JULY, 2011

It's summer...time for Camp! you have got to look at the DVD!

Looking for a way to get more involved? Come join us at REACH Camp 2011 as a volunteer! Serve as a counselor, rover or driver over Labor Day Weekend, September 2-5, and help us proclaim God's best in the lives of our kids and families. Connect with a teen, sing "Lean On Me" at campfire, eat three meals and two snacks a day, dress as a blowfish, set up chairs for the talent show, and holler "YAHOO!" Apply now to volunteeronline and register for training. (Must be at least 18 years of age.) For more information, contact Merry Moyer, mmoyer@reachministries.org or 253.383.7616.

The 2011 Camp Theme...
You are made to be amazing!

The REACH Ministries Vision Statement is Jeremiah 29:11..."For I know the plans that I have for you", says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future." Our goal is to insure that our kids and their families know that this is true for them; and in a very practical way. We also realize that this message is equally important for our supporters.

So, the last two months' newsletters have included the first two parts of a three part series of reminders about our place and purpose in our jobs, communities and families. Let's review the first two...

April -
You are unique, and God has a plan for you that can be fulfilled only by you.

Following is an excerpt from the April Newsletter:

You are heaven's Halley's Comet; we have one shot at seeing you shine. You offer a gift to society that no one else brings. If you don't bring it, it won't be brought. Your job, your family, your friends and co-workers, your vendors and the various people you meet are influenced by you in a way that is unique. You are living an adventure that was written before time. And it isn't about you. You are destined to help others, pray for others, serve others, mentor others, befriend others, encourage others, grieve with others, and bless others. All in a unique, one-of-a-kind way.

May -
This newsletter is for you.
You matter... you are destined
to change generations

I want to share some thoughts from Max Lucado on this subject. Let's start with a story from the gospel of Luke: "Jesus climbed into the boat that was Peter's and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd." (Luke 5:2-3 msg)

Jesus claims the boat. He doesn't request the use of it. Christ doesn't fill out an application or ask permission; he simply boards the boat and begins to preach. He did that because he chose to work through Peter. And he wants to work through you. Your boat is where you spend your day, make your living, and to a large degree live your life. The taxi you drive, the house you build, the dental office you manage, the family you feed and transport - this is your boat. Jesus reminds us:

"You drive my truck."
"You preside in my courtroom."
"You work on my jobsite."
"You serve in my hospital."

To us all, Jesus says, "Your work is my work."

So, we see that God has made us for a unique, one-of-a-kind purpose. So unique that we are the only ones who can fulfill this plan.

You are my sunshine and my delight". "You are my favorite"! "You are my first choice"! " I love you beyond measure"! "You are my work of art"! "You are a miracle ...and all the angels marvel at you"!

Go tell it on a mountain.

He also lets us know that he will do this right at your place of work, at school, at home and in other daily endeavors. And He wants you to succeed! You are close to God's heart.

Here's what He says about you:

..."My thoughts of you cannot be counted; they outnumber the grains of sand"! (Psalms 139: 17-18). And this; it's amazing...

"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

Part III of the Series -
What if each one of us knew that...

God IS for us. Not "may be," not "has been," not "would be," but "God is!" He IS for you. Today. At this hour. At this minute. As you read this sentence. No need to wait in line or come back tomorrow. He is with you.

God is FOR you. He is with you at the jobsite, cheering your work. Look at the end of the day; that's God applauding your steps. Listen for him in your classroom, whispering your name. Too tired to continue? He'll carry you. Too discouraged to keep searching for work? He's picking you up. God is for you.

God is for YOU. Your birthday is circled on God's calendar. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper. There's a tree in heaven with your name carved in the bark.

We know he has a tattoo, and we know what it says. "I have written your name on my hand." (Isaiah 49:16)

You have one. A divine spark. An uncommon call to an uncommon life. We are each given a special way of serving others (Wisdom of God). (1Cor 2:7) Not some of us. Not a few of us, but - each of us! Your life is an adventure... one that is intended to change generations!

REACH Camp - Our special calling!

We have included a dvd that captures the fun and energy of our kids and their families with our volunteers at last year's camp. These pictures are similar to thousands of other kids-camp or kids-at- play scenes that you have seen and smiled at in the past.

So, what makes the REACH kids different? Many of the children you see in these pictures are isolated from their peers. Some of our families have had to move to another town because of reaction from school, neighbors or friends. Their lives are not like others...they will never be like others.

Our preparations for camp are thorough. Injury and infections bring the potential of serious trouble to our HIV infected children. Their bodies have difficulty fighting even simple colds.

We bring bottled water instead of using tap water; we have sanitizing stations around key areas of the camp; and we have our "Club Med", which is run by a wonderful volunteer doctor from Madigan Army Hospital.

These are but a few examples of the necessary precautions that must be taken to insure the wellbeing of our campers. For our kids and their families, camp is safe...camp is trustworthy...camp is an escape into a carefree world that they don't experience for most of their lives. They spend time with others who don't judge them because they are like them, so they laugh and they smile and they play. And when we see their faces we know that God is directing this activity.

It couldn't happen without our volunteers who give their time at camp, driving families to camp, donating gifts, preparing the supply packages, and a myriad of other tasks.

We Need Your Support

And most importantly, we could not send these kids to camp without your financial support. This year more than ever in the past, we must rely on your generosity to make this camp session a reality! It costs approximately $400 to send each kid to camp for 4 days. And we must raise $40,000 more for this year.

As you view the dvd, know that you have helped to make this possible for these children.

The REACH Team