“It is hard to recognize I need help, especially when there are so many pressing needs around me.” The other pastors at the regional retreat in Temuco nodded with understanding.  “I don´t take care of myself because I am so concerned about taking care of everyone else. “  When I asked how many of these pastors and their spouses felt like they had some physical illness related to the stress of caring for others, every one of them raised their hand.  Most had never heard of compassion fatigue before but could easily recognize many of the physical, emotional, relational, and even spiritual symptoms in themselves. “We badly needed this retreat,” they agreed, “but it is going to be challenging to change our habits and recognize that God wants us to take care of ourselves, too.”

Thanks to funds provided by Global Ministries, members of the Shalom Center staff were able to lead similar retreats on the same day for pastors of the Pentecostal Church of Chile and their spouses in four regions of Chile. 

Elena Huegel

Elena Huegel is a missionary with the Pentecostal Church of Chile (IPC).  She serves as an environmental and Christian education specialist.