In Memory of My Father, Tom Julien

BY JACQUELINE (JULIEN BA 86) SCHRAM

On January 16, 2023, my father, Tom Julien (MDiv 57, DDivH 96), passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus at the age of 91 and was reunited with my mother, Doris.

It was in the Bob Jones orchestra that Dad the trumpet player noticed the “lovely violinist.” And in 1953, Mom and Dad were married. Having committed their lives to Christ and global ministry, they moved to Winona Lake, where Dad studied at Grace Theological Seminary. Then, they headed to France to serve with Grace Brethren Foreign Missions, which later became Grace Brethren International Missions (GBIM) and is now Encompass World Partners.

After initial attempts in evangelism, they acquired the Château, a 14th-century property in Burgundy, which began as a center for encounter and discussion for French youth and continued as a relational bridge for other ministries. After nearly 30 years in France, Dad became the executive director of GBIM. Additionally, he contributed to the development of International Charis Alliance, taught at Grace Theological Seminary and provided leadership training for the mission and Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

My father’s life verse was John 15:4. Indeed, Dad’s life, aimed at abiding in Christ and sharing Christ with others, was one that bore much fruit and profoundly touched the lives of so many, including mine. He loved well and was so deeply loved.

Please pray for the families of these alumni who also recently passed away: