Lena Bishop Duncan, age 91, of Wheaton, IL, beloved wife of Howard Duncan, and the late Gordon Bishop; dear mother of John (Darlene) Bishop, Bill (Milli) Bishop, Ruth (John) Goasdone, and Paul (Joanne) Bishop; sister of Walter (Jewell) Harvey; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, May 21, from 4:00 P.M. until the time of a memorial service to be held at 5:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, 1310 N. Main St., in Wheaton. Interment, private. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to Camp Awana, 3859 N. Central, Chicago, IL 60634; or to SIM, PO Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241 in the USA or to SIM, 10 Huntingdale Blvd. Scarborough, ON M1W 2S5 in Canada.

Lena Rivers Harvey was born October 30th, 1918, in Decatur, Alabama, the seventh of eleven children. As her parents were Christians, she was taught the principles of Christian living. At the age of twelve she accepted Christ as her Saviour in a Sunday School Rally.

Due to lack of encouragement in her spiritual life, she drifted from the Lord and the church. After graduation from high school in 1937, she began to work and to keep company with a group indifferent to the gospel. The next year, when her little eight month old niece died with pneumonia, Lena's life turned around. After being visited by a church group, she soon found herself attending services. At the Girls Auxiliary branch of the Missionary Union, she dedicated her life anew to the Lord.

While preparing a lesson on missions for children, the Lord showed her the great need in Africa and the scarcity of laborers. She surrendered her life for His service in her room on August 4th, 1939. In January 1940, the door opened for her to attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, from which she graduated December 18th, 1942. While at the Institute she heard Dr. Helser and learned of the great need in the Sudan and she met Gordon Bishop.

Her referees to SIM USA wrote: "Lena is a jolly person and a joy to have around … She is accustomed to hardships and self-denial. Not only is she a fine Sunday School teacher but children quickly learn to love her … has proven herself fearless and courageous in her stand for the Lord … is an earnest, sincere Christian, patient, willing and conscientious … cooperative and uncomplaining, acceptable and not easily discouraged." She was accepted by the USA Council on February 25th, 1943 and arrived in Africa on January 21st, 1944.

The following year, on May 24th, Lena and Gordon were married. God blessed them with four children, John, William, Ruth and Paul. While her husband Gordon served as Niger Director, Lena was a wonderful supporter to him in ministry and a gracious hostess to the many who passed through Maradi, Niger. She worked well with people and showed a real warmth, understanding and friendliness. She was especially loved by the Nigerienne women with whom she devoted much time. One of Lena's colleagues writes of the great encouragement, care and support that Lena and Gordon were to them as a young couple when they arrived on the field. Through out their missionary career the Bishops continued to mentor and encourage this couple. Following the birth of a third child the young mother became quite depressed. Lena invited her to come and stay with them for two weeks. Lena looked after the baby while the young mother rested. The Bishops ministered to her physically, spiritually and emotionally. The result was that the young couple remained on the field for many more years of service. Even these many years later they are so grateful to the kindness and hospitality of Gordon and Lena.

Gordon and Lena returned to reside in Canada in 1979. In September 1982 they went back to Africa for a special two year assignment. During that time, Gordon was taken home to be with the Lord through an accident, while providing a well and water for famine stricken people in Soura, Niger. As Lena received the many who came to offer her condolences she took every opportunity to share the gospel with each one. When Lena returned to Canada she settled in, Ontario, Gordon's home town. On May 31st, 1985, she officially retired.

The Lord gave Gordon and Lena thirty-nine years of happy marriage. During their home assignments, they had met Howard and Lina Duncan at Camp Awana in Wisconsin. The Duncans later gave three of the Bishop children a place to stay while they were going to school. Mrs. Duncan passed away with cancer in 1987. On May 14th, 1988, Lena married Howard who was the father-in-law of her son John. Lena and Howard settled in Howard's home in Wheaton, Illinois. Although living in the States, Howard and Lena remained very interested in the ministry of SIM and faithful as prayer supporters. Lena's joyous, gracious spirit continued to bless and encourage God's people.

In recent months Lena had not been well. She was longing for her heavenly home. On Friday, May 14th God answered her prayer and called Lena home to Himself. The SIM Canada family want to extend our heart felt appreciation for the life and ministry of Lena. We express to the family our sympathy and assurance of our love and prayers.