May 8, 2009
Dear Friends,
I want you to know that during these difficult times we are tight on our budget but 'me, we', the staff of REACH, will do without - not the children and families we serve and love. I believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give each other is ourselves; our comfort, our compassion, our commitment; especially in a time of crisis we can look beyond our own needs.
A couple of months ago I was invited by Steve Haas, Vice President of World Vision, to travel with him and six pastors to Nairobi, Kenya, as a community leader in HIV/AIDS and social justice. Steve, aware of my cry that 'local is global' knew I was looking forward to tagging along with him, to learn the commonality amongst our global children and communities.
I was not disappointed. In Nairobi there is a marvelous concept of 'ubuntu,' which means literally ‘me, we’. Ubuntu is bestowed upon "people who become their fullest selves through their connections to other people - among people who are marked with kindness, selflessness, approachability, commitment and compassion." As I traveled throughout the country I was held, fed, given something to drink and danced, all with the awareness that ‘me, we’ was ever present.
I weep for our children living with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS can be compared to leprosy; it is the only disease with a moral judgment attached to it - unclean, unclean the ancient bell rang out as those afflicted moved through their communities. I yearn for ubuntu amongst us. Won't you become a person of Ubuntu? Together, 'me, we' can avoid serious cut backs in our services to our children and their families.
Weep for our children, dream a dream for our children, and give what you can for our children.
Sincerely,
Susan K. Slonaker
P.S. Give what you can: $15, $25 or $50. A monthly pledge of $125 will support a REACH child for one year with a mentor, case management, education, and a camp experience.
Give Online, through the United Way, matching gifts at work, through the Combined Funds Drive, REACH charity # 1478845.
Please send us your email address! Receive your monthly letter online, and choose to give monthly through an automatic deduction through your bank account or credit card.