Dawn (Lombard) Swaney (I married Dave's oldest brother): I "just happened" to go on the site today for something else and found this saddening (for those of us still here, but not for Jan) news. I didn't have much interaction with Jan but was aware from afar of her gracious spirit. May God's comfort rest in your hearts during these challenging days.

Ken, I remember an evening in your home in Beijing when I came up from Hefei to look at the possibility of working at the 21st Century School. Jan made a wonderful meal of chicken in gravy over rice with all sorts of additions we could put on top. I've always thought that was the most perfect meal to make for int'l friends. I can picture the photo of that evening in my mind right now. I am so sorry about this loss of your life partner....what a strength and support she was to you at the helm of ELIC for
many years. Lord, help Ken and the family have some peace and comfort from you and supportive friends. Bring memories than will help heal in time. Be close to them as they are grieving, in Jesus's name. amen. Cindy Carlson

The Holy Spirit worked through her, the light of Christ shone in her, and the world is less without her — but angels rejoice at receiving her, as our Father embraces her with “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Looking forward to seeing our sister again.

My heart is heavy and grieves with you at the loss of Jan's presence here on earth. Thankfully we know where she is. She was a remarkable lady. I loved how she wanted to pour into her grandchildren while she could and made it a priority. My prayers will continue for you and the family in the days, weeks, and months ahead. May God comfort you all.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jan. With fond memories, we send sincere sympathy to all who loved her. HUGS.

Ken and family... Please receive our sympathies. We have prayed for Jan and you all daily, and will only continue to do so for you and your family. Words often fail at these times, but they are what we have to convey our love and care. Jim and I pray for comfort as you grieve and celebrate Jan. Much love, Joelle and Jim Peelgren

We carry the weight of your tremendous loss. Jan was a treasure. Always kind. Always gracious. It is hard to picture you Ken without Jan. I am sure your 3 adult children and grandchildren are missing Jan so much. She will be missed by so many. We look forward to being reunited with those we love , along with our Savior.

So very sorry for your loss. In the handful of times I got to interact with her Jan left a dent on my heart. She was always so warm and welcoming and she had a way of making people feel cared for and important and I admired that. What an example she set for younger women! Praying for your family as you grieve this loss, we know she will be deeply missed. Love, the Keppel Family

What a Lady!
I was so surprised last week to get a FaceTime call from Jan. She hit the wrong key as she was as surprised as I was! She greeted me with her usual smile and Grace. Asked about my family and then said goodbye. I sat there for a few minutes after with a big smile on my face and my heart was so touched. Even when she was trying to call someone else, she made me feel like it wasn’t a mistake.
Knowing her and Ken for such a long time. We all were young back then! The three boys were really young and seemed delighted when I would come by. Jan was the older sister I never had. Her tendency was to make us all smile and enjoy our time together.
She sure will be missed.
Ken, Mark, Tim and Paul. Know of my prayers for you and for her daughter in laws and grandkids.
Love you all.

My deepest condolences to Ken and family in this time of overwhelming grief and loss
. Jan was gracious, humble, kind, encouraging and loving, a mentor, a model and a kind of mother to me and to many others she cared for in the course of her life and ours. I feel a profound sense of loss and I mourn her passing, but am grateful for the gift of having known her and being inspired and blessed by her.
My first time ever meeting Jan was at a Japanese church in Ikebukuro Tokyo, where Ken introduced us shortly after I arrived in the summer of 1975 as a new missionary to Japan. It was the beginning of a precious friendship and partnership in mission that has continued over the years.
My last in-person visit with Ken & Jan was in January of 2019 before my official retirement began in August 2019. They hosted me in their home, where we reminisced about the early pioneering days in Japan and in China and talked about special times and the amazing work of God. We enjoyed meals together and an afternoon in the beautiful Huntington Gardens. And we had a memorable dinner at the home of longtime friends Jerry & Cathy Hardy, who were strategic partners in mission from the beginning.
When my planned ride to the LAX airport fell through shortly before I had to return to my home in Wisconsin, Jan arranged for transportation by limousine to the airport, a rare luxury it was fun to experience and now an even more vivid memory of Jan's kindness and care in so many ways.
I pray especially for God's sustaining grace and comfort for Ken and family at this time of severe loss. Though our loss on earth is great, it's heaven's gain and the hope we have of reunion when God calls us home in his time.