Retnaraj Deputation Update #2

We completed almost another month of our deputation work in the US. The travels started again with a short time in Vancouver Friends (Washington) and then in Metolius, Oregon where we spent some precious moments with Friends during Good Friday and Easter services. The Easter open-air “sunrise service” on a hilltop at Bend, Oregon was special, although very cold. But as we celebrated these pious moments it brought back memories of our own “rebirth” in Christ and how life took a meaningful turn subsequently, leading us to be missionaries in Nepal. Before departing from Metolius, our hosts introduced us to a new church plant in Bend Oregon led by a very enthusiastic and energetic young pastor.

We traveled in the EFM car from Metolius, Oregon to Southern California where again we were welcomed warmly in the churches we visited i.e. Glendora Friends, Brea Friends, and Rose Drive Friends for Sunday worship services. We had the opportunity to stay in a house with people who understood missions and were very encouraging and accepted our Asian ways of living. For the latter part of our stay, it was a totally unique experience staying at the Rowntree Gardens which is a retirement community and assisted living facility. It almost gives us a good glimpse of our future status as we look forward to times after our retirement! On our last day (Sunday) in California, it was special to meet up with our coach Gregg Prickett who helped introduce us in church and the adult  Sunday School classes where we had a very attentive and encouraging group of listeners and supporters.

During these three weeks, we also got to meet pastors and leaders of Fullerton and Gateway Friends churches and met and discussed with the young “future” EFM missionaries who are stationed in California and under a senior mentor. It also was a pleasure to meet and talk with Stan Leach (Executive Director EFM) and his wife Sandi and enjoy an Indian meal with them!

We traveled back to Newberg by road in the EFM car and got back safely. Thank you, all our friends and supporters, for praying for our well-being and safety. We have been very encouraged by the response and understanding of our CHE ministry by individuals, churches, and mission committees about the strategy we will follow in the next few years. Many individuals and churches have pledged to continue and even increase their support by prayers and finances for our CHE ministry and for us as a family. We have traveled 3,800 miles by road in the last two months of March and April so far and have experienced the grace of God in abundance. We give him all the glory and honor for providing us with the strength and endurance needed for these miles traveled and the people and communities we met and shared.

Shalom!

Drs. Samson and Priscilla Retnaraj

EFM Missionaries in Nepal