September, 2009

Dear Friends,

Hesed = REACH

As I have before, I am lingering on the word Hesed, the quality of gentle love, of mercy extended even when justice demands otherwise. The Hebrew word echoes in my mind, causing my thoughts to shift toward the terminally ill children of REACH, those infected by HIV/AIDS and their families. There, the mentors, faithful advisors, volunteers, supporters, and the charmingly unconventional REACH staff came together this month for camp, the entry point of REACH.

Camp afforded me the privilege of witnessing hope for a suffering child’s life – difficult though that journey is. You, God and the family of REACH were at work in powerful ways to extend Hesed. The 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).

I asked Dawn, a mother, what REACH meant to her: "I'm not sure if I’m really answering the question correctly or if I can describe REACH. I know this, it is something my kids sense, and it is acceptance, community, people caring, of love. Those college students, the married people, who care about this group of people – that really sticks. It is an unexplained feeling, a beautiful feeling of physical love."

REACH regularly works to level the playing field of life for our children and their families. 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 not only handle 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 live fully, live knowing their lives exert influence and personal power. How they manage hardship, express love and grow in freedom is regularly nurtured by our example. Hesed - our guide and our privilege. Join us!

Continuing our dream,

Susan K. Slonaker

P.S. P.S. Please support REACH with a monthly gift of $10 or more, and consider increasing your monthly gift by $10 or $25 this month to help with camp rent and medical supplies. Please give through matching gifts at work, the United Way and the REACH web site.