Spurgeon College Student Dies During Missions Training
An incoming Spurgeon College student died after collapsing during missions training, leaving his family, classmates and two Kansas City-area Christian institutions mourning as the fall term begins.
Benjamin “Ben” Speidel collapsed Saturday, Aug. 15, during the college’s missions training week and died after being taken to a hospital, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary announced Wednesday. The school did not disclose Speidel’s age, the location of the training, a cause of death or the hospital where he was treated.
Speidel, the son of Peter and Maria Speidel, was preparing to enter Spurgeon College, Midwestern Seminary’s undergraduate program. The Southern Baptist Convention lists the Kansas City, Missouri, school as one of its six seminaries.
“This comes as a tragic, traumatic event for all of us, especially for the Speidel family and those students and staff in closest proximity to Ben,” Midwestern President Jason K. Allen said in the school’s announcement.
Seminary leaders notified students and families after the collapse and made counselors available during the weekend, according to the school. Counseling remained available this week for students and others affected.
Speidel attended Lenexa Baptist Church with his family and took part in Senior Challenge, an eight-week spring program for graduating seniors. Senior Pastor Chad McDonald said Speidel wanted to serve Christ and help others understand the gospel.
“He claimed Christ and lived Christ,” McDonald said. “We have no doubt about where Ben is today. He is with Jesus. His faith has become sight.”
Friends remembered Speidel as humble, grateful and eager to serve. One classmate recalled him leading a hike and clearing spider webs from the path for others hours before his collapse.
Spurgeon College Dean Sam Bierig called the death “a great blow” to the mission teams and college community. Lenexa Baptist prayed for the Speidel family during Sunday worship.
No funeral arrangements had been announced Wednesday.
–Metro Voice
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