Ezerwoman's Blog

A long-time friend and warrior in the battle for life was taken home this week.  Her death was unexpected.  Hit by another car, she died instantly.   This amazing woman will be missed by family, friends, and all those she served throughout a life-time of agape love.

Agape love well describes my friend, Jan Ebert.  It is the name of the ministry to which she dedicated her heart and soul.  Some may ask: Why now?  Why at Christmas?

Knowing my friend as I do, I believe Jan would tell us that she now rejoices in the most unimaginable, yet longed for Christmas gift.  Her prayers have been answered.  She is sitting at the feet of her Heavenly Father singing His praises and basking in His agape love for her.

Jan and I walked into uncharted territory many years ago.  With others, we took a stand for life and co-founded Lutherans For Life of Iowa.  I became president.  She became the Executive Director of the AGAPE Pregnancy Center in Des Moines and served in that position until her departure from this earth.  Jan will be missed because she put  her love into action.  But, knowing Jan as I do, I think she would say, “Do not grieve!”  I believe Jan prayed many times: Come Lord Jesus.  And, for her, He has.

Jesus came down from heaven this Christmas to carry home my friend.

Jan knew she was a vessel in the Lord’s hands for whatever time God allotted.  She was faithful to do what was placed before her, recognizing her human frailties but trusting God for discernment and strength.  Her eyes were always on Jesus.  “The most important thing I am called to do,” she always reminded me, “is to 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 those women and, for that reason, she wrapped their bodies, hearts, and souls in the warmth of God’s Word.  She took their calls all hours of the day and met with strangers at their convenience.  Through Jan, God welcomed countless babies into the world.

Jan was a light in a dark world.  But, she could only be a light because she clung to her Savior, Jesus Christ.  This Christmas when I sing “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” I will think of Jesus — true Agape — coming to earth for Jan.  And I will hear Jan say to me:

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).