OCTOBER 10, 2006

Dear Friends,

It is only because of your love ~
only your love ~
That the poor will forgive you
the bread you give them

Materialistic, consuming, the bigger-the-better, acquiring ... that would be me not too many years ago, before I became a follower of Christ. And now? Well, for those who know me I still love fine stuff, but now I give bags full of things away along with the little money in my wallet ... and the more I do it the more freedom I have.

The desire of being loved, extolled, honored, praised, preferred, consulted, approved and popular – yep, that would be me too before falling in love with Christ. And now? Well, I still struggle, repeating Mother Teresa's prayer: "Deliver me, O Jesus" from the desire for love." But, while I admit to needing affirmation, I have gladlylearned not be the center of attention. In fact, please don't make me the center of attention.

Oh, but ... the fear of being humiliated, despised, rebuked, calumniated, forgotten, wronged, ridiculed and suspected? Oh yes, my prayers against such things are vigorous. I am still asking to be delivered from worries and fears. The good news is my growing awareness of mercy and grace, of God's favor as this ministry of REACH and I grow.

If I were to gather things God has provided REACH, if I were to put them in a bag to give away, at the top would be grace and mercy, right next to love. Next would be joy, that joy which results from the energy expended as we nurture, mentor and educate, hoping to diminish the sadness and fear that we see in their eyes and hear in their voices. Only, as quickly as we attempt to dispense these things they are returned to us, for grace and mercy are by the children and families we serve, those children infected by HIV/AIDS.

Love and amazement fill our hearts as we find more and more avenues of opportunity for young volunteers and the grand young REACH staff; missionaries they genuinely are. God has provided spiritual gifts, an energetic group of workers that focus on loving and bestowing hope on those Jesus called "poor in spirit." I am counting the riches found by emptying my pockets, REACH workers are filled with wonder over how the gift bag from which we pour mercy, grace, energy, hope, joy, and love – is daily filled again by the responses of those we serve.

It is a privilege to give away what God has provided us, to learn the lightness of generosity. I urge you with boldness to help continue our work by adding your generous giving.

In Love,

Susan K. Slonaker