Our friend, colleague, and longtime global worker, Frank Michael Juelich, passed into the presence of Jesus on December 4, 2021. Frank was a dearly loved caregiver to thousands of Indian children and a mentor and leader to Bapu Desai, Yohan, and Jamuna Raut.
Frank was born in Germany on November 21, 1935, the son of a roof maker. He lived through the Second World War, and at the age of 19, having completed a carpenter apprenticeship, he and his brother set out for India by bicycle looking for adventure. He worked as a carpenter in Pakistan for six months and then continued to Bombay by merchant boat, eventually hitchhiking back to Germany after a year and a half away.
In May 1958, Frank immigrated to Canada, settling down in Montreal and taking a job as a carpenter. By the providence of God, he began working for a Pentecostal carpenter in Kamloops, B.C. Juelich surrendered his life to the Lord in 1964. He told God, “Father, half of my life I lived for myself—the rest is Yours.”
Frank’s accomplishments include the translation of the New Testament of the Bible into Mawchi, a tribal language in Western India. He wrote the book Fearfully and Wonderfully Mad! “It is the tale of how God worked through my life to build the children’s homes we call Prem Sewa Shikshan Sangh. Although it is an autobiography, it is more a story of our great God.” He also wrote Letters to the Saints and Aints, a collection of letters since 1972.
Over his 40+ years in India, his greatest accomplishment is the establishment of Prem Sewa Shikshan Sangh. He founded and developed homes and schools for poor and marginalized children; one for boys on a 17.75-acre piece of land at the edge of Nagpur that now houses, feeds and educates 600-650 boys, and a home for girls at a place called Manjari near the city of Dhulia. It houses, educates and feeds some 530 mainly tribal girls.
Frank had an incredible sense of humour which can be seen in his writings and the way he interacted with people. He was always ready with a quick and comical answer and loved to host visitors from all over the world.
Tributes
Frank (Bhaisaheb) fulfilled God’s purpose. He fought the good fight, completed his race, and kept the faith. We are so thankful for his life … and for how we have been challenged by his commitment to the Lord and the Lord’s work here in India. [The words of] 2 Timothy 2:2 also reflected Brother Frank’s life, calling and commitment. He lived to bring many sons and daughters to glory … to the presence of the Lord … for the advancement of His kingdom.
We all miss him very much, but he will always be remembered as a loving, caring father of thousands of marginalized children. What a legacy he has left behind for all of us!
– Bapu Desai
We will never forget Frank’s enlightenment which he brought to all of us. The world was a better place because he was here. His presence brought a positive impact into our lives and the lives of so many others. What we have learned from him will accompany us and benefit our children.
– Board Members at Prem Sewa Shikshan Sangh
In 1992 Bhaisaheb (Frank) started our girls hostel with a determination to provide educational facilities in our rural area for tribal girls. We have witnessed life-transforming development for thousands of girls and their families. Bhaisaheb’s dedication, commitment and sacrifice provided us with a testimony to share for many more girls in the years to come. I feel privileged and fortunate to have known Bhaisaheb personally.
– Yamuna M. Raut, Superintendent, Indira Bhavan Girls School
Frank Juelich always acknowledged God’s real presence in his life, work, and relationships. Because of his deep dependence upon God, he was able to accomplish so many things in his life:
- Translating the Bible into the Mawchi language
- Writing his autobiography
- Prem Sewa Shikshan Sangh ministry – rescuing and caring for thousands of vulnerable boys and girls
- Healthy succession plan for when his time in India was done.
My father, Bill Cornelius, visited Frank on a few occasions, the first time staying in a small bamboo hut. There was a small cot in that hut that was old and clearly caved in. Frank would proudly show a picture of that cot and would smilingly comment that “Rev. Bill Cornelius left a ‘deep impression’ when he visited India.”
Known affectionately as Bhaisaheb, Frank was buried as requested in his beloved India on Sunday, December 5, 2021.
– Murray Cornelius, Executive Director for PAOC International Missions
Frank was singular and unforgettable in every way. Who could fail to be impressed with his bicycle journey from West Germany to India as a teen? Just as remarkable was his determination to translate the Bible into a tribal language or his faith to buy dry, barren land in Nagpur to build a home and school that would ultimately serve thousands of marginalized children. But, if these superlatives made him seem otherworldly, it was his humour and humanity that made him so down-to-earth and warm. He was both “Saint and Ain’t”; that is why so many could feel connected to this hero of faith.
– Peter Dove, Regional Director for Asia
Behind Frank’s effervescent personality, there was a rock-solid commitment to make disciples. Frank’s steadfast obedience motivates me. He was always a communicative, interesting, and often humorous partner with ERDO (Emergency Relief and Development Overseas), especially in the area of ChildCARE Plus and “his kids.” Frank continually set his priorities to invest in and disciple Bapu, Yohan, and so many others who will carry on the work of transformation. We at ERDO look forward to many years of partnership with Prem Sewa and know that Frank’s legacy will continue to bear fruit in the years to come. Rest well, Frank. Thank you for your example of a life well lived.
– David Adcock, Chief Executive Officer for ERDO
This article appeared in the April/May/June 2022 issue of testimony/Enrich, a quarterly publication of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. © 2022 The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Photos are courtesy of Mission Global.