Chris LaFreniere is a young man from Maine who loves journalism. He has been pursuing various aspects of journalism, recently adding the interviews of business owners.

Meet Chris LaFreniere, the passionate writer and curator of ‘Coffee on the Couch.’ What started as a simple blog in 2016 has evolved into an exploration of the captivating crossroads where Christianity and politics intersect. With a deep belief that understanding this nexus holds the key to our complex society, Chris invites you to break free from conventional perspectives and join him on this intellectual journey. Whether you’re a fellow believer eager to bridge the gap between faith and politics or a curious soul seeking engaging discussions, there’s a seat waiting just for you. Subscribe now and savor the blend of faith, politics, and countless enriching conversations at Coffee on the Couch. Cheers to faith, politics, and the many dialogues ahead!

Warmly, Chris LaFreniere, Freelance Writer and Curator of Coffee on the Couch.

Coffee on the Couch

 

Greg and Dominique Raychard

 

 

The reason for interviewing Greg and Dominique Raychard:
Interviewing Greg and Dominique was a compelling choice, driven by the unique opportunity to showcase a couple and family entering the mission field with a profound dedication to the Lord. Having eagerly awaited this calling for years, their story of unwavering faith and anticipation made for an inspiring podcast episode and guest speakers at Baring Baptist Church. Despite technical challenges, the resulting conversation became a perfectly imperfect testament to their commitment. Through their narratives, Greg’s upbringing in East Africa, Dominique’s early call to Bible translation, and Greg’s transition from military aviation to flying translators into remote areas unfolded. The episode offered a glimpse into the challenges anticipated in the Pacific, linguistic and physical preparations for overseas missionary work, and the significance of translating the Bible into the native dialect of the unreached people group in Papua New Guinea. Their decision to serve with Wycliffe and the role of prayer in their preparation provided listeners with insights into this impactful mission journey. The episode delved into Greg’s unique skills contributing to the mission field, mental and spiritual preparations, linguistic challenges, and ways supporters can actively engage and support their work in Papua New Guinea. The focus on the couple’s story, challenges, and mission invites listeners to gain a deeper understanding of their dedication and offers avenues for practical support in their Bible translation ministry.

About Greg and Dominique Raychard:
Greg and Dominique are deeply dedicated to answering the call to pursue a vocation in the field as a missionary family. Growing up in the missions field, Greg experienced a lifestyle that, to him, was simply everyday normalcy. His mother often reminded him that he was living a life many would never experience. For Dominique, the call to the mission field came at a young age, and she always envisioned marrying a man who shared a fervent passion for serving in remote villages in alignment with God’s sovereign will. To answer this call, they are preparing to leave their surprisingly expansive homestead, which they have meticulously built over the last decade or two. Their willingness to embrace this significant life change reflects a profound commitment to living out their faith in a way that few undertake, embodying the essence of missionary service with a deep sense of purpose and sacrifice.

Excerpts from the Podcast episode:

 

Greg and Dominique Raychard

Host: “Welcome to a special episode of Coffee on the Couch.
 Today, we embark on a remarkable adventure with a family whose faith has led them to answer a unique call.

So join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Greg and Dominique Raychard and their four children who have courageously chosen to step into the unknown, venturing into the heart of Papua New Guinea.“

“Host: This first question is for you, Greg, if you want to speak to it.

Growing up on the mission field in East Africa must have been a unique experience.

How did that upbringing shape your perspective on missions, especially as you embark on this new journey to Papua New Guinea?

 

 

Greg:

That’s a good question.

So I’ll share with your listeners that I was an MK missionary kid, or often we’re called the TCK, third culture kids.

And there’s an age bracket there where if you grow up in a culture that’s not your own, not your parents’ culture, you qualify as a TCK.

And I’m well-ranged. I had about 13 years overseas in Kenya with my folks and for Afghan missions for the majority of that time.“

Host: What was something that the missionary organization said to you beforehand concerning your position in life and how it affected going into the mission field at this stage in life?

 

 

Greg: That’s funny.

Early in the application process, when we were trying to join Wycliffe, one of the comments on one of my application responses, I guess you’d say, was that they wanted me to be sure I was aware that going to the mission field as an adult would be very different from going to the mission field as a missionary kid.

 

“Host: Dominique, you felt the Lord’s call and admissions at a young age, particularly in Bible translation.

Can you share a bit about that calling and how it guided your education and lifestyle choices?

 

 

Dominique: Yeah, so I strongly felt a call into missions, and yeah, particularly by the translation about eight or nine years old.

And so I set my mind, especially in high school, to learn a broad range of classes in my education because I strongly felt we’d probably be homeschooling.
Out in the middle of nowhere.
So I took as many languages as I could.
I was already raised in a French and English bilingual community.”

Links:
https://wycliffe.org/partner/raychards
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553209952340
https://www.facebook.com/dominique.bourgoinraychard

Personal Brand Links:

Podcast:https://cl71088.substack.com/podcast

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553209952340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/483SmuJM2qSqtLEtNq7YVx

 

Personal brand link for Coffee on the Couch
https://cl71088.substack.com/podcast

Coffee on the Couch

Join us on ‘Coffee on the Couch’ for lively conversations with everyday heroes, entrepreneurs, and inspiring individuals. Get ready to be uplifted, empowered, and inspired as we chat about life’s challenges and triumphs over a virtual cup of coffee.

Chris is a freelance writer living in Maine. He is a Christian who likes to see the value of faith and in life.

Check him out.