APRIL 8, 2008
Dear Friends,
Let me tell you a story.
"Suzie?" Sandra was calling from Chicago. She was sitting in her car – lonely and driven to tears "by the whole HIV thing." Adopting Joseph from Kenya, she was "sick of keeping the HIV a secret." Knowing that she either needed to busy herself or allow grief to overwhelm her, she opted for activity and decided to open the mail stacked next to her in the car and, she continued, "There it was!!"
There was the hand written card that I had recently written her, she continued, "I am so thankful for the reminder that I am not alone - that the Lord used a card and the relationship of the bold ministry of REACH and a note to "wink" at me!"
Here is what I learned that night as my gaze was brought down from stars to earth; as I turned to the human situation. "Our son in Kenya that we, my husband and I adopted, Joseph is declining quickly - he is almost 10 yrs old and weighs about 32 pounds. They are not sure what is going on, possibly resistance to the only ARV meds available there; they are treating him for TB too. They did agree to let him know that he has a family and that we are working fast to bring him home to the U.S. - with hopes that it would give him the desire to fight. Please pray. We are so thankful for your ministry and the fact that you understand, that you walk beside us. You are a light in the darkness."
Something opens our wings.
Something makes boredom and hurt disappear.
Someone fills the cup in front of us.
We taste only sacredness.
As I considered all of this last night, I looked into the starry sky and thought that what we are doing might be insignificant – considering all that must be done. But to do more I need your help.
If love has made any difference in your life, if being in community, if you have a heart, if you care – then do me a favor, love each other and help us with your financial support to serve the children of the world, our children throughout the year so they may taste sacredness.
Love one another,
Susan K. Slonaker
P.S. Please keep supporting the work of REACH with your prayers and financial gifts. Thank you for whatever you are able to give, $25, $50, $100. Ask about matching funds where you work and please designate REACH when you give through the United Way. Remember, we depend on friends like you.