Dear Assisi Family:
As always, I hope this letter finds you filled with God’s peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. Our new Swami Muktima recently said at a staff meeting, “Energy Follows Energy.” That simple yet truthful statement led me to consider the energy of the Assisi Institute as I humbly invite you to participate in this year’s Pledge Drive.
In spite of the complex world challenges that have been and are still confronting us, God and Guru have blessed us with an abundance of energetic, new growth to support our mission. We only need to look at what is happening:
- Due to Christianne’s inspired work, Assisi Yoga not only survived Covid, but is thriving.
- Our audience for our Wrestling with God podcast series is growing by leaps and bounds, including a recent episode that had twelve thousand views, mostly by an audience under 45 years of age.
- Due to the tireless work on the part of our own Krystal Stimus, we will be launching our Children’s Yoga initiative this summer.
- A daily average of 325 readers open our Living Grace daily online reflection.
- The Kriya Lifestyle class, the Reflection Circle, Women’s Satsang, and the Welcome to Tomberg class have consistent, enthusiastic attendees.
- We have expanded our weekly services to include a Sunday service.
Please note that the spiritual energy that flows through nearly all of this programming is available either free of charge or for a free-will donation. Indeed, our last retreat day was available either online or in-person for only $50, and our 5-day retreat this summer with Ryan Kurczak will be offered on a donation basis.
I cannot thank you enough for all you have done to sustain us this far, including a most generous response to last year’s Capital Campaign, which is enabling us to make some badly-needed upgrades to our building. Yet, as you can well imagine, rising prices of everything and a significant decrease in our regular monthly pledges have left us struggling to meet our regular expenses. So in the spirit of St. Francis, I am humbly asking you to be a part of our Pledge Drive this year. Following the principle of Energy Follows Energy, I would first ask you to pledge to the gurus and yourself your good intentions and care for Yogananda’s mission. Secondly, please lend us your time. Come and join us, in-person if you can; we truly do need your energy! Lastly, please consider a monthly pledge if you do not already do so. Each and every pledge, no matter how large or small, helps us to know that we will be able to responsibly pay our regularly monthly bills. Furthermore, each pledge is a tangible, energetic action step that will infuse the Assisi Institute with the sustenance we need to support our ministries. For those who have pledged and donate regularly, consider increasing your pledge by $10 or more. Working together, our small increases can yield large dividends!
For those who are pledging for the first time, simply go to our website and select either a monthly bank deduction or a one-time donation. If you prefer to contribute through the mail, simply indicate to Purnima the amount you wish to pledge monthly and mail a check to 1400 N Winton Road, Rochester, 14609. If you already pledge and plan to increase your monthly amount, please let Purnima know in an email to purnima@assisi-institute.org
You need only to see the surprised, relieved expressions on the faces of newcomers who are discovering us for the first time to realize just how desperately our brothers and sisters need the silence, peace, and love that we have to offer. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your energy, your intentions, and your generous response. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
In love,
Isha Das
