John S. Mogabgab was the founding editor of Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life, serving in that role for 25 years. As special projects editor for Upper Room Books from 2010 until his death in 2014, he oversaw the completion of the Henri Nouwen Series and A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God. From 1975?1980 John was Henri Nouwen's teaching, research, and editorial assistant at Yale Divinity School.

Henri J. M. Nouwen was an internationally renowned priest and author, respected professor, and beloved pastor who wrote over 40 books on the spiritual life. Nouwen enjoyed an impressive academic career with positions at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard Universities. His commitment to explore the relationship between faith and justice led him to become involved in the civil rights movement and to make a number of trips to Central America. Nouwen lived the last ten years of his life as the pastor of L'Arche Daybreak in Toronto, one of the many communities founded by Jean Vanier. In L'Arche people with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together as peers, create inclusive communities of faith and friendship, and transform society through relationships that cross social boundaries. This became Nouwen's home until his death in September 1996.