wfn.org | ABCUSA: Congregations Respond Generously to Tsunami Relief

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Rich.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

Efforts

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 2/4/05)--American
Baptist congregations, individuals and organizations have responded
generously and quickly to support relief efforts in tsunami-devastated
regions of southern Asia and eastern Africa that claimed more than
160,000 lives and left millions homeless.  In the month following the
tragedy more than $250,000 was specifically designated for tsunami
relief efforts through One Great Hour of Sharing.

Scores of congregations have given sacrificially to aid in the efforts,
led by Bethlehem Baptist Church in Blue Bell, Pa., which has designated
more than $32,000 thus far through OGHS to support relief in the
affected region.  Citing Christ's call to compassionate care in Matthew
25:35 ("...for I was hungry and you gave me food...."), Bethlehem
Baptist pastor, the Rev. Charles Quann, said his congregation responded
to a challenge. "We could not depend on the government, however
important that is," he noted. "The people of the church needed to
respond to people in need."  The result, he noted, was not only a
tangible outpouring of concern, but also a motivation for the church
family as it considered mission in general.  "It has been a blessing to
our church to look at ourself, to see it as a new beginning for us here
as we respond to mission," Quann said.

Among other exceptional designations for the tsunami relief work (as of
giving processed through 1/10/05) have been Antioch Baptist Church,
Cleveland ($4,207); Military Street Baptist Church, Houlton, Me.
($7,500); First Baptist Church, Howell, Mich. ($3,212.75); First Baptist
Church, Everett, Wash. ($3,500); Christ First Baptist Church, Covina,
Calif. ($10,000); Friendship Baptist Church, Yorba Linda, Calif.
($9,750); Warm Springs Baptist Church, Las Vegas, Nev. ($9,842.55);
First Baptist Church, Pomona, Calif. ($5,327.82); First Baptist Church,
Lemoore, Calif. ($5,831); Fort Spring Baptist Church, Fort Spring, W.V.
($5,000).

Individuals, staff members and organizations also have contributed
generously to relief efforts through One Great Hour of Sharing.
According to the Rev. Dr. Margaret Ann Cowden, National Ministries'
treasurer and acting executive director, any contributions to OGHS from
NM staff made between Jan. 15 and March 15 will be matched two to one
from NM's reserve fund.  "Our concern takes many forms," she said, "not
the least of which is daily prayers for those who are grieving and
trying to rebuild their lives, along with making financial contributions
to assist in that."

The Christian Community Credit Union, located in Covina, Calif., has
responded generously to the effort, sending $16,860 in funds made
available through the "Cards That Give to Missions & Ministries" program
and employee contributions.  "We have been, and will continue to keep,
every individual affected by the tsunami in our prayers as the road to
recovery for so many begins," said CCCU President/CEO John Walling.

"This generous outpouring of giving has enabled us to respond to the
needs of survivors as they have been identified by Church World Service
and our national partners in India and Thailand," said ABCUSA World
Relief Officer Lisa Rothenberger. "Even as the emergency response stage
continues unabated there is little doubt that rehabilitation efforts
will take upwards of three years. There are certainly ample
opportunities for us to make a difference in the lives of the survivors
through our continued prayers and financial gifts."

American Baptist Churches USA General Secretary the Rev. Dr. A. Roy
Medley reflected again on the compassionate response of American
Baptists.  "It's inspiring to know how generous we've been with our
dollars and how committed we are in our prayers as the harsh reality of
the scope of ongoing relief ministries is understood.  We know that in
this dire situation God has touched many of us deeply to live out
justice and mercy in a sacrificial and expedient response.  I'm proud of
our witness as concerned members of a Christ-centered family of faith."

American Baptists can respond to the continuing crisis in Asia by
contributing online to the "Give Now" option available on either
www.abcusamissions.org or www.abc-usa.org.  Churches so doing will
receive credit for OGHS giving.  Contributions also may be made through
normal channels using the Monthly Report of Mission Giving.  All
contributions should be marked "OGHS-Asian Tsunami Relief."

K/2005ABNS/05ABN17

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA
x2077 / (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org