Jan Markell, Founder, President and Host of Understanding the Times
Jan Markell was saved under Jewish evangelist Hyman Appleman when she was a child. In Jan’s early ministry years she was a part of the Messianic movement, worked for pro-Israel agencies, and for Jewish evangelism ministries.
In 1982, Jan incorporated Olive Tree Ministries and the goals of the ministry can be read at “Our Purpose.” Jan has written eight major books with prominent Christian publishing houses. She has produced a dozen DVDs, some featured on Sky Angel. At one time she traveled full time across America as a speaker. Visit our store to see some of the products by Jan that are available for purchase. Click here to read Lamplighter article.
In the year 2000, Jan launched a radio branch of the ministry starting first on AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul. In 2004, the program was syndicated nationally and is heard internationally on the Internet. “Understanding the Times” radio has been received well as a source of news and information hard to find. “Understanding the Times” is interview and commentary-driven. Learn more at the “Radio Show” category. We have had e-mail response from across North America and from three-dozen foreign countries listening to the program now heard on over 850 stations across America.
Olive Tree Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 organization.
Kevin Rische, Ministry Administrator / Executive Producer
Kevin Rische serves as ministry administrator and executive radio producer. Kevin comes to us with a strong background in radio, audio-visual production, and management. As the son-in-law of the late Dr. Walter Martin and the founder of Walter Martin Ministries, as well as WAJC-FM, Kevin has spent the past several decades involved in the Lord’s work.
Kevin is on the Board of Directors of Olive Tree Ministries.
Steve Krumlauf, Announcer
Steve serves as a principal image voice for The Worship Channel, (a 24-hour, Internet-only music and teaching programming service based in Dallas, Texas.) He is the voice track producer for Understanding the Times Radio since 2012. He has a long radio career and now specializes in voice-over communications.
Olive Tree Ministries’ Staff
Front Row: Nicky, Jan Middle Row: Ken, Angie, Kelssee, Elaine Back Row: Gail, Sam, Kevin, Josh
Board of Directors, Olive Tree Ministries
Dave Bergo, Chairman
John Wicklund, Vice Chairman
Pastor Mark Henry
Kerry Smith
Ken Mikle
Kevin Rische
Jill Martin Rische
Denise Bergo
Trevor Rubenstein
Doug Tapio
Jean DeJong