Frank's February 2012 update
Fri, February 24, 2012 -
Frank Juelich India
As to the book … The book is at present with another agent ... ... I am not sure how long it will take to get the book p… It will not be a big book ...
Frank’s February 2012 Update
Dear Saints and Aints.
Shalom.
So I think I’ve learned the lesson, learned through many a troubled way. You must meet God in the morning if you want Him through the day.
It is early. It is dark. It is cold. Through the slightly open window comes the whimper of a little puppy hugging itself on the doormat in front of the bungalow.
As for me a few sips of hot coffee have taken my brain out of the “standby mode”. I am awake. A huge yawn, causing the corners of my mouth to rendezvous with my ears, though could challenge that statement. Yet, clinically I am awake.
If the first fruits of the day be the Lord’s, waiting a few hours would make them a more presentable offering. But then - maybe not as these hours might never materialize.
So, like the sons of God in Job chapter one I present myself before my Lord. Fortunately no dress code is mandated nor is the smell of unbrushed teeth with coffee aroma frowned upon.
Some mornings I feel alone. I am either early or God is late. I console myself with Milton’s “They also serve who only stand and wait.” And so I wait. If nothing else, I have stick-to-i-ty, which to my thinking is essential to our pursuit of God or the goals of our ministry. So I simply sit like a bellhop, waiting to be called; if not called the whole day – I still was available to my Lord. It is then that a voice, well-known to me by now, not sympathetic to my endeavor of spending time with God tells me; “You are wasting your time just sitting there.”! Amazing! Why suddenly such concern about how I spend my time? The voice does not tell me that when I play computer games.
No two mornings are alike. Some mornings my mind is impacted with images of all kinds as if I was preparing a grocery list rather than praying. Some mornings I just sit there. My mind is dull as I struggle through a depression of unknown origin. But many mornings God breaks through in a most wonderful way. My heart sings for the pure joy of being with my Lord – the reward of perseverance.
The hardest thing is praying for all the staff and kids in both homes, for the different ministries we are involved in and for friends. There are just too many. I don’t mention all kids by name but have a convenient division between – the little kids, the big kids and the college kids. Bapu is at the center of my prayers as he stands most in need of God’s help due to his job. The beautiful thing is that however the quiet time turns out to be, God, in the end does not leave me without a blessing which then I can pass on to those around me.
As to the book … The manuscript is at present with another agent, the second one. I am not sure how long it will take to get the book published but – published it will get.
It will not be a big book, just a humble, about 54,500 word affair some 180 paperback size pages. So, in size it will compare but poorly with Fidel Castro’s 1000 page autobiography or Bill Clinton’s 957 pages, or even Steve Jobs 650 page biography. But then, diamond rings usually don’t come in refrigerator size boxes…
Furthermore, those who followed our ministry through the years will find little new; how could they as it is but my life, the life they have been part of – some for as many as 40 years? Some could even write it.
Yet Dr. Roger Stronstad, my friend from Bible College days and former academic dean of Summit Pacific College, a faithful supporter over the many years, who received every single letter I wrote, enthused about the book:
“It is superb I am not exaggerating. Very few writers can convey emotion and spiritual insights through the printed word as effectively as you have done. Two that can come immediately to mind, namely, George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis. So when I say that it is superb writing this is what I am talking about.”
David Richter, a former class mate from Bible College, after reading the pre-edited version wrote: “Frank: I thoroughly enjoyed the read! … I will be giving it to my 17 year old grandson as I want him to think about what is possible when you learn to really trust God. I want him to at least understand the 'pioneer' mentality.”
Sue Carlisle, the editor of the book, said, “The unique thing about your book is that you have something to say and the experience to back it up. Keep walking with our Father. (I love your imagery with that) …. I loved reading your story and your thoughts.”
While autobiographies as a rule are denied the status of literature, my neighbor of 30 years, Dr. George Arackal, a retired professor of English literature from a prestigious Nagpur college, has this to say about the book. “The narrative almost reads like a novel with literary flavor and humor. If literature is a reflection of life in language that is beautiful, here is one such piece. The only difference is when most literature is imaginary this is real. It is not just interesting but very inspiring.”
The target group is obviously Christians; I want to challenge the saints to see that though William Carey is dead, George Mueller is dead, though Amy Carmichael is dead, though many of the great missionaries of old like Hudson Taylor, Adoniram Judson are dead they need not despair like Alexander the Great – “No more worlds to conquer” because opportunities for God, for those who dare and are committed for LIFE and not just a missions trip or a few years - are NEVER dead. And you don’t have to be totally sane to do that – just totally committed. The butterfly approach to ministry – going from one place to another - will make you see a lot of places but hardly anything else.
I advertised the book because when it is published it needs to sell and people should know in advance what they buy. And when they buy it 90% of the proceeds go to the homes.
“24 percent Indian kids go hungry daily: Survey reported in the Times of India Feb 15, 2012. Nearly 17 percent parents said their children skipped school to go to work and pay for food.”
Bapu Desai, our Director/Secretary, with your help creates a place, our place, where those statistics don’t apply. Our kids get good food and plenty of it. Other hostels/homes don’t keep kids after 10th class; we not only keep them after 10th but even after 12th and then offer those who want to go for further studies a chance to do so; though, sometimes with discouraging results. Yet our college boys, including Anup, have now pulled up their socks and study hard.
We appreciate Ethan who has been a tremendous help to Bapu with the Childcare program. He will leave by the middle of March as his visa runs out. He plans to come back for the next academic session.
What we also really need is a young couple or single young people to teach English as a second language either to the boys or the girls. We need the stick-to-i-ty type; people who are not easily discouraged.
We appreciate the German volunteers, young people, (most are not Christians – except by name) who stay for about six months at a time at either boys’ or girl’s home. They help the kids to learn English or playing a music instrument. I in turn share my experiences with God with them and for all we know – send missionaries back to Germany.
Saints you are supporting something that is genuine, a place where God and not ego is the center. This holds true even if some of our staff are people I wish that their mother had kept the stork and sent the baby away. When Fabian, one of the young German volunteers left, at the good bye party he cried. Bapu had taken him to visit the girls’ home and there he said, “You people live up to your name, “Ministry of Love Education Society.” And – we do!
At airports they have a “meeting place” where people can meet their friends etc. So does God - where in the spirit we can meet with Him and with one another. See you there - bringing with me - our thanks!
Blessings – the gift of shalom be upon you.
Frank
fjuelich@gmail.com
childrens.refuge@gmail.com