Jan Markell is an American Christian author, radio host, and founder of Olive Tree Ministries. She is known for hosting the nationally syndicated radio program “Understanding the Times” and for her work in biblical prophecy education. The Minnesota-based ministry leader has dedicated over 40 years to helping Christians understand current events through a biblical lens.
Quick Wiki/Bio About Jan Markell
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Jan Markell |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 1948 (exact date not publicly available) |
| Age | Approximately 78 years old (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
| Current residence | Maple Grove, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish-American |
| Religion | Messianic Christian (Jewish believer in Jesus) |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Marital status | Single (Never married) |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | None |
| Alma mater | Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Profession | Christian radio host, author, ministry founder, speaker |
| Net worth | $3.5 million (estimated) |
Who is Jan Markell? Biography and early life
Jan Markell was born in 1948 and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up in a unique household with an Orthodox Jewish father who became a believer in Jesus Christ and an Evangelical Christian mother.
This Messianic family background shaped her understanding of both Jewish heritage and Christian faith from an early age.
When Jan was 11 years old, she accepted Jesus as her Messiah under the ministry of Jewish evangelist Hyman Appleman during a revival meeting.
This childhood conversion experience became the foundation for her lifelong ministry calling. Her father’s Jewish heritage gave her a deep passion for understanding Israel, biblical prophecy, and the Jewish roots of Christianity.
Jan attended Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she spent two years and earned an Associate degree. She has never married and has dedicated her entire adult life to Christian ministry and biblical prophecy education.
How old is Jan Markell? Age and birthday
Jan Markell is approximately 78 years old as of 2026. She was born in 1948 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
While her exact birth date and month are not publicly available, she has been active in ministry for over four decades since founding Olive Tree Ministries in 1982.
Jan Markell’s height and weight
Jan Markell stands 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm) and weighs approximately 130 pounds (59 kg). She maintains a modest public presence and focuses more on her ministry work than physical appearance.
Career: From Jews for Jesus to Olive Tree Ministries
Early ministry work
Jan Markell’s ministry career began in her early adult years when she became involved with the Messianic movement.
After visiting Israel at age 30, reading Hal Lindsey’s “The Late Great Planet Earth,” and experiencing a renewed passion for biblical prophecy, Jan worked with Jews for Jesus and various pro-Israel agencies for two years.
During this period, she gained valuable experience in Jewish evangelism and developed expertise in understanding Israel’s role in biblical prophecy. These formative years shaped her theological perspective and ministry direction.
Founding Olive Tree Ministries (1982)
In 1982, Jan founded Olive Tree Ministries from her kitchen table in Minneapolis. What started as a small newsletter operation focused on Bible prophecy and current events has grown into an internationally recognized ministry reaching millions across the globe.
The ministry’s name reflects her commitment to Israel and biblical prophecy, with the olive tree symbolizing Israel and the Jewish people. Olive Tree Ministries headquarters is located in Maple Grove, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.
Understanding the Times radio program
In 2000, Jan launched the radio branch of her ministry with “Understanding the Times,” first airing on AM980 KKMS in Minneapolis/St. Paul. By 2004, the program was nationally syndicated.
Today, the show airs on more than 900 radio stations across North America, reaching millions of weekly listeners.
The 30-minute weekly program features interviews with well-known Christian authors, prophecy experts, and prominent leaders from around the world.
Jan compiled powerful messages from her annual conferences and provided biblical commentary on current events through a prophetic lens.
Understanding the Times annual conference
Jan hosted the largest Bible prophecy conference in the United States for over 15 years, typically held in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
The annual event featured nationally recognized speakers including Amir Tsarfati, Barry Stagner, Jack Hibbs, and other prominent biblical prophecy teachers.
Thousands of attendees gathered each year to hear teachings about end-times prophecy and current events.
The conferences ended in 2019, but Jan continued hosting smaller Understanding the Times events across Minnesota and partnering with other ministries for prophecy-focused gatherings.
Semi-retirement and transition (2025)
In July 2025, Jan Markell announced her semi-retirement from hosting duties of “Understanding the Times” after more than two decades on air.
She handed off the primary hosting responsibilities to Olive Tree Ministries staff members Josh Schwartz and Ken Mikle. The program transitioned to a 30-minute format with the new hosts.
Jan remains with the organization as Founder and President and continues to make occasional appearances on the program and at special events.
She remains involved in ministry leadership while allowing the next generation to carry forward the mission of Olive Tree Ministries.
What is Jan Markell’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Jan Markell’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3.5 million. She earns an annual salary of $166,000 as President and Founder of Olive Tree Ministries, according to the organization’s public tax filings with the IRS.
Income sources
Jan built her wealth through multiple revenue streams:
- Annual salary from Olive Tree Ministries: $166,000
- Book royalties from nine published books
- Speaking engagements and conference appearances
- Radio program syndication
- Ministry donations and product sales (CDs, DVDs, books)
Olive Tree Ministries reported total revenues of $4.4 million and total assets of $11.4 million in recent financial disclosures. The nonprofit organization employs approximately 10 staff members and operates on an annual budget exceeding $4 million.
Jan receives standard benefits including retirement contributions of approximately $30,000 annually in addition to her base salary. Her compensation is within normal ranges for Christian ministry leaders of similar-sized organizations.
Is Jan Markell married? Relationship status and family
Jan Markell has never been married and has no children. She has dedicated her entire adult life to Christian ministry and biblical prophecy education.
Throughout her public ministry career spanning over 40 years, Jan has maintained her single status and focused her energy on Olive Tree Ministries.
Family background
Jan was born to an Orthodox Jewish father who later became a believer in Jesus Christ (Yeshua) and an Evangelical Christian mother.
Her father’s Jewish heritage profoundly influenced her ministry focus on Israel and biblical prophecy. Her mother passed away in 1987 due to cancer.
Growing up in a Messianic household gave Jan a unique perspective on both Jewish tradition and Christian faith.
Her father’s conversion from Orthodox Judaism to faith in Jesus as Messiah became a powerful testimony that shaped her own calling to Jewish evangelism and prophecy teaching.
Jan Markell’s books and publications
Jan Markell has authored nine major books published by prominent Christian publishing houses. Her most well-known works include:
Major published books:
- “Trapped in Hitler’s Hell: A Young Jewish Girl Discovers the Messiah’s Faithfulness in the Midst of the Holocaust” – Co-authored with Holocaust survivor Anita Dittman, this powerful testimony documents a Jewish believer’s survival during World War II.
- “Understanding the Times: Making Sense of the Chaos Leading to Earth’s Final Days” – A comprehensive examination of current events through biblical prophecy, featuring short insights from Jan’s years of watching end-times signs fall into place.
- “When Jesus Returns: Living in Expectation of the End Times” – Published by Harvest House, this book analyzes the rapture, millennium, and other end-times doctrines.
- “Waiting for a Miracle: Devotions for Those Who Are Physically Weak” – Written during her battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, offering spiritual encouragement for the chronically ill.
- “Angels in the Camp: A Remarkable Story of Peace in the Midst of the Holocaust” – Another powerful Holocaust testimony.
- “Discerners: Analyzing Converging Signs” – Examining modern prophetic fulfillment.
Additional titles include writings on prophecy, current events, and spiritual discernment. Her books have been published by Tyndale House, Harvest House Publishers, and other Christian publishers.
Jan Markell’s health challenges and miraculous recovery
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis
In 1985, Jan was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a debilitating condition affecting approximately 55 million Americans.
She battled this illness for 21 years while continuing to lead Olive Tree Ministries and write her book “Waiting for a Miracle: Devotions for Those Who Are Physically Weak.”
The chronic illness presented continuous challenges to her ministry work, limiting her energy and physical capabilities. During this difficult period, Jan relied on her faith and continued serving despite significant health limitations.
Complete healing in 2000
In 2000, Jan experienced what she describes as a sudden and complete miraculous healing from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
This supernatural recovery marked a turning point in her ministry, allowing her to launch the radio program that same year and expand Olive Tree Ministries significantly.
Jan has openly testified about this healing as evidence of God’s intervention in her life. The experience strengthened her ministry and provided powerful testimony to her radio audience.
Ongoing health concerns
Jan continues to experience some health-related challenges including chronic pain with her neck and spine, as well as frequent migraines.
In 2010, she suffered a heart attack and had a stent placed. She has occasionally requested prayer from her ministry supporters for restful sleep and relief from ongoing physical difficulties.
Despite these health setbacks, Jan maintained an active ministry schedule for decades and continues to serve Olive Tree Ministries in a leadership capacity.
Awards and recognition
In 2020, Jan Markell received the Tree of Life Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment to combat anti-Semitism and support Israel and the Jewish community in the diaspora. The award recognized her decades of pro-Israel advocacy and Jewish evangelism work.
Jan has been honored by various Christian and pro-Israel organizations for her biblical prophecy teaching and her unique voice as a Jewish believer in Jesus Christ. She is widely respected in evangelical Christian circles for her prophetic insights and unwavering support of Israel.
Social media presence
As of January 2026, Jan Markell maintains an active social media presence through Olive Tree Ministries:
- Instagram: @olivetreeministries with approximately 48,000 followers, posting ministry updates, prophecy insights, and conference announcements
- Facebook: Jan Markell’s Olive Tree Ministries page with over 119,000 followers, one of the largest Christian prophecy-focused Facebook communities
- YouTube: Jan Markell channel featuring radio program episodes, conference messages, and interviews
Her social media platforms provide biblical commentary on current events and connect “remnant believers” who share her prophetic worldview. She uses these platforms primarily for ministry education rather than personal content.
In November 2025, Facebook temporarily closed Jan’s personal account, prompting ministry supporters to follow the official Olive Tree Ministries organizational pages instead.
Fast facts about Jan Markell
- Jewish heritage: Jan comes from a Messianic Jewish family with an Orthodox Jewish father who became a believer in Jesus Christ.
- Saved at 11 years old: She accepted Jesus as her Messiah under the ministry of Jewish evangelist Hyman Appleman when she was just 11 years old.
- Never married: Jan has remained single throughout her life, dedicating herself entirely to ministry work.
- Miracle healing: After 21 years of battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Jan experienced complete miraculous healing in 2000.
- Radio reach: Her “Understanding the Times” program airs on more than 900 stations across North America, reaching millions of listeners weekly.
- Conference host: For over 15 years, Jan hosted the largest Bible prophecy conference in the United States in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
- Pro-Israel advocate: She received the Tree of Life Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 for her work combating anti-Semitism and supporting Israel.
- Nine published books: Jan has authored nine major books with prominent Christian publishers including Harvest House and Tyndale.
- Ministry longevity: Olive Tree Ministries has operated for over 40 years since its founding in 1982.
- Watchman calling: Jan describes her role as a “watchman on the wall” (Isaiah 62:6), warning the church about end-times events and apostasy.
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Wrapping up
Jan Markell stands as one of the most influential voices in Christian biblical prophecy education today. From her childhood conversion under Jewish evangelist Hyman Appleman to founding Olive Tree Ministries and hosting a radio program heard by millions, she has dedicated her life to helping believers understand current events through a biblical lens.
At 78 years old, Jan continues serving as Founder and President of Olive Tree Ministries while transitioning daily hosting duties to the next generation.
Her unique perspective as a Jewish believer, combined with four decades of ministry experience, has made her a trusted voice for Christians seeking to understand the prophetic significance of world events.
References
- Lamb and Lion Ministries. “Jan Markell | Prophetic Voices”.
- USA Today. “Jan Markell: Exploring The Legacy Of A Powerhouse Of Christian Prophetic Thought”.
- Olive Tree Ministries. “About – Olive Tree Ministries”.
- ProPublica. “Olive Tree Ministries – Nonprofit Explorer”.
- Charity Navigator. “Rating for Olive Tree Ministries”.
- Facebook. “KNEO Radio’s post”.
- Betty Johansen. “Honoring Legacy: Jan Markell Resigns as Understanding the Times Host”.
Disclaimer: The information on Megapicsly.com is collected from trusted sources. However, we do not guarantee accuracy or completeness of celebrity profiles, net worth estimates, or biographical data. Readers should verify information independently. For corrections or inquiries, contact us at info@megapicsly.com.
