Elisabeth Shepping

Elisabeth Johanna Shepping (September 26, 1880 – June 23, 1934) was a German-born American nurse and missionary who served in South Korea for 22 years. Shepping was born in a Roman Catholic family but later converted to Protestantism after emigrating to America and becoming a nurse. Shepping was named one of the "Top 7 Greatest Missionary" by the Department of Foreign Missions of the Southern Presbyterian Church

Early life Elisabeth Shepping was born into a Roman Catholic family in Germany on September 26, 1880. When she was a year old, her father was killed and her mother emigrated to the U.S., leaving Shepping with her grandmother to raise her. While working as a head nurse on night shift at New York Jewish Hospital, Shepping took religious-related coursework during the day at the Biblical Teacher Training School (currently known as the New York Theology School). Shepping was also introduced to Protestantism by one of her nurse colleagues. She eventually converted from Roman Catholic to Protestant, which led her mother to disown her. As a result, an increased number of beggars, lepers, and sick patients died of hunger and disease. Shepping placed most priority on her nursing work. After arriving in Korea, she worked in Jejungwon, Guam Jesus Hospital, Severance Hospital, and other hospitals in Korea. This school became later known as Hanil University and Presbyterian Theological Seminary, which still runs today. Shepping had a very modest life in Korea; she lived with 34 poor widows, adopted 13 daughters, only ate soybean soup & barley food, and lived in a mud house with a tin plate roof. Additionally, Shepping made a significant impact on the women who attended the schools she established such as the Neel School (previously mentioned). During this time, a majority of Korean women were illiterate and were unaware of how the economy functioned. Women's education was restricted, and Shepping wanted to bridge this gap by providing Korean women with the opportunity to learn and grow. The Neel School became known for its role in women's education in its province. Many of the women who graduated from here were a part of the vanguard of enlightenment movement and new women's movement. Shepping was considered a selfless pioneer of women's enlightenment by promoting women's education and literacy. Kim Moim, a former Minister of Health and Welfare, stated that Shepping was a, "Pioneer of Korean feminist movement and a true descendant of Nightingale, the disciple of love".