March, 2010
Dear Friends,
"Sometime I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it..."
"Well, why don’t you ask Him?” Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question."
I remember the first time I met six-year-old Marika and her ten-year-old sister Maria. I was stunned and sickened when I learned they were brought by their Uncle to the United States for sex trafficking; victims of a multibillion dollar industry. As the result of exploitation and abuse they are now HIV positive.
Think for a moment of your own childhood. How were you treated at the lowest moments of your life? What actions or circumstances created safety or the restoration of value for you?
Marika and Maria are vibrant now, thanks in a great part to the work of REACH. We were privileged to be active participants in their rescue. Generously giving and fostering the redemptive quality of love has brought back to them a healthy, happy childhood. Because of your support, REACH is able to build trust through our mentoring program and other vital services throughout the year.
As unbelievable as it may seem HIV/AIDS within some populations in America surpasses that of some African countries. More than 1 in 30 adults are HIV-infected in Washington, DC, prevalence higher than that of reported from Nigeria, Ethiopia, or Rwanda. Annually, 17,500 women and children are trafficked to the U.S. for sex. In addition, it is estimated that as many as 244,000 children are at risk of child exploitation in the U.S. Like our girls, many of these children account for the increase of HIV/AIDS in our own country.
It is so easy to ask God 'Why,' but we at REACH have learned to hear his call to do something about it. And with your help, we do.
Please continue to support REACH in its quest to fearlessly fight for the restoration of children; in our efforts to repair the damage done them. Help us bring about justice and joy in this broken world.
Sincerely,
Susan K. Slonaker
PS. Marika and Maria need your help! Support a child. For $1 a day, you can give help give them a Camp experience, Mentor and opportunity for special events throughout the year. We cannot allow this economy to hinder our enthusiasm to better serve this population in need. Give graciously! Your help is vital!