wfn.org | ABCUSA: Funds Sent to Aid in California Fire Relief Efforts

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

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 10/31/03)--The American
Baptist Churches USA Office of World Relief and National Ministries' Office
of Direct Human Services has sent $10,000 in undesignated One Great Hour of
Sharing disaster funds to the American Baptist Churches of the Pacific
Southwest to assist those affected by the continuing wildfires in Southern
California.  Kenneth L. George, who coordinates national disaster response
for National Ministries, announced that the funds had been released
following a request from the region.

American Baptists wishing to support relief efforts can do so through normal
channels--One Great Hour of Sharing (line 7 of the Monthly Report of Mission
Support), designating contributions "OGHS- California Fire Relief."  Those
wishing to contribute online can do so by accessing the "American Baptist
Missions" or "Give Now" pages of the ABCUSA Web site--www.abc-usa.org.

The latest news reports confirm that moist air and cooler temperatures in
the fire areas have aided efforts to contain the multiple blazes, which have
engaged some 12,000 firefighters and support personnel over the past 11
days. Thus far 20 deaths have been reported, and nearly 750,000 acres and
2,800 homes have been destroyed.  No American Baptists have been reported
injured, and churches and Thousand Pines Camp report no damage.

K/2003ABNS/03ABN132

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