"The opportunities and needs are great. Pray the Lord of the harvest."
It is with deep sadness that the Labrador Moravians say good-bye to long-time servant of Christ, Rev. Dr. Brigitte Schloss, missionary to the Labrador Moravians since 1950. She has served many roles in and out of the church; teacher, mentor, minister, Chaplain, advocate, and friend to name a few.
Brigitte was born in Guadau, Germany on Oct. 3, 1927, the 3rd child of Erwin Schloss (Moravian minister) and Emy nee Ruggert. On Oct. 30, 1927 she was baptized by her father. due to his Jewish origins, the family had to leave Germany in 1935 and went to Bern, Switzerland where she went to school and was confirmed by her father on April 18, 1943. The very careful instruction he gave her was considered by Brigitte to be a blessing to her all of her life.
After 2 years of teacher training, 2 years of teaching Switzerland, she spent a year in England to learn the language with a call to serve God in the Moravian Church. Her desire was to serve in Rajpur, yet, in 1950, she came to Labrador where she stayed until 1971. Brigitte said "I thank God for those years in which I learned more than I could ever hope to teach and received so much more than I could give."
From 1971-81 Brigitte was in Ontario, obtained a further degree and got experience in teacher education. From 1981-1988 she coordinated the Native Teacher Education Program in Labrador. The program aimed at helping Labradorians become qualified teachers and direct the education of their children. "This work afforded me much time in Labrador and more joys than she could tell."
Brigitte was installed as an Acolyte on September 4, 1988 in Nain by the Rev. Otto Dreydoppel. From 1989 on she served Labrador Moravians who lived in St. John's, or who came to study, or were patients in the hospital, or had to spend some time at the correctional facility. "This too was a privilege and high calling."
Brigitte was ordained in Nain by the Bishop A. Freeman on October 3, 1995.
Brigitte stories flow from all over the Labrador province of her teaching languages and other subjects, her sense of discipline, love of education, and her passion and love for the Lord Jesus. Brigitte will be missed by many in this corner of the world, and many whom she inspired around the world.
"God has led me all the way and I learned that nothing can separate me from His love"
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