Ever since Rachel’s Vineyard ministry for spiritual and psychological healing after abortion began, many have hoped for a way to receive, offer and exchange news and information about this ministry.

For those of you not familiar with Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries, allow me to offer a brief introduction. Rachel’s Vineyard offers a beautiful weekend retreat and support group model which provides psychological and spiritual healing for those who have suffered the pain of an abortion(s). The "living scripture exercises," unique to Rachel’s Vineyard, provide an effective framework for a concrete emotional "experience" of the mercy and forgiveness of Christ. The activities are designed to help individuals, couples and family members move through the stages of grief. The experience of breaking the isolation, shame and secret through a supportive group process is also very effective.

In 2001, there were 105 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats held from Alaska to Florida, parts of Canada, Australia, and Portugal. It is now seen as an essential component of many social service agencies, Project Rachel programs, Crisis Pregnancy Centers as well as church based ministries.

It is my great pleasure to share the bountiful growth of Rachel’s Vineyard - and to introduce new ministry tools and development ideas as they become available. We exist as a training resource as well as offering a beautiful program of healing for anyone whose life has been touched by the pain of abortion.

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Theresa Burke