A fierce heart for women—a prophetic vision to empower them as leaders
BY JACKIE RO
Elaine Metcalf embarked on her final journey yesterday, arriving at the eternal home we all yearn for—a place of perfect peace and joy. She is now cradled in the everlasting arms of her beloved Lord and Savior. Praise be to God for His faithful promise of eternal life.
Our paths first crossed in the bustling heart of Beijing; at a lively party I hosted in our modest apartment. Somehow, amid the crowd, Elaine found her way there, and from that moment, we connected deeply. She served with A3 (Asian Access), while my husband and I led an OMF International team. What began as a chance encounter blossomed into a cherished friendship, woven through shared mission and mutual encouragement.
Elaine possessed a rare gift for networking—not the superficial kind, but the kind that wove souls together in authentic, transformative bonds, all grounded in Christ’s boundless love. Her calendar brimmed with lunches and dinners, sacred spaces where she showered others with genuine interest and care. She peppered conversations with thoughtful questions, jotting down the intimate details of lives entrusted to her care. In her presence, everyone felt truly seen, deeply valued, and extravagantly loved. She gave lavishly—of her time, thoughtful gifts, and words that lingered like grace.
Equally profound was her gift of encouragement. Elaine had an uncanny ability to peer into the hidden strengths of others, illuminating the radiant pearl God was crafting from the raw edges of pain and trial. She celebrated the divine beauty emerging in the broken places, reminding us that suffering was never the end of the story.
At her core burned a fierce heart for women—a prophetic vision to empower and equip them as leaders. In Beijing, she foresaw the need for targeted training within supportive affinity groups, blending foresight with unyielding grit. Moved by this burden, she founded Women in Ministry (WIM), a beacon that graduated countless women not merely with certificates, but with the launch of lifelong discipleship. It was a community where enduring friendships, ongoing learning, and faithful service intertwined, sustaining participants far beyond the classroom.
When she stepped down from her formal leadership in WIM, Elaine’s devotion never faltered. She cherished those connections with fervent prayer, gentle outreach, and a steadfast watch over every woman’s unfolding path. The flame she kindled in Beijing soon leaped to other great cities across China—and beyond, igniting ministries in Cambodia, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Our last earthly meeting unfolded on August 22, 2025, at her peaceful farm. As we parted, her parting words rang with quiet certainty:
“Let’s meet in heaven.”
Indeed, dear Elaine—we will, gathered in the radiant presence of our Lord, where every promise finds its fulfillment.
Until then, your light endures in the lives you touched. Rest eternally in His joy.
— Jackie Ro
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JACKIE RO, former director of Women in Ministry with A3, continues to serve with WIM where she ministers to women leaders in Cambodia, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Chinese world. She has been a missionary with OMF International since 2001. She also served with the Lausanne Movement (Prayer for E Asia) and Arise Asia. Jackie is a graduate of Gordon Cornwell Theological Seminary (MDiv) in Boston, US. She has four children and currently resides in Bangkok with husband David and son Alex.
More Information
- Cover image of WIM founders, Jackie Ro, Elaine Metcalf, Terry Martin, & Pat Russell
- Elaine's Caring Bridge page [acct. login required]
- More about Women in Ministry
- See related stories here...
