FEBRUARY 9, 2004

Dear Friends,

Boredom seems to come easily in this fast paced world. Apathy sets in; we tire quickly of the news story of the hour, the cause of the day, the sitcom of the week, the politician of the month. Too easily do we discard what was once cherished, challenging or profoundly moving.

It can be the same way with songs - they become over-used, misunderstood and eventually meaningless. Sometimes we laugh, passing them off as a dated fad. Strangely enough, I recently started humming and singing one such melody, Kum ba yah. Soon I found myself praying Kum ba yah, taking time to reflect on the meaning of the words: Come by me, my Lord, Come by me, Come by me, my Lord, Come by me...

In many Bible passages we see that folks simply wanted to be near Jesus: to hang out with Him, to touch His garment, to break bread with Him, to feel His presence or to be touched by His hand (Matthew 4:23).

For three years, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center of Seattle encouraged an isolated family with children infected by HIV/AIDS to become a part of REACH. They attended camp for the first time in 2003 and now they participate in REACH activities throughout the year. I spoke to the mother at length over the Christmas season and she stated, "I am so thankful that Children's and you didn't give up, you kept coming to us and now I can't even imagine life without REACH. It gives us strength to carry on."

Oh God, Kum ba yah. I long for Him to be near me and near all the isolated children of the world. I ask Him to hear my prayers, to listen to the crying of the children, to heal the brokenness. And He does; through you, through your prayers, your presence, your time, your faithfulness and your financial gifts. I urge that you not get bored or apathetic, but that you keep your compassion alive, extend it to those who cross your path and ask God to come by you.

Blessings my friends,

Susan K. Slonaker