I met Sigfried Klassen by telephone even before I landed in Montevideo on my first trip to Urugay in February of the year 2000. Sigfried tragically died suddenly as the result of a farming accident while repairing a tractor. He left this life in November of 2018. He was 56 years old. Surviving him is his wonderful wife and dedicated helpmate, Yvonne. These two have lived in Montevideo for about 40 years. Sigfried left behind four very nice, loving, and intelligent children, all adults, and two young grandchildren.
On every trip I took to Uruguay from 2000 to early 2018, I would coordinate with Sigfried in advance of the trip. He would always introduce me to new people who were starting their own ministries, charities, or churches. There were some trips when I just needed a friend to talk to whom I knew would share Biblical wisdom and give appropriate feedback to me. Sigfried was always there for me. When I had an opportunity to preach in a church (and this was such a privilege for me to do,) Sigfried would be at my side translating my message into Spanish.
Sigfried spoke five languages. He knew everyone who was in Christian Ministry in Uruguay. Through him, Asado Ministries has been able to invest in the work of many people and organizations successfully. Sigfried’s funeral was a true memorial to his wonderful life and work. It was wonderful but sad that he was blessed by God in his excellent discipleship ministry only to be taken away by this tragic farm accident much too early in life.
From this time forward, each time my plane touches the runway in Montevideo until the time we lift off for home, You, my friend, will be powerfully on my mind. So long my friend. Your integrity, intelligence, principles of hard work, patience and a loving spirit will be missed by all for years and years to come.
