Spiritual Retreats Draw Record Number of Attendees

By 7017444915 December 23, 2025
For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.
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While this year’s Spiritual Retreats looked a bit different than years past that didn’t impact attendance. In fact the two retreats hosted this fall noted record numbers. With a new hybrid format attendees could opt to join virtually via zoom or attend in person with social distancing and other safety parameters in place. This year’s theme was “Everyone Has a Gift to Share”. The individual sessions consisted of topics like “Made in God’s Image” “The Gospel of God’s Love” “What are Spiritual Gifts?” and “What is My Spiritual Gift?”.  

Hosted by Hope Haven’s Spiritual Support Manager Daniel DeVries and Spiritual Support Associate Jim Hudzinski spiritual retreats are held each year and serve as an available resource for individuals served by Hope Haven. This year’s fall retreats were held on two dates throughout the month of November and included around 170 participants from the following locations: Estherville Hull Orange City Rock Rapids Rock Valley Sioux Center Spirit Lake and Spencer. There will be another retreat in Minnesota in early 2021.