DECEMBER 2, 2004

Dear Friends,

It's a very thin place where the heavenly meets the things of earth. I have moments when my attention is often like that of the patriarch Jacob, who said,"surely God is in this place, and I did not know it."

My moments of 'knowing it' come when I hold the face of a two-year-old child or the face of a child of seventy; when I look beyond their eyes to witness the beauty, the pain, the struggle, the value and mystery of their lives. It is a thin place where those things cross. I pray never to miss it.

Moments when the rain falls loudly on the roof, the sun shines brightly, when I am able to touch the arch of the rainbow, the times I double over with laughter in the company of friends, when I dance for joy or shed tears forced by the power of music. These moments grab my attention, pulling me to a window to glimpse the swift passage of connected things.

Moments when lying in bed next to a child dying of AIDS, embracing the great mystery of life and - moments when I see servants of REACH extend grace as they sacrificially minister in God's name to those who suffer.

Moments when the phone or e-mail brings us yet another family, another story, another child ready for a camp experience or mentoring, to cut through the crisis of living.

As I write, Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, thanking the Lord for His gracious gift of love. This is also the time of year when I make the plea for you all to give generously to the children of REACH, to help us "make it" through 2005. To be honest, I have no clever ways to ask for money, no ornamental words to decorate my request, no ribbons or bows enticing you to love suffering children and their families, to help us continue to serve.

I do, however, invite you to share with us those profound glimpses of thin places where heaven meets our earthly efforts; where we marvel and say, "Surely God is in this place."

Love,

Susan K. Slonaker

P.S. It is our hope that you will give generously, that REACH will be able to serve for yet another year. Please consider giving 25, 50, or 100 dollars monthly to help us continue embracing the children, throughout the year.