AUGUST 16, 2007

Dear Friends,

"Broken for you"

The quote above, a familiar part of a phrase from Jesus, pulls my mind to present realities suffered by the children in our local and global communities; broken in sorrow and helplessness brought by HIV/AIDS, a brokenness served through love by the ministry of REACH.

We who daily serve suffering families stand helpless before the questions of survival or cure but we have learned the power of love to sooth pain and bind shattered dreams. We affirm that love is our aim. The apostle Paul, once a surly man raising havoc against Christians but then himself radically converted, wrote this: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (New Testament 1 Corinthians, chapter 13)

At REACH, we have learned that those we serve, families affected by HIV/AIDS, are caught in a whirlwind of confusion concerning them, are wearied by a noisy crowd of opinions. Their brokenness is caused not only by physical decline, by personal fear, but by harsh opinions clanging like dissonant cymbals through our world, our neighborhoods, and even our communities of faith. As REACH serves these who suffer, we enter into their pain by offering faith and opportunities for hope.

This month 350 children and family members will once again come together for camp, a family reunion for many and an opportunity to warmly welcome into the fold 50 new children and family members. Together they will laugh, cry, physically touch and openly support each other free from fear but above all, filled with love.

Broken for you,

Susan K. Slonaker

A majority of our children and their families live in poverty. All REACH programs and services are provided free of charge. We must raise $1,500 per child and family member for a year’s provision of programs and services. They deserve your compassion and financial support.