HNS September Appeal 2017
HNS September Appeal
Dear Friends,As a reader of these occasional communications, you are likely aware that over the last two years we have been developing a much-needed outreach based on Henri Nouwen's counter-cultural approach to caregiving. Well, I am delighted to inform you the project is nearing completion and we are eagerly preparing to take it on the road!
When I took on the role of executive director of the Henri Nouwen Society, I came with a strong sense that Henri has so much to offer to caregivers. Everything Henri Nouwen wrote resonated with his care and compassion. He possessed the rare ability to view everything from an affirming spiritual perspective. As a result, Henri has much to offer those who, either by choice or by circumstance, have taken on the role of caregiver.
Earlier this year, in partnership with Church Health, we rolled out a wonderful 42-day devotional entitled Hope for Caregivers. This precious and encouraging book (available on our website) addresses the needs of people in caregiving roles, whether professional caregivers or those who find themselves faced with the "unchosen vocation" of caring for a chronically ill, aging, or incapacitated loved one. It's a thoughtful and encouraging mix of Henri's writings, Scripture, and prayers and represents a completion of the first stage of our Caregiving Initiative.
Within the next month we will be unveiling Courage for Caregivers, an invaluable retreat resource for ordinary people of faith engaged in giving care to family members at home. This book, written by Marjorie Thompson, a former student of Henri's, offers a rich spiritual outlook on giving and receiving care.
In December we will introduce our first Caregiving Retreat. I have heard over and over from frontline caregivers about the needs of those who find themselves alone and burdened by the overwhelming requirements of tending to one who needs constant care.
Without support and encouragement, the caregiver can feel exhausted, defeated, even resentful. These unique retreats are designed specifically to minister care to the caregiver.
To offer these retreats to communities throughout North America, we need your help.
At present, we have six Caregiving Retreats planned throughout 2018. However, the need is so great we are already receiving requests for more retreats. Frankly, it's more than we can handle without your support.
Your one-time or monthly donation makes a real difference and will help us to:
- Train qualified leaders to allow the retreats to be offered at more locations
- Keep the retreats affordable and accessible to all participants
- Promote the retreats effectively to reach those who would benefit the most
Your support and your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Faithfully,
Karen Pascal,
Executive Director
The Henri Nouwen Society
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