It was faithfulness to God's call that the MARANATHA retreat house, a project conceived 14 years ago, is now a realisation. The road to MARANATHA has been long and winding, but God was ever present guiding the group of laity and Jesuits to remain undaunted in spirit amidst the innumerable challenges.

The story began during the Jesuit Twin Celebration (JTC) 1988-1989 where the Ignatian retreats organised and well-received, awakened the need and hunger for such retreats. The one obvious fact which would handicap the further organisation of such retreats was the non availability of suitable premises.

In April 1991, the then JTC Committee (PAC) members - Gabrielle, Peggy, Grace and Judith - presented the concept of building a Jesuit Retreat House to the Malaysian Jesuits - Bishop Paul Tan, s.j. then Jesuit Regional Superior, Fr. Jojo Fung, s.j and the late Fr. Raju, s.j.

After further deliberation and discernment the Jesuits endorsed the project as a Jesuit-Laity Partnership Project. Bishop Paul Tan, s.j. commissioned Peggy Goh, Grace Chung, Judith Koh & Gabrielle Yang as members of Jesuit Retreat House Committee (JRHC). Fr Lawrence Andrew sj was appointed liaison person between the JHRC and the Jesuits. JRHC invited the late Jordan Lee, Datuk Alan Ngiau, Michael Yee, Rick & Cecilia Khoo to join the Committee.

The search for suitable land to build the retreat house took the committee and the Jesuits to various sites outside Kuala Lumpur.

In 1992, Fr. O. C. Lim, sj. was appointed Director of JRHC. In the years following JRHC viewed land in Rahang, Port Dickson, Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands. After many attempts to find a suitable site, land was found in Janda Baik. It consisted of approximately 1.7 acres of land, at 2000ft above sea level. Nestled amidst the pine forest reserve and 16 miles from Kuala Lumpur, Janda Baik is easily accessible by the KARAK highway.

On 30 September 1995, Jesuit Father General Hans Kolvenbach gave his approval for the establishment of the Retreat House. In January 1997, the land was purchased. The name Jesuit Retreat House was changed to MARANATHA Retreat House (MRH). Sourcing for more funds began. In November 1999 tenders were called and construction began in April 2001. Committee members continued to source for funds. More funds were needed to meet targets in order to keep the Maranatha project viable.
There were many enriching experiences in the partnership between Jesuits and laypersons. There was mutual respect and recognition of the various charisms and gifts in the experiences, expertise and dedication of the committee member and the benefactors. Despite the many challenges that seemed at time to be stumbling blocks, the members stayed unwaveringly focused on the vision of Maranatha.

The realisation of the retreat house is because of a shared vision, and effort of all who gave generously of their time, expertise, support and benefaction. It was made possible through active Lay-Jesuit partnership. MARANATHA is more than just bricks and mortar - it will help spread the rich spiritual legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius will give those who wish to live life anew, a deeper and personal relationship with God, and to enable them to respond in action for God's Greater Glory.