Joel T. Akin
June 30, 1958 – February 13, 2021
Joel was one of the most interesting persons you would ever have met, especially if you had the opportunity to discover his rich character, diversity of hobbies, and experience his Christian walk.
Sadly, Joel left for the glory of heaven in what seems to be years too. He passed away on February 13, 2021 at the age of 62.
Joel was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 30, 1958 as the second of three children to his father, Reverend Wayne Akin and his mother, Esther. Joel lived in many locations as his parents were church planters in Michigan, Wisconsin and Canada.
After graduating high school, Joel attended Lee Bible College in Cleveland, Tennessee where he received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Religious Studies.
In 1980 Joel moved to Moose Jaw, SK and then Brooks, AB where he joined his parents, who were planting the Brooks Church of God. Joel became active in the church and community and over the years enjoyed numerous jobs including positions at the Brooks Horticultural Center, Brooks Aqueduct, Brooks Library and Shaw Cable. He was also an announcer at the local radio station and had a program called “Good Morning Gospel”. His last years were spent in Calgary, AB.
Joel enjoyed photography and collecting things including rocks, especially Ammonite, books, comics, sports cards, Pepsi products, and numerous other treasures. This led to Joel and his younger brother Steve opening the store “Books & Collectibles”, later named “Cardz & Toonz”.
One of Joel’s most satisfying ventures was the research and completion of his book: “Making Crooked Ways Straight”. It was the story of the life and missionary journeys of his Great Uncle Fred Zaukelies in Detroit, MI and elsewhere. Joel was able to capture the fascinating stories of difficult times, struggles and amazing miracles that occurred as a result of the steadfast faith of this towering uncle of his. It took him four years of research and traveling to gather information from many relatives throughout the United States.
The final step of the book was getting it printed in the Philippines where he made treasured friends, including Dennis and Denie Heppner, with whom he stayed in Manila. In those trips he also ministered in Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Joel was well received due to his friendliness, quick wit, winning smile, and confident faith.
He spoke confidently of “the hope in Christ”, and had the gift of dreams and visions with insightful interpretations.
Joel will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially his beloved mother Esther, sister Lynda Bauer, brother Steve and wife Shirley and their children Matthew, Christina, and Joshua. He also leaves behind, aunts, uncles, and many cousins throughout the States.
When the doctors had fully diagnosed Joel’s condition with cancer, the reference was made that he was “stoic”. This can indeed be said of Joel whose Christian walk was an example to many as he often put others before his own comfort and needs. Our lives are richer for having known him.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Joel’s memory, can be made to the Philippine ministry of the Heppners. https://gentlehandsorphanages.com/
Joel’s favorite Bible passages – Psalms 23 and Psalms 139. Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Psalm 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
