From Karen Frohwein, president of Lutherans For Life of Iowa:
On December 21, one of God’s noble defenders of life was taken to her eternal home. Jan Ebert, Executive Director of the AGAPE Pregnancy Center in Des Moines, was killed instantly in a traffic accident. She follows her husband, Frank, who was called home several years ago. Jan will be missed by friends, family and all those she served throughout a lifetime of Christ-like care-giving.
Lutherans For Life of Iowa is remembering Jan with a gift to AGAPE. Jan would be pleased. As many mourn her absence, there is another perspective to consider. Jan no longer has to fight the earthly battle. She rejoices in the welcoming words of her Heavenly Father: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In 1985, Lutherans For Life of Iowa was co-founded by Jan Ebert, Linda Bartlett, and a group of dedicated pro-life Lutherans from various locations in Iowa. That year, many doors of opportunity opened–all at one time. A division of duties was necessary. Linda was elected the first president of LFL of Iowa and Jan became both the chairman for the National LFL Conference held in Iowa and Executive Director of AGAPE. Linda worked closely with Jan during those years. The two were of encouragement to one another as they walked uncharted territory. From that relationship, Linda speaks on behalf of LFL of Iowa:
“Jan would not want us to grieve her departure from this earth. She knew that she was a vessel in the Lord’s hands for whatever time God allotted. She set about doing whatever was placed before her, recognizing her human frailties but trusting God for discernment and strength. Her eyes were always on Jesus. ‘Jesus is all that matters,’ she would say, or, ‘The most important thing I am called to do is share Christ with those in need.’ That’s exactly what Jan did. She was an advocate for the women who came to AGAPE. She prayed for them. She recognized the deceiver at work in the lives of these women and, for that reason, wrapped the Word of God around their bodies, hearts, and souls. She took their calls at all hours of the day and met with them at their convenience. God served people using a woman named Jan. But, Jan was ready to go home. Jan had needs of her own: to sit at the feet of her Heavenly Father and praise His holy name. She is doing that.”
Jan Ebert was a light in a dark world. When we think of her, we can say:
“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you should be glad and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:14-18).
KCCI-TV, Des Moines, aired this report on Jan Ebert: