Some love stories begin with love at first sight. Jewel and Frank King’s story began quite differently. When they met, the sparks that flew weren’t exactly romantic, especially after Frank told her he thought it was “the woman’s job” to iron a man’s white Sunday shirt. Jewel was not impressed.
But God was writing a different story that neither of them expected...
Jewel grew up in Essex, MT, where her mother found creative ways to bring faith into their home through mail-order Sunday school lessons. When a need arose for children’s ministry in the area, a young missionary leader named Dick Gustafson arrived to help. In November 1953, they held their first Vacation Bible School in an old, condemned bar with a strong purpose: “if only one person comes out of this Sunday school, it will be worth it all.”
Jewel went on to attend Prairie Bible Institute, where she experienced her calling as a missionary. Her boyfriend at the time wasn’t returning to the school, and their relationship ending confirmed her vocation. After graduating from Prairie Bible Institute, Jewel went to Missoula to help a local missionary at camp. Between counseling sessions and playing her accordion for evening services, she taught Bible lessons during the day. One afternoon, sitting on a rock between lessons, Jewel heard God’s voice clearly: “What are you doing? I called you to be a missionary.” That moment changed everything.
Jewel heard about an opportunity to serve as a missionary in Peru as a typist and met with Dick Gustafson about going. She would have to raise support and prayed that Frank King, who also worked under Dick, wouldn’t be the one to help her. Lo and behold, Frank took Jewel around Dick’s mission field to raise funds so she could take the trip.
Then came December, Frank wrote Jewel, explaining he was upset he couldn’t go home for Christmas. She invited him to stay with her family, so he took her up on the offer. A blizzard hit, resulting in no electricity and closed roads. The two missionaries who “didn’t get along” were now snowed in at Jewel’s family’s home. In those unexpected days, Frank began thinking out loud: “Two couldn’t live on what I make a month...” In one of the last moments he was there, he told her, “There will be a ring waiting for you when you get home.”
12 months later, when Jewel returned from Peru, Frank picked her up from the airport. “The ring’s in the glove compartment if you want it.” Jewel took the box out and put the ring on her finger. That was their engagement. They married 2 months later that spring.
On June 1st, 1970, Frank and Jewel King were officially accepted as missionaries. They conducted 25 Vacation Bible Schools with 20 teachers in their first three weeks. The fourth week brought a Bible camp with 110 campers and a cook who couldn’t cook. It was exactly where God wanted them.
For 47 years, Frank and Jewel devoted their lives to bringing the Gospel to children across Montana through VBS programs and summer camps. Now in her 80s and retired, Jewel reflects on those decades with deep gratitude: “I’m so thankful for the way the Lord led me and provided for me over the years.” Her advice to the next generation? “If you’re ever called to be a missionary—do it. I wanted God’s first choice for my life.” This is why InFaith exists.
As we approach this season of Christmas, would you consider partnering with us to support the “Frank and Jewels” of today? Missionaries who are saying yes to God’s call, who are willing to go to unlikely places, who believe that “if only one person comes out of this, it will be worth it all.”
As you reflect on God’s faithfulness in your own life, would you help us continue supporting those who’ve dedicated their lives to sharing His love?
From all of us at InFaith, thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. May your Christmas be filled with the same joy and purpose that marked Frank and Jewel’s 47 years of service!