back to previous page | EA stories

Not Your Average Grandmother
April 6, 2005

Jean Ann* isn't your ordinary grandmother. "Most people think I should be sitting in the rocking chair out on the veranda," she said, eating her ice-cream at a McDonalds in China. "But I prayed to ask God to extend my territory, and he's extended it all the way to China."

Traveling alone from the States, Jean Ann came to China for a month to build relationships by teaching English to people in her target city. Her radiant smile and youthful joy open the door for her to share God's love with those she meets along the way.

At first glance, most think Jean Ann is just another 83 year old (she will celebrate her birthday during this trip to China). However, her gray hair and wrinkled face can't mask the life she brings as she cracks jokes and playfully scolds the new Chinese friends around her. This is no surprise, coming from someone who is reluctant to tell people her age because she doesn't want them to wait on her. "I'm not making a trip like this if you won't let me carry my own weight," she said.

Entering the marines after college, Jean Ann soon was married and earned two degrees. After being a wife and mother of two for years, she worked as a teacher in the public school system.

Jean Ann's love for travel and spreading the gospel has carried her over four continents, from cities to jungles, from orphanages to prestigious universities.

When asked about a favorite place in her travels, she had to pause for a few moments to reflect on the vast countries she has traveled. A smile spread across her face, and she said, " China… China has captured my heart."

The beautiful rivers and landscapes certainly add to China's appeal, but it is the people who left the biggest impression on Jean Ann during her five trips to China. "The people are so gracious; they can't do enough for me. And their grins are so big!"

Not only have the Chinese people captured Jean Ann's heart, but she has captured theirs as well. Last time she came to China, she brought along the music to teach the Macarena to all her students. She has fun in the classroom, and loves her students as a grandmother loves her grandchildren.

She shakes her head in dismay at the status of many in the church. "We have so many ladies in the church who say, 'I can't do this, I can't do that,' and I just want to crown 'em."

Age hasn't stopped Jean Ann yet. If she has her way, it won't stop her for a long time. "When God opens the door, I'm ready to go," said Jean Ann.

*name changed

back to previous page | EA stories