Church members ‘elated’ Rita Chretien is alive

For seven weeks, the congregation at the Church of Nazarene in Penticton has been waiting and preparing for the worst.

Al and Rita Chretien were long-time members of the church, and their disappearance in March struck a chord with the community.

But on Sunday morning, music filled the church as parishioners celebrated what could be the greatest Mother’s Day present – the miraculous survival of Rita Chretien.

"God answers prayers in due time," said Pastor Neil Allenbrand at the beginning of the service.

The 56-year-old Penticton woman survived on next to nothing for seven weeks after her vehicle got stuck in mud in a remote area of Nevada.

Discovered Friday morning, she is now recovering in an Idaho hospital, and her church back home couldn’t be happier.

"Miracles can happen everyday and God can do whatever, we just have to believe it," said church member Hans Tol.

"Elated," said fellow church member Catherine Soutar. "Just thankful to God. It was almost impossible you couldn’t really believe she was still alive."

The Chretiens have been part of the tight knit church community for about 12 years.

News of their disappearance and then of Rita’s feat of survival has been emotionally trying.

Many parishioners wept openly during the service while others brushed away tears of happiness as the church celebrated the news.

However, the celebration is bittersweet.

The search is still on for 59-year-old Al Chretien, who left the couple’s van three dats after it got stuck to search for help.

He has not been seen since.

Now his church is praying for a second miracle.

"God knew where she was and he knows where Al is," said churchgoer Frances Palmer. "We just pray he will be found."

While the outcome of the search for Al Chretien is uncertain, church members are holding out faith and praying for the Penticton couple.

Many parishioners say even if Al Chretien isn’t found, they take comfort in knowing he is saved and in heaven.