Jan Markell: Plunging Into Ministry — Taking A Stand In A World Of Lies Is Worth The Risk
Anyone reading these paragraphs who is slightly shy or withdrawn will identify with a few lines here! That describes me—all of my life. I was an only child. I never married, and to this day, I consider myself just a bit of a loner—introspective and even insecure. I am happy in the shadows rather than the spotlight.
But apparently God exercised his sense of humor with me. In the late 1990s, Salem Media came to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. I began hearing Christian talk radio and was totally captivated. They were talking about issues that were so relevant, but with a biblical twist.
Rush Limbaugh had gotten my attention in 1988, but now I was hearing “Christian talk”—a medium much different than secular talk. This was important, I knew. It analyzed issues and interviewed important people who were in-the-know. It also was a good tool to get the gospel out, to debate atheists, and to sharpen people’s faith. It focused on a biblical worldview.
But how could I do this? An introvert doesn’t take to the air waves! But wasn’t it worth a try? Wasn’t taking a stand worth the risk? So few people wanted to stand for anything and so the church was falling for everything.
Our World Was About to Change!
And thus, in the Fall of 2000, I decided to buy time on that local Christian station in St. Paul, MN, and see if it was a fit for me—and for them. Zola Levitt was my first radio guest. The studio equipment failed, and Zola was impatient and wanted to hang up and end the interview! What a way to start this new endeavor. We got through it—somehow.
I can’t wrap my brain around the fact that that was 25 years ago. But the dawn of the new millennium brought so many things to discuss and debate that I knew this had been the right thing to do! And just a few months later, on 9/11, America experienced its worst terrorist attack in history.
Our world changed. We needed to talk about it. Islam was going to want to take over the world. Israel was going to become the world’s “burdensome stone.” (Zechariah 12:3) Would anybody be around to defend her?
Doesn’t the Bible command us to “Comfort ye my people”? (Isaiah 40:1) Was I being called to do that on air? I think so. She was rapidly losing support even though her buses and restaurants were being blown up in the early 2000s.
Your Church Teaches What??
I knew that the church was a mess. Of course not all, but too many pulpits were majoring in minors, were avoiding current events and politics, were teaching false doctrine, and were insisting that they—the church—was Israel! How nuts is that? Replacement Theology was gaining traction.
So, I talked about it—and talked about it some more! Many denominations came against me. Another major Christian network headquartered in the Twin Cities—the station almost everyone listened to and that was attached to a prominent college—called me a heretic, but why? I was only speaking the truth.
Bible Prophecy a Waste of Time??
I spoke against the “church growth movement.” I wasn’t fond of The Purpose Driven Life. I publicly questioned Pastor Rick Warren for calling Bible prophecy a waste of time that would distract you from your purpose. I came against contemplative prayer and so-called Christian Yoga.
And plenty of people got mad at me! That other network I referenced melted down, probably because I dared to name names.
But church apostasy was in full bloom! We talked about it. Over and over. Yes, the Bible predicts an end-time falling away, not a revival. That comes in the Tribulation.
Where Does the Time Go?
So, where has the time gone? Twenty-five years goes by quickly. The time lapse is stunning. But in the spring of 2025, I felt I needed to focus on other ministry projects, including writing, and let go of that radio experience now spanning a quarter-century. On August 1, I finished my journey on one thousand Christian radio stations. It started on one station where my first guest was angry at me because he was cut off! Despise not small beginnings.
Pastor Josh Schwartz and Ken Mikle had begun an online outreach a year earlier, and I offered the radio time to them. My hope is that you’ll grow to appreciate their insights and interviews—and style. No, it’s not me, but they offer cutting-edge and even urgent information being given out on what remains Understanding the Times Radio. I will be their guest on frequent occasions.
You can still hear it on air and online on all previous outlets. The issues that surfaced 25 years ago are even more urgent and complicated. Our new hosts bring on the best guests to help you continue to be excellent watchmen on the wall.
The same conclusion is being drawn twenty-five years later: Things are not falling apart—they are all falling into place. Let Understanding the Times Radio continue to guide you on this end-time journey as we all await His return.
