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A living seed

Jake H. Friesen

I was a teen sitting in church, waiting for the start of the evening service. My pastor, a man not given to small talk, came by, spotted me, put a hand on my shoulder and said, “I believe God has called you to the ministry of the Word.” Then he walked on.

That comment was like my pre-ordination. God used it as a living seed. At age 18, I began to preach, and I have never stopped, though I have now been retired for a number of years.

Jake is pictured in 1968 (right) and in 1986 with Leona.

My first official ministry assignment was teaching in East Chilliwack Bible School in Chilliwack, B.C., where I served for four years. It was at the end of this time that I was formally ordained as a minister of the gospel in the Mennonite Brethren Conference. That was in November 1958, over 40 years ago.

Over the years, it has been my privilege to engage in various types of ministry, including serving as a home missions field director, pastoring and counselling.

In 1996, thinking we were semi-retired, my wife Leona and I made a joint move to Vernon, B.C. with our recently widowed daughter. Again, the Lord opened new doors, both for counselling and for preaching in a church of another denomination which had been without leadership for some time.

For God’s faithfulness during over 40 years of ministry, we give thanks. May God bless those who shared words of encouragement with us along the way, including the pastor who planted that living seed.

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Last modified May 4, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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