In Memoriam

Mr. Jakob K. Thiessen

A PIONEER ON MANY FRONTS

(03/1912 - 12/2003)

His life was an entire challenge. Born in March, 1912, when he was just 15 years old he emigrated from Canada to Paraguay with a group of Mennonites, who came in search of a place where they could live their life of faith of their choice and belief.

During the first month in Paraguay, he learned all about sacrifice when nearly half of all the immigrants died of typhoid fever (in Pto. Casado) before they reached their new settlement. Experiences of this kind formed his character and heart in a very special way and from a very young age he had deep spiritual experiences which will remain as a treasure for our family. Even though he grew up in a profoundly structured Mennonite lineage, his personal relationship with God gave him the courage and freedom to embrace the teachings of the Divine Principle when almost 70 years old. His ever-learning attitude enabled him to follow True Parents’ work with great interest around the globe; he always yearned to know what was happening in the providential arena.                                                             

Our parents received the Holy Blessing in 1989 in New York together with their oldest son and daughter. Six of his eight children are blessed and he truly enjoyed a grand family with even eight blessed great-grandchildren.

In his last moments (during which there were no signs of any conscious response) his oldest daughter told him briefly about the Israel providence, that Jesus had finally found his home in Jerusalem. At that moment he seemed to form a serene smile and, seconds afterwards, he ascended. It was a moment where death had no bitter taste at all; it was rather a fulfillment of God’s great plan, where unity with the origin took place.

Our father loved Jesus in a unique way, and felt relieved and happy that His mission finally could be accomplished through the True Parents. He was a very warm-hearted person, but faced challenges with great courage and as such he will be remembered, a pioneer for God in tough circumstances -- and as pioneer he went as the first member of the FFWPU of Paraguay into the SW.

We will miss you, Papa.

The Thiessen family