In the heart of every great mission lies a story of faith, perseverance, and divine guidance. Such is the tale of John Koeshall ’69 and his wife, Anita, a couple whose life work in missions since the 1970s has been a testament to the power of answering God’s call. From a spiritually dry university town in Wisconsin to the historic landscapes of Europe, their journey is a rich tapestry of moments when God said “No,” and times when He emphatically said “Go.” Each chapter of their story reveals how, when God opens doors, remarkable things can happen.
The Koeshalls were recently at North Central University as part of Worldgate, an annual missions-emphasis week.
A divine calling
John’s path to ministry was not a straight line, with his early life marked by a struggle against divine calling. Despite initially seeing God as nothing more than a “fire insurance” to avoid hell, John felt a persistent nudge towards ministry, particularly towards the youth. “I felt His hand on my shoulder but brushed it off,” John recalled. His journey took him from flunking out of Wisconsin State Stevens Point to being irresistibly drawn to North Central Bible College (now University) in Minneapolis. It was there, amidst the urban challenges and spiritual awakenings of the 1960s, that John’s true calling began to crystalize.
North Central played a pivotal role in shaping John’s approach to ministry. Inspired by the sacrificial character of fellow students and staff—including Professor Ray Levang and his basketball ministry—John realized the profound impact of displaying character and living one’s faith through action. This realization propelled him towards campus ministry, eventually leading him to pioneer Chi Alpha on the main University of Wisconsin campus in Madison.
Meanwhile, Anita’s journey intersected with John’s through her involvement in a vibrant Intervarsity group at North Dakota State. Meeting John at an Intervarsity Christian Fellowship summer camp in Colorado set the stage for their future together in mission work.
Pioneering campus ministry
Challenging questions and divine answers marked the early days of pioneering Chi Alpha in Madison. The Koeshalls’ efforts in Wisconsin, amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the Jesus People movement, were a testament to their faith and reliance on God’s guidance. They started a Christian bookstore called The Bread Shop against all odds—especially financial ones—even experiencing God-ordained direction to find a property and raise the funds to rent it. They navigated the complexities of campus ministry during a time of social upheaval, and they witnessed firsthand the power of God’s provision and direction.
They ran the thriving Chi Alpha ministry out of The Bread Shop, holding Bible studies and retreats where they saw the Holy Spirit poured out, transforming lives in the process.
Although the couple were, according to John, “as poor as church mice,” they regularly saw God take care of them—including receiving an offer from the largest landowner in Dane County to live in a rental home for just $50 per month.
Willing to go anywhere?
Their journey took a significant turn when they experienced a dramatic call to move to Europe, a decision made in a moment of divine clarity during a church service. It was an unforgettable moment for John when he heard his pastor ask: “Are you willing to go anywhere in the world for God?”
“It was my moment,” John said. “And I wasn’t even looking for a moment.” Not long after that, a friend asked if a woman from Brussels could visit them at The Bread Shop because she was thinking about doing something similar in Brussels.
When the woman told John and Anita that there were only five Christians on the European university campus, they asked each other afterward, “What are we doing here?” They left it on the back burner, knowing if God were behind it, He would make a way. He did. They were approved in November 1978 to serve in Germany.
Despite the uncertainties and cultural challenges of transitioning from the U.S. to Munich, John and Anita embraced their new mission field with open hearts. Pioneering the fledgling organization Students for Christ in Europe, they faced the daunting task of connecting with students in a context far removed from their cultural experience and language.
When John was discouraged in his language studies to the point he considered quitting, God sent a student to find him who had seen the Koeshalls’ prayer card with their picture in a newspaper. Peter, the student, said, “I saw [your picture] and God told me to come work with you.”
Cultural adaptation and ministry growth
With Peter’s support, the Koeshalls employed innovative strategies to engage with students. From overcoming language barriers to hosting Bible studies fueled by chocolate chip cookies, their approach was marked by creativity, perseverance, and a deep reliance on God’s guidance. These efforts led to significant connections and the growth of a vibrant student ministry that continues to impact lives today.
In 1991, John accepted the call to oversee Students for Christ in Europe from the same campus in Brussels that had previously had a census of only five Christian students.
As their ministry has evolved, so have their roles. Anita serves as a leader in AGWM training and at the age of 83, John continues traveling to support missionary efforts worldwide. Their journey underscores the importance of adaptability, leadership training, and the global impact of their ministry work.
Legacy and future vision
Reflecting on their decades of service, the Koeshalls’ story is one of undeterred faith and reliance upon God. Their legacy, deeply intertwined with the growth of Chi Alpha and Students for Christ, provides a powerful example for current and aspiring missionaries. As they look towards the future, their vision remains steadfast: to continue impacting lives through the Gospel, fostering new generations of leaders, and embracing wherever God calls them next.
