wfn.org | ABCUSA: Tsunami Response Is Strong from Asian American Baptist

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

Churches

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 2/22/05)-"Months have
passed since the magnitude 9 earthquake and resulting tsunami left
nearly 300,000 people dead or missing, but the work that spells real
disaster recovery is just beginning," according to the Rev. John
McCullough, executive director of Church World Service.

Recognizing the long-term recovery needs, Asian American Baptist
churches have responded with generosity of heart and wallet. Their
donations (reported as of Feb. 15) total more than $80,000. Most of the
contributions have been given through the American Baptist One Great
Hour of Sharing Offering to support ongoing disaster relief by Church
World Service. Other recipients are World Vision and Mission Aviation
Fellowship.

"The word 'crisis' in Chinese has two characters: Danger and
Opportunity," noted the Rev. Florence Li, who serves with National
Ministries as national coordinator for Intercultural Ministries and
Asian churches strategist.

When we are in 'danger,' God brings in 'opportunity'," she continued in
an e-mail to Asian American Baptist churches. "Through the prayers,
actions, response and sharing of kindred hearts, we recognize that the
Almighty One is the One who is present when we go through danger. The
Almighty One also is the One who delivers us with opportunities."

"The people struck by the tsunami might doubt God," said Li, "but with
the overwhelming responses from around the globe, they might also learn
of our great God!"

More than 100 Asian American Baptist churches, congregations and
fellowship groups from diverse Asian nationalities seek to witness with
the 97 percent of Asian Americans who are unchurched. Many church
members have families who reside in areas affected by the tsunami and
desire to bridge the mission response gap from America to Asia, so the
financial responses from these churches has been particularly generous.

"We will continue to pray for the victims and their families," said the
Rev. Jenny Quey, pastor of Community Baptist Church in San Mateo, Calif.
"We pray God will help the relief work go smoothly, and especially for
our denomination to show God's love through the helping process."

American Baptists have responded generously and sacrificially in support
of relief efforts aiding victims of the late December tsunami.	More
than $1,000,000 has been designated thus far through One Great Hour of
Sharing for tsunami relief work.  American Baptists can continue to
respond to the ongoing 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."  Other updates on the American Baptist
tsunami response will be forthcoming.

K/2005ABNS/05ABN21

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