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Miscellaneous
News
(from the May/June 2007 issue)
Hope and Encouragement
(Information gleaned from the ICCRS Leadership Formation Supplement, Jan.-Feb. 2006, p. 3)
Most encouraging to us as we set out to start a healing center is the news that a Catholic Order, the Vincentians (they direct a hospital here in Jacksonville), started the "Divine Retreat Center" in Kerala State in India in 1977. Here the sick and broken-hearted flock in large numbers. Retreats are given in English and five Indian languages. Every week an average of 8,000 people come, and the number rises to 30,000 during the peak holiday season. The Vincentian priests have now opened other retreat centers in four other cities.
Gifts of the Spirit began to be used by Vincentian priests in their preaching. The retreats end with a renewal of baptismal vows and by praying for an empowering of the Spirit. Proclamation becomes complete through taking steps to help the poor, so it is impressive to learn that the Divine Retreat Center takes care of 3,000 poor. In various homes attached to the Center, resources are shared with the poor:
• St. Mary’s home cares for destitute mothers and children;
• The De-Addiction Center looks after those addicted to alcohol and drugs;
• St. Vincent’s Home houses AIDS patients;
• The Divine Mercy Home cares for abandoned elderly men and women;
• The Divine Care Center takes care of the mentally ill.
Cardinal Vithayathil states that "the last decade has seen a vibrant spiritual awakening in the people. … This is to a large extent due to the Word ministry of the Divine Retreat Center."
Reading about this extraordinary work of the Spirit humbles us and encourages us as we launch out in hopes for CHM’s future.
Have You Seen an Angel?
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
—Psalm 91:11
Just as we have countless bible stories of God sending angels to be with his beloved children, we know God has sent angels to all of us to comfort, encourage, and guard us as we learn to walk in his ways. The ministry of angels is one that is very close to Judith’s heart, which is why she is currently writing a book on the subject. Because she knows many of you have an angel story to share, she is asking you to send your stories to her for possible inclusion in her book. If you have an angel story that you would like to share with Judith, please send it to Mary Kleist via email at mbk@christianhealingmin.org or via postal mail to: Christian Healing Ministries, Inc.; Attn: Mary Kleist; P.O. Box 9520; Jacksonville, FL 32208. Please limit your submissions to your personal experiences and include a signed statement of permission for Judith to publish your story in her book. Additionally, please indicate whether or not you wish to remain anonymous. Note that submissions will not be returned to you upon completion of this project.
Can Homosexuality Be Healed?
We just received news that Francis' book, Can Homosexuality Be Healed?, has just been published in the Korean Language.
