Snowstorms and Sunrises

NWxNW April Meeting Cancelled Tuesday, April 12
A surprisingly strong spring snowstorm Monday and my equally surprising Covid diagnosis Tuesday morning forced the cancellation of April’s NWxNW ministry leaders’ fellowship at Holbrook Bible Church (Scappoose).  We thank Holbrook pastor Scott Thompson for planning to host us.  I promise we will get back to Holbrook this year!  The next NWxNW meeting is currently scheduled at Columbia Bible Church (Rainier) on May 10, 9-11 AM.  Columbia Bible Church Pastor Robert Klukas and his wife and Bonny were also able to join us this weekend at the InFaith Northwest US Field retreat (highlights below) to learn a bit more about the mission and to meet some of the missionaries behind the Lord’s work in our area.

Peaceful sunrises over Pine Hollow Reservoir set the perfect tone for reflection at the InFaith Northwest US Field Retreat at Camp Morrow, April 7-10, 2022. (Photo by Jim Webb)

Highlights from the InFaith Northwest US Field Retreat, April 7-10, 2022 (Photos by Jim Webb)
The tranquility of Camp Morrow on Oregon’s Pine Hollow Reservoir set the perfect tone for this gathering of InFaith missionaries from throughout Idaho, Washington and Oregon.  We were blessed with four days of fellowship, worship, prayer and encouraging presentations from fellow servants of Jesus.  We also met via Zoom with InFaith’s new Executive Director Dr. Jerry Iamurri, who – only days into his new post – shared his excitement for the future of the InFaith mission.

Senior Missionary Irene Britton (right) has served with InFaith for more than three decades. (Photo by Jim Webb)

Among several at the retreat recognized for their service, Senior Missionary Irene Britton, who serves at Portland’s New Life in Christ Church was honored for her 35 years with InFaith.

Bonny Klukas and Pastor Robert Klukas joined us for the InFaith Northwest US Field Retreat. (Photo by Jim Webb)

Field Director Nathan Bath also allowed me the privilege of presenting Pastor Steven and Sofi Boyle of Columbia Community Bible Church with certificates for their fifth and sixth years as InFaith Associates.  Another ministry couple from Northwest Oregon, who have served 8 and 9 years as Associates, will be honored with certificates after I am released from Covid quarantine.

Yes.  I finally got the bug.  It is mild so far, but it will impact my family’s Easter plans.  Thanks in advance for your prayers.  Please keep praying for Joshua Thomas, son of Pastor John and Marilyn Thomas of Mayger-Downing Community Church.  Joshua has started his first round of weekly chemotherapy for the aggressive cancer which was discovered last month.  Also pray for Pastor Mark Helmberger of Woodland Park Chapel, whose battle with cancer continues.

And add Bryce “Duane” Bartruff to your prayers as well.  He emailed me this past week to ask for prayer as he goes in for surgery April 25th.  He hopes this will be the last of several surgeries he has had in follow-up to his cancer treatments last year. Bryce served InFaith for several years at the national level, in the footsteps of his father, Bryce O. Bartruff, who was instrumental in the planting and leadership of numerous American Sunday School Union and American Missionary Fellowship mission points across the Northwest.  

 Well, that’s all for now!  I need to take some medicine and prepare for lots of phone calls and video chats as I rearrange my schedule around Covid.  God bless you all in your service to our Lord!

Tom Hiscox, NW Oregon Area Missionary thiscox@infaith.org