Novus Foundation: Two Stories of Hope

The Outreach Foundation has partnered with Novus Foundation in Warsaw, Poland, since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Leaders Piotr and Stasha Nowak, and Pablo and Aneta Montano are engaged in full-time theological training of church planters while also providing professional counseling to war refugees, cancer patients, and others. They recently shared two stories that exhibit the impact of their work.

A Calling in the Oncology Ward: Aneta Montano

“One man, a devoted Catholic weakened by a month’s treatment, initially refused my visits. He wanted solitude, focusing solely on medications and procedures. Respecting his boundaries, I returned daily with just a smile and a kind word, no pressure.

Gradually, he opened up, insisting we discuss only his treatments. I listened intently, honoring his wishes. Then, a phone call from his parish priest cracked the door. He shared his pre-illness parish involvement, but lamented the absence of visitors—no friends, no family. His voice carried deep pain from a broken marriage due to past drinking and estranged children. Loneliness weighed heavily in his sterile room.

Gently, I introduced the possibility of a personal relationship with God—a living, loving bond He desires. At first uninterested, he agreed to end our talks with prayer. He led with familiar rosaries; then, one day, he let me pray personally, invoking Jesus for comfort, healing relationships, and peace beyond circumstances. The Holy Spirit’s presence filled the space.

The next day, he eagerly awaited me, requesting more prayer. Daily sessions followed, his heart transforming. He spoke of Jesus as a personal Savior, embracing forgiveness and hope. The man who once shut me out now anticipated our times together, his room lighter with divine peace.

One visit, he was gone — called home by God in perfect timing. I witnessed faith reborn, trusting we’ll meet again. This deepened my conviction: Novus Foundation’s ministry honors every “no,” trusts the Holy Spirit’s doors, and meets people where they are, fostering sacred transformation.”

Restoring Robert and Anna’s Marriage: Piotr and Stasha Nowak

“In fall 2025, at a Novus Foundation marriage conference in western Poland that The Outreach Foundation helped sponsor, I met Robert and Anna. Their 20-year union, blessed with three children — including a 19-year-old son with autism — was teetering. Once active in church ministry, they now faced collapse; Robert toiled in a furniture factory, while Anna, jobless after losing her sales role, battled deep wounds.

Shy yet honest in our first session, they unpacked their story. From impoverished backgrounds, Anna endured parental rejection as a teen, leading to a suicide attempt. Rescued, she met Robert; together, they surrendered to God. But childhood pain lingered—Anna’s low self-esteem fueled family worries, exhausting Robert, who cared deeply but felt helpless.

We crafted individual and marital therapy plans, ending each meeting in prayer. Step by step, changes emerged. Anna confronted her past, visiting her parents to forgive and rebuild. This freed her, boosting openness and optimism. Robert noticed her creativity spark; he smiled more, eager to return home.

Though therapy continues, their progress is inspiring. Anna’s wounds heal through God’s grace; Robert finds renewed strength. Their marriage, once fraying, now glimpses a beautiful future. I’m grateful to witness the Holy Spirit mending hearts, restoring joy.”

Novus Foundation’s Christian counseling doesn’t just fix problems—it invites divine healing, turning pain into purpose. In Robert and Anna’s story, we see families revived, and faith deepened, all through faithful guidance.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We invite you to step into the stories that the leaders of Novus Foundation are writing in the lives of people who face trauma from war, need healing in their marriages, and want to know the God of love. First, pray for Pablo, Aneta, Piotr, and Stasha as they labor long hours both in theological education and counseling. Second, please give generously to their counseling work. Counseling is considered a luxury for the wealthy. Most of the people who receive Christian counseling cannot afford it. Even $100 can open the opportunity for these leaders to make a gospel impact in more lives.

You may make a gift by sending a check to the address below with the partner name in the memo line or you can donate on our website: www.theoutreachfoundation.org.

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