wfn.org | ABCUSA: Medley Commends 'Sacrificial Giving' for Asian Tsunami

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

Relief

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 1/4/05)--American
Baptist Churches USA General Secretary the Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley has
commended "the heartfelt and sacrificial generosity of American Baptists
who have responded decisively to support relief efforts in the wake of
the tsunami devastation in southern Asia."

The Dec. 26 earthquake-spawned tsunamis have claimed at least 150,000
lives in Indian Ocean nations from Indonesia to Somalia.  Nearly $2
billion in emergency funds from various relief agencies already has been
received--including an initial $20,000 grant from the ABCUSA World
Relief Office.

"Individual American Baptists and their churches are setting a
tremendous example of Christ-centered compassion with a steady stream of
giving through One Great Hour of Sharing," Medley said.  "We are indeed
'walking the walk' of Christian witness through this tangible response.
I am profoundly thankful that this positive light of deep concern is
burning strongly within our denominational family even as we attempt to
comprehend the depths of the human tragedy that will engage us for
years."

"We continue in prayer for those who have lost so much and for those who
labor in relief efforts," Medley said.

American Baptists can respond immediately 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 Tragedy."

K/2005ABNS/05ABN1

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