Celebration!
/The August issue of E-News included an invitation to the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Anugraha Lutheran Church. Indeed, it was held on Septembers 14 as planned, with more than 250 people in attendance!! In addition to people of Asian, African and Anglo-American backgrounds, it also included a significant portion of the entire Nepali community in St. Louis!
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From humble beginnings as a house church meeting in the basement of the Tara Rai home, it grew to a community of more than 50 people eventually taking the name of the Anugraha (Grace) Lutheran Church. This was very much facilitated by a strong link with St. John’s Lutheran Church established through the efforts of Revs. Michael Tanney, Nabin Samal, Ratna Mangar as well as Bhim Samal, and others.
The anniversary celebration featured uplifting songs, strong testimonies, and beautiful dancing. Rev. Samal’s message drew attention to the many blessings received from God during the past 10 years. Additionally, awards were presented to those who had provided leadership required for the formation of the church including representatives from organizations like CFNA who had provided significant encouragement and support.
For Rev. Samal, the highlight of the celebration had everything to do with the fellowship of people of diverse backgrounds through a unity which only Christ can provide. Encouraged by the many blessings received in the past, the Anugraha Lutheran Church looks forward to continuing ministry among the Nepali people in St. Louis and beyond.
Indeed, plans are underway this October for a mission trip to receptive Nepali communities in Nepal and India. We ask our Lord’s blessings upon Revs. Samal, Tanney, and others in their ongoing commitment to disciple this entire ethnic community to its very fringes irrespective of political and geographical boundaries.
By Rev. Al Buckman with
Rev. Nabin Samal
