Pastor Jake has been part of the German Valley CRC family since 2000.  Previously, he was Interim Pastor of First Christian Reformed Church of Fulton, IL.

As a child, Jake emigrated from the Netherlands with his family and settled in Fulton, IL.  After graduating from Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA in 1974, Jake returned to Fulton and spent over 25 years in sales and marketing in a variety of settings including the restaurant, insurance, funeral, sporting goods, and recycling fields.  11 years were spent as a marketing director for an organization serving the needs of people with disabilities.

In the late 90's God called Jake into ministry.  He has completed some graduate work at Wheaton Graduate College in Theological and Biblical studies.  In 2001 he was approved for ordination by Classis Northern Illinois and the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church of North America.

Although, Pastor Jake's path into ministry has been atypical, his experience connecting with people on many levels, and a variety of settings has allowed him the opportunity to meet people's needs in many different situations.

He has a huge passion for the Lord (Gal. 2: 20) and is a true people person.  His heart is for the church to be an active, vibrant body of believers who love God above all; love their "neighbors" and want to be faithful to Christ's word to go and make disciples of all nations. (Matt. 28: 16 - 20)

Pastor Jake is married to Priscilla. They have 3 children, two of whom are married and two grandchildren