Jacob Gartenhaus
1896 - 1984

"There are many things I do not know, and there are some things I do know. One thing I do know is that the Bible is true."


Jacob Gartenhaus was born an orthodox Jew in Austria just before the turn of the century. His father was a rabbi for many years, and Jacob was raised in the strict observance of his family's religion.

As a young man, he came to the United States to seek his fortune. He found no peace for the empty longing in his heart. Eventually he was forced to consider the claim of Jesus Christ to be the Messiah. He studied the Hebrew Scriptures, bringing his immense training and intellect to bear on the search for the truth. At last he acknowledged Christ as Messiah and accepted Him as Saviour.

His family disowned him, and his former friends beat him so severely that he almost died.

He left for Moody Bible Institute where he was forced to use an interpreter for his classes as he still spoke no English. He was very active in evangelistic efforts toward the Jewish community.

Gartenhaus served as director of the Jewish Department of the Home Mission Board (SBC) for many years before he and his wife established the (independent) International Board of Jewish Missions.

This organization, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been responsible for organizing a concerted effort to take the message of the Messiah to the Jewish population of the world.

Dr. Gartenhaus continued as head of the mission board until his death in 1984. On his deathbed he was asked by a nurse if he was afraid to die. He replied, "No, but there is so much more yet to be done...so much more yet to be done."