Dear Friends,
What a privilege it has been to bring leadership to the Henri Nouwen Society and the Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust for the past nine years. I have worked with such a creative and dedicated staff, Board of Directors and Trustees.
My history with Henri Nouwen stretches back to the mid 1990’s when I first encountered Henri Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son. I went on to produce two television broadcasts featuring Henri Nouwen for the TV series Cross Currents.
When Henri suddenly died in September of 1996, I realized that I had some of the very best footage of Henri and hoped that I might make a documentary for television using these materials enhanced by interviews with his family, friends, colleagues and students. The story of how this came about I call The Miracle of the $5000 (a story worth reading).
Henri really spoke to my heart during the time I spent with him, and he continued to speak to me through his many profound and inspired books. One image that I still carry to this day is Henri’s vision of how we meet God in the deep chambers of our inner being. Henri challenged me to see what God was writing there on the walls of my heart.
Like so many of you, Henri’s honesty and vulnerability deepened my own relationship with God. His Christ-centered focus never wavered. The God that Henri has shown me is trustworthy and faithful. Above all, the good news that I am beloved by this God is a gift Henri articulated so clearly in my life.
In these nine years, it has been a joy to extend Henri’s legacy through new publications, in-person and online gatherings, and the increased use of social media. Our Henri Nouwen community now circles the globe! I have especially enjoyed the opportunity to interview so many amazing Christian leaders and authors, all influenced by Henri, for our podcast series Henri Nouwen, Now & Then.
I thank God, for the gift of being allowed to carry forward Henri’s rich spiritual legacy and to share it with the world. What a privilege!
As part of our community, I would encourage you to continue to support the Henri Nouwen Society. Today, more than ever I believe our world needs Henri’s message -- we are truly beloved by God.
With gratitude,
Karen Pascal Executive Director | Henri Nouwen Society |
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