Although new to the hosting thang, living extreme is not to Jake. Our energetic host doesn’t believe in being bored. His passion for life is contagious to everyone around him. With a desire to be a good example for youth, Jake was a leader in Young Life (high school mentoring program) when he heard about the job at One Cubed. He shared, “There is a real need for relational ministry; to influence kid’s lives. It’s real cool to reach them.”

Part of the scoop on Jake is that his dad retired from the Marines and his mom is in the insurance biz. A member of Christian Surfers, his passions include surfing, cliff diving, skating and playing all of his instruments. He took on the music world when he started playing piano at 10, saxophone at 12, clarinet, flute, bass, the drums as well as electric and acoustic guitar. With a goal to travel the world, Jake has been to Costa Rica, Canada and Mexico. He also loves everything about the outdoors including camping, climbing trees and swimming. “It’s a great expression of God’s strength,” he said.

Although not proud of it, Jake had his own desk in the principle’s office in sixth grade. The years went by and the confused teen wanted to know why he put on this earth. He commented, “It wouldn’t make sense for me to live seventy-seven years and have life suck for the rest of my life; which meant there had to be a redeeming quality.”

Later on in his teen years one of his friends invited Jake to a youth retreat. He went and when the leader asked everyone to go off by themselves and have a conversation with God, Jake went to the woods. He felt God’s love and gave his heart to Jesus right there in a tree.

Through all of his experiences, good and bad, Jake has come out a true winner. “From the dawn of time to the end of man, God is faithful,” he commented. “He has the desire to love you. He has a purpose for you.” Talking about the One Cubed experience Jake said, “This is a good thing. God has to get all of the credit for it.”

The Low Down:

Joined the world on February 27, 1980 in South Carolina

He’s number four of five kids

Jake’s 6’2”

Former manager of a body piercing company

English was his favorite subject

Newly married

“Jake Bits” – Favorites:

Japanese food

Wheels - 1967 Plymouth Valiant convertible, puke green, leather interior with a rip down the middle on the back seat and rust spots

Movie – Better Off Dead

Actor – Brad Pitt

Performer – David Bowie

Playing sax in a band called Braddigan

Talking at ‘Cha’

“I think you should tip a minimum of 25% no matter what.”

Finishing Touches…

Jake gives a “shout out” to his mom for his birth. He was a big boy at nine pounds!

By Kristin Vischer