January 7, 2008
Dear Friends,
Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future: faith is having the courage to dance to it today.
Croatian pastor Peter Kuzmic
The daily dose of news is hardly dancing music with its notes of sorrow, fear and hardship but REACH has the privilege of gathering hundreds of college students who, along with staff, throughout the year hear the music of the future and help suffering children dare, against all odds, to dance.
An amazing 98% of our children's family members do not disclose the disease to community, church or even extended family members. Sadly, a few of our kids do not know they are ill with HIV/AIDS. They regularly see physicians but have not been told the nature of their illness. Some parents greatly fear (understandably) the realities facing their child once disclosure occurs. It is nearly impossible to hear music of the future without help.
Knowing that, before all else that is required of us, REACH endeavors to create a stable community in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be overcome; where our kids hear the music of the future, their own futures. Our task is to train the ears of those who have suffered the dissonant realities of disease to hear sounds of hope. Affirmation of our efforts comes in letters like that which we received shortly before Christmas:
Dear REACH family,
I think most of you know that my father was diagnosed with AIDS. I just wanted to let you all know that yesterday my dad passed away. It's been really hard for my mom and us three girls. But REACH has been such an amazing support for me. I know my dad was so proud of the work I have done with you guys. He loves everything you do. I just wanted to let you all know.
If everyone over there could keep my family in their thoughts and prayers that would be amazing. Thank you guys so much for being there to allow me to help people that have been through this. It means the world. I have so many people to lean on there. I just can't wait to get to camp next year.
If you could let Suzie know that would awesome.
Sincerely, Beth aka Holly go Lightly
Hear the music of hope in our words and with courage join us in the dance.
Your servant,
Susan K. Slonaker
P.S. Special thanks to Tony Campolo, Honorary Chair for his faithfulness. We invite you to attend A Potter's Wheel Retreat with Tony Campolo at Warm Beach Conference Center Feb 13-15, 2009. Contact the REACH office for more information: (253)383-7616.
Please continue to give to the children of REACH through The United Way, matching funds at work, the Combined Funds Drive, selecting REACH, charity #1478845 or the here.