On August 29, Faith and Money Network lost one of its long-time board members and board secretary, and part-time, unpaid staff, Bob Hadley. We miss him.
My introduction to Bob was on a Trip of Perspective to Haiti in the mid-1990s. This was one of many such pilgrimages he led to Haiti, to India, and later with me to Palestine/Israel. He also was a marvelous presenter to many FMN retreats and workshops throughout the years, telling the story of how he was led to have a heart for the poor and an understanding of how those of us who have much should live for those who have little.
One of Bob’s great gifts on Trips of Perspective was to be able to absorb and comprehend the pain and the joy of those we visited and to lighten the atmosphere for those he led with a joke or funny comment when everything looked so bleak as to be unbearable.
A former FMN board member who traveled with Bob and me to Palestine wrote in remembrance (note: Bob was an Ohio State marching band alum and ardent fan who never let this Northwestern grad forget it!):
“Buckeye Bob” has been an integral part of my Faith & Money Network experience since the days it was known as The Ministry of Money (MoM). Bob was one of the compelling speakers at the first MoM retreat I attended, convincing me this was an organization I needed to become part of. It was at that retreat that I learned of the very experience in Israel and Palestine for which I’d been seeking–one in which I would meet with Palestinians and Israelis struggling with the day-to-day challenges of living in that conflicted land. Bob was a co-leader with Harriet Taylor of that small group which chose to go to Israel/Palestine in early 2001 despite the raging Second Intifada. It was an experience that changed my life, as has my friendship with Bob and my enduring affiliation with MoM/FMN. As I too had been ‘born a Buckeye,’ I treasured that extra connection with this inspiring man who never failed to make us all laugh.
I am so grateful to have visited with Bob and his wife Judy in early August when we shared memories and hopes for the future, and laughter and love. I miss you, Bro. With great love and admiration, Sis.
— Harriet Taylor, former staff and board member, November 2019