by Andrea Johnson
It is profitable to learn
from those who have known Jesus Christ and relied on Him for everything in this
life and the next. Walter Jespersen lives with eternity in mind and has spent
his life making Jesus known throughout the world. His is an ordinary life made
extraordinary because of faithful obedience and trust in an amazing God!
Walter was born March 12, 1913, on the family farm in Stony Plain,
Alberta. His parents not only taught him the value of hard work and
perseverance, but also brought him up to know the Lord. At age 18, Walter
surrendered to the lordship of Christ. His life was forever changed. He
enrolled in Prairie Bible Institute and developed a vision and passion for
China and the need for Chinese people to hear the gospel.
In 1936 Walter boarded a ship bound for China and missionary
service with China Inland Mission. He spent several years in language and
cultural studies, learning both Mandarin and Tibetan, as he prepared to move to
Mowkung, a remote village on the Tibetan border. Walter worked in Mowkung for
three years, doing evangelism and medical work. In 1942 he married Helen Cope,
a missionary from the United States whom he had met during a trek over the
Himalayas. The newlyweds settled in Pengshan where they helped a local church,
ran a mission home in Chengtu, and spent summers in the mountains caring for
missionary children.
The couple’s first two children were born while Walter and Helen
were on an extended furlough in Canada. During this time China was in turmoil.
Still reeling from the devastation of World War II, China’s government fell to
Communism. Chaos, destruction, and lawlessness followed.
When the Jespersens returned to China in 1947, their new
assignment took them further inland to work with a church in Suyung. The church
thrived with children’s ministry, prison outreach, and English Bible studies
for two years before the area felt the effects of Communism. In November 1949
the Red Army stole into the city through a breach in the wall next to the
Jespersens’ house. The situation changed drastically as terror, intimidation,
and spying replaced trust and openness among the people. It became harder for
Chinese Christians to be associated with the missionaries. Eventually the
Jespersen family was placed under house arrest and soldiers moved into their
home. Two more children were added during these tense years. God’s Word and
presence continued to be the anchor of their souls.
On Christmas Day 1951, a long-awaited exit permit was granted and
the family set off across China to freedom. When Walter and Helen returned to
North America, God opened a new assignment for them as Northwest
Representatives for Overseas Missionary Fellowship, the former China Inland
Mission. They settled in Seattle and began representing the mission in
churches, at Bible schools, and at missions conferences. The Jespersens also
hosted missionaries, held prayer meetings, conducted youth retreats, and taught
Bible classes.
Helen battled cancer for years before graduating to her heavenly
home in July 1988. Walter continues faithfully sharing his love for Jesus with
everyone he meets and challenges people with their need for a Saviour. He lives
daily with the anticipation of meeting the One he loves and serves as he
continually reminds people that “the best is yet to come.” He is a great
example of an ordinary life made extraordinary because of faithful obedience to
the Lord.
Walter was the first Chairman of the Board of Action International
Ministries (ACTION USA). He continues to
be a Trustee emeritus and the Chaplain of the ACTION Board. Walter’s son-in-law, Doug Nichols, is the
Founder & International Director emeritus of ACTION, and another
son-in-law, L. Nelson Reed, is the current International Director.
Sources: Walter Jespersen, the Making of a Godly Man, One Ordinary
Life Made Extraordinary by Linda Reed, daughter of Walter and Helen, and Under
His Wings by Agnes Lawless
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