JULY 18, 2005
Dear Friends,
HESED, the quality of gentle love, of mercy extended even when justice might otherwise imply. The Hebrew word echoes in my mind, causing me to dream and visualize its uniqueness in those who serve and care for the things of the earth. I'm reflecting on those who mentor, the faithful advisors and volunteers, supporters, and the wonderfully unconventional REACH staff.
If you have walked with REACH for any amount of time, then you too have witnessed those moments when God and people all have worked in powerful ways to extend Hesed. The wise Hebrew prophet, Micah, wrote: "this is what Yahweh asks of you, only this: That you act justly, love tenderly (Hesed), and walk humbly with your God". Micah 6:8.
At the Northwest REACH camp held each Labor Day week, Hesed bounces like a great voice against a canyon wall. God's love and mercy bounce back over the lives of expectant parents and kids, into exhausted bodies of staff and volunteers; Hesed flies from God and from person to person. Hesed is a lived out, vital September word for REACH.
This year, approximately 168 children and family members and 130 volunteers and staff will come together as a family. The outcomes of the camp over the years have been extraordinary: the mentoring program for children and adults, the psychosocial Progressive Units, work toward continued church education, a better understanding of global HIV/AIDS and communicable illnesses, development of sex education materials, REACH Children Around the World in Prayer, and enhanced support in grief and dying.
REACH regularly works to level the playing field of life for our children and their families and camp is a major example of our efforts. During a week of playing, adventure, singing, laughing, learning, sharing, crying, teasing, dancing, and faith building, our children and their families face the burden of disease but also learn the absolute value of their lives. No matter how many years they have left on this earth these children are among our future leaders; how they manage hardship, express love and grow in freedom will be nurtured by our example. HESED
Continuing Our Dream,
Susan K. Slonaker
Please, if you are not already supporting REACH I beg you to support the children, the family, with a $25 monthly pledge for medicine, $50 a monthly pledge for nutrition or $150 monthly pledge to help with camp rental. It will make a difference.