Methodist church's new minister makes spiritual journey from Kenya

Few have taken a longer road to historic La Conner United Methodist Church than its new pastor.

The Rev. Dr. Jacob Kanake, who assumed pastoral duties here this month, hails from the Kenya Methodist Church, where he served before moving with his family to the United States.

The Methodist Church was planted in Kenya, an East African nation and former British colony, in the early 1860s.

The Kanakes feel quite at home in Washington, where he has pastored at Colfax and St. John east of the Cascades. His wife, Rev. Grace Kanake, leads nearby Allen United Methodist Church.

Jacob Kanake proved his pastoral skills on that Eastern Washington assignment. St. John and Colfax are longtime high school sports rivals. He was well positioned to be the peacemaker.

"One man, God bless his soul – he passed away a month or so ago – asked me why they had to share me with the other church," Kanake said. "He said he didn't like the people in the other town because they always thought they were better."

Kanake felt the calling to ministry as a youth in Kenya, overcoming initial pushback from his parents about traditionally low pay for ministers.

"I would say the call is bigger than what one does for a living," he said. "For me, my call defines God's intention for my life. The way I talk and interact with others ought to promote that call. Church ministry has its challenges, but God promises to be with me."

Kanake came to the U.S. nearly a quarter-century ago for theological studies and intended returning to Kenya to serve the church. He felt called to remain and preach in his adopted country.

Kanake earned his doctorate in pastoral care and counseling in 2014 at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

He didn't get an accurate scouting report on Minnesota winters before relocating to the Twin Cities. He was told it would get cold and was advised to buy some boots and coats. He learned on the fly that winter could last six months. But after a decade there, Kanake acclimated.

"The two cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are very good at clearing the snow," he said. "And I learned to keep my distance while driving."

Kanake has a passion to assist Christians with mental illness and families dealing with substance abuse and marital distress. He's eager to serve an all-encompassing pastoral role here.

"I pray to move the current church energy forward," Kanake said, "transforming the world around us."

Upon launching his La Conner ministry, Kanake shared with the congregation that his appointment here "is a new dawn for you and me," referring to his East African roots. "I am willing to explore wherever God leads us. Are you ready?"

Kanake succeeds retiring pastor Marcella Baker, who led La Conner United Methodist Church for 10 years. The Kanakes, who have six children, had befriended Baker prior to her decision to step down.

"We had heard that La Conner is a tourist city, so my wife and I came over and walked here all the way to the school," Kanake said. "We wanted to see if there were places of worship here. We found this church and immediately felt a connection. We learned about this church and met the pastor, who became our friend. Then all of a sudden, we saw on the church website that she had announced her retirement and there would be an opening here."

Kanake arrived in time to be part of the La Conner church's ongoing memorial garden project.

"The members have been volunteering with all the skills they have," he said. "The members of the church have come together on something that is a lot of fun and brings a lot of joy."

With his wealth of life experiences, Kanake invites anyone to meet with him over tea to discuss bible study or any other topic.

At La Conner, Kanake is preaching to a congregation that has inherited a rich spiritual tradition. The first Methodist sermon here was delivered in the 1870s in a small upstairs room of the home of the town's namesake, Louisa Ann Conner, a devout Catholic.

From those modest origins, the local Methodist church has grown to its present state, welcoming to its landmark building on Second Street dozens of worshipers each Sunday.

"I have no doubt that our vision is for continued growth," said Kanake.