The Reverend Canon David A.Browning writes:

Gratitude for your ministry

Dear Shaina,

Last month, I had the pleasure of talking with you by phone about your music, Holy Trinity Church parishioners' needs, and how your music has brought such a blessing to us. At our main service on May 16, I played "How Could Anyone..." through our p.a. system. People were so moved and their comments were so strongly positive, I promised to play your music again with your permission.

Yesterday, in the context of preaching about Elijah and his experience of God's person in the wilderness and silence, I played "Return Again." Very strong and positive comments! As was the case on May 16, some parishioners wept as your music helped them encounter God.

My point in writing, then, is to express our and my gratitude for your ministry, and for allowing me to play your music in our worship setting. You have touched and blessed us, deeply. We also want to encourage you in your ministry. You are making a sigificant difference in our spiritual lives. You are helping us to encounter God.

I include your web address in our worship bulletin when we have used your music. Some people have ordered CDs and cassettes - such is the extent of how helpful your music is. They are grateful to have your web address for ordering music.

God bless you!,

Dave
The Reverend Canon David A.Browning

Bernadette Kinniry, RSM, of Siloam Ministries writes:

Dear Shaina,

I am co-founder of a spiritual ministry for persons infected with/affected by HIV/AIDS. A friend introduced me to your music, and I've watched how your words and voice have penetrated deeply into the deepest spirit of persons who have been terribly alienated, and often enough have alienated their own selves. You are an agent of light and grace among us as a people and I, first of all, want to say a warm thank you for what you are doing with your life journey. You obviously are no stranger to the stuff of your own life, which translates into connection with the lives of others.

Secondly, the ministry I've been called to create has been one that has turned me upside down and inside out, for I've met a diversity of God's creation that I've never known existed...and it has been good for me. Our belief is that all persons are by nature spiritual, and we try to offer safe ways for those whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS to simply access their God-given spirituality, for wellness. We have had to make a distinction between spirituality and religion, for so often persons with AIDS have been hurt in the name of religion. I am a Sister of Mercy ('Catholic nun), and I sense the deep hunger for spirituality in our times, that organized religion is not necessarily addressing. It has been astounding what happens when we are connected to that deeper truth, which your songs so gently yet fiercely celebrate.

Continued blessings on you and your loved ones.
Peace.
Bernadette Kinniry, RSM
Siloam Ministries
1133 Spring Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123

Another communication from Bernadette Kinniry:

In October, we had two 3-day retreats for persons living with HIV/AIDS and our many volunteers, and I was, more than ever, amazed and deeply touched/enlightened by what is shared when safety and dignity are present. The group was persons of all faiths, or none in particular, at least none that they felt would claim them,
of all ethnic backgrounds
of all sexual orientations
of all financial brackets
of all educational histories
of all life experiences
of all ages, from mid twenties to seventy-three.
Your music profoundly eeked its way into their familiar defences, underneath, and I could see the reclaiming of a truer self, especially with the songs
"How Could Anyone Ever Tell You"
"It's in Every One of Us"
"Where I Sit Is Holy."
We gifted some of our retreatants with your music, and you would have thought we gave them a healing of their very illness. Thank you!

On November 11, my community of Sisters of Mercy celebrates the death of our loving foundress, Catherine McAuley. At the convent where I live, the sister who led us in prayer chose for the music of our prayer your "The Flower that Shattered the Stone". What a perfect fit. My prayer for this hardened stony time in our country, religions, world is that 'flowers' will continue to shatter what needs to be shattered.

Fondly,
Bernadette Kinniry, RSM
Siloam Ministries
1133 Spring Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123

Carol Story of Puget Sound Parish Nurse Ministries:

I first heard "How Could Anyone," at the annual Parish Nurse Westberg Symposium in Chicago. The song reached my heart and soul as if it were a gentle touch from the healing hand of God. At home, I listened to the song every time I drove the car - sometimes multiple times a day. I found that each time the song played, not only did tears flow, I was drawn nearer to God in ways I had never imagined. I felt such peace and comfort and wanted to share the songs with others.

First, I ordered several copies as gifts to all the women in my family. Then, I thought, why not play it during the pastoral session of our parish nurse class? I did - and the nurses sat quietly for several minutes after the song ended with tears running down their cheeks. Every nurse wanted to know where they could purchase the tape! no question - this would be a regular part of our class!

We don't know the stories of the nurses who come to study about parish nursing, but we do know they often include pain and unresolved grief. If this one song can begin the inner self healing process for even just one nurse, then we (through you, Shaina) will have provided an opportunity for them to bring healing to the parishioners they serve. Now, we also use "You Can Relax Now" and "Peace Be With You" as we go through our sessions on spiritual and pastoral care. And - all the attendees receive a complimentary tape of their own. They can hardly wait to get home and hear the rest of it!

Thank you Shaina, for this beautiful message that touches the heart and soul of so many.

Carol Story
Puget Sound Parish Nurse Ministries
502 48th Place SE
Everett, Washington 98203

Marge O'Gorman, FSM, of Friendship and Justice Ministries writes:

Dear Shaina,
 
I have loved the song How Can Anyone since I was first introduced to it.  A woman who went to the United Nations Women's Conference in Beijing in 1995 told me about it.  I went out and got a copy of your tape right away and have used it with women's groups in the past.
 
At the end of October, we are going to have a prayer service Honoring Victims of Violence, to remember those who have died from homophobic violence.  This prayer service is being sponsored by our four Catholic churches in St. Louis who provide outreach to the lesbian and gay community.  Again I thought of your song, so we are using it to offer support, affirmation and healing to the LGBT community as we pray for those who have suffered from hate crimes and pledge ourselves to end discrimination and violence.
 
Thanks for making it available to us.
 
Marge O'Gorman, FSM
Friendship and Justice (Ministry)
3854 Flad Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-776-0363x9
314-776-0364 FAX
mogormanfsm@sbcglobal.net