JANUARY 25, 2006

Dear Friends,

Life is a movement of intervals, the work of reading "in between the lines" as do skilled jazz musicians or good friends reading letters, or artists capturing negative space for the sake of depth and contrast. We at REACH are given the opportunity to interpret the fragile melody line of children's lives where timing grants us room to love; to build, to offer a much needed two-beat break, and to create some unexpected good.

When Ludwig Beethoven wrote his C Sharp Minor Quartet, Opus 131, perhaps the greatest piece of music ever written, he was reportedly questioned by close friends concerned for his well being. The composition was not well received. Beethoven replied, "I have said all I have to say to my contemporaries; now I am speaking to the future."

REACH is committed to love, hope, and courage as our "in between", work both now and for the future generations of God's children. Unlike Beethoven, we are rewarded by responses such as this from a mother of two young HIV/AIDS infected boys who lives with fear, grief, and isolation:

"I love you. I wanted to say how wonderful you are for all the blessings you have given me and my boys throughout the years! I have grown so much. Thank you for making my family feel safe in REACH." Martha

So, listen with us to the melody between the lines of hurt. Suffering wraps round the world, but so does the song of hope and comfort. Thank you for being part of the melody, the poetry of life that REACH is privileged to write in this world in Jesus name.

Blessings my friends,

Susan K. Slonaker

Listen, listen, and listen, then join in the song REACH sings by loving, volunteering, encouraging, praying and giving financially to the most isolated children and their families.