After Jake’s birth, the family immigrated to Paraguay, travelling by train to New York, then by cattle boat. They returned to Canada within 9 months, settling in a house barn on a dairy farm. Jake’s family attended church, but being “born again” was frowned upon. In 1945, after she said she couldn’t die because Jesus hadn’t come, Jake heard his mother cry, “Now he’s here!” in her last breath. Jake left for Winnipeg, where he met Anne. He worked 42 years for Cowin Steel, retiring in 1990. Jake and Anne returned to church when their children asked to go to Sunday school. When the pastor preached on alcoholism, Jake was convicted. Kneeling in the garbage room at work, he became a child of God. After a party, Jake was overcome with guilt, and never needed liquor again. Jake and Anne taught Sunday school and new believers, helped with care groups, served as greeters and on boards. They joined gospel teams at Union Gospel Mission. In retirement, Jake was associate chaplain at Winnipeg International Airport and the Abbotsford (B.C.) Salvation Army. His mother’s deathbed experience became meaningful to him.
