Ted Shelling was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania in the year of the Great Depression. He was the older of two boys. While serving in the US Army during the Korean War at Fort Monmouth, NJ, a friend introduced him to having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Ted was honorably discharged three years later after incurring a bad sports-related knee injury. He graduated from The King’s College in Delaware three years later (which is now in New York City), and studied missions at Columbia Bible College (which is now Columbia International University and Seminary) from 1956-1958 and later again from 1988-1989.
During the years 1958 to 1967, Ted taught the Bible to teenagers with Hi-B.A. in all four boroughs of New York City. In 1967 he joined an organization called International Students, Inc (I.S.I.) and in 1969 married fellow staff member Grete Graber. Together they hosted and ministered to hundreds of international students in Washington, DC, Baltimore, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and in Atlanta. After retiring from I.S.I. in 1999, the Shellings moved to Grete’s home country Austria, where for nine years plus four summers they reached out to international students in friendship, hospitality, sharing the Good News, and holding Bible studies under the auspices of InterFACE Ministries. They moved back to Atlanta in 2008 and continued doing the same. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in August, 2019.
An avid tennis player until his knees gave way, Ted also enjoyed watching tennis tournaments, professional baseball, and college and professional football. He relished lively discussions revolving famous sport professionals, especially those who openly shared their faith.
Ted celebrated his 91st birthday in February, 2020. He is survived by his wife Grete, (who continues to work with InterFACE Ministries), his son Tim (who lives in Austria), and his three nieces.
The memorial service was held on March 14th at Lilburn Alliance Church in Tucker, GA just outside Atlanta. Friend and former colleague Dr. Bob Culver opened the service. Mirko (from Montenegro), Ruth (from Colombia), and David (from Korea) told about how Ted impacted their lives. David also led the singing and sang a solo accompanied by his wife Grace on the piano. Pastor Fred Hartley gave the eulogy, and after a song led by Margie (from Indonesia), he also gave the benediction.
Watch The life of Ted Shelling in photos - YouTube
Memorial gifts for Ted can be sent to:
InterFACE Ministries, Inc. PO Box 450816, Atlantal, GA 31145-0816 or go to https://app.easytithe.com/app/giving/interface/TEDSHELLINGMEMORIAL