very brave for the translator! We also went through the final product to try and clear the spelling of names. We managed to fix some with reference to Dr Bammann’s book. Her insights have been invaluable. As a matter of interest, I recommend that the reader does some research on the ship “Candace”. It tells its own stories. Renate also convinced me to distribute more widely. She knows people, who know people who will be interested! My sincere gratitude to Renate for her translation, enthusiasm, and advice. Her insights have been invaluable. I include her comments. Translator’s comment: When entrusted with the translation of a document such as this personal diary of a dedicated missionary you indeed step into the shoes of the person who penned the events of his days. You start seeing the world through his eyes, understanding the people of his times on the basis of his experiences. In translating these memories and reflections I tried to remain as faithful as possible to the original text so as to allow readers of the English vervsion the same privilege of drawing close to the author. It is thus that, for example, terms that during the course of history became ideologically burdened (“kaffir”, “heathen”) were maintained. Interestingly, upon careful reading of the diary it will be noticed that these terms were only used in the early stages after his arrival in South Africa. As he got to know and work with the people of this initially unfamiliar and somewhat daunting continent, such
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
____________________ Nackend lag ich auf dem Boden Naked lay I on the ground Da ich kam, da ich nahm when I came, when I took Meinen ersten Odem. my first breath. Nackend werd ich auch hinziehen, Naked shall I go wenn ich werd von der Erd when I flee the earth als ein Schatten fliehen. as a shadow. ____________________ „I am serving!“ The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 So his servant is to think and act. Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus, etc. Philippians 2 16 May 1943 The Lord hath brought me hitherto by His surpassing favour; His mercies ev’ry morn were new, his kindness did not waver. God hitherto hath been my Guide, hath pleasures hitherto supplied, and hitherto hath helped me. EG 329 ____________________
1854 – 1938 – 1943 ____________________ I lay on Thee, my God and Saviour blest, the weight which has my failing strength oppressed, too ponderous to endure; My worldly state with trusting faith I place in Thine o’er-ruling Hand, throughout my race my tried support and sure, which, from my youth, has never failed to guide the changeful course of life’s eventful tide. ____________________ These notes were compiled for my beloved Bertha. W. Behrens In 1943 when I was 89 years old
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