wfn.org | ABCUSA: Tsunami Relief Funding Through OGHS Now at $45,000

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

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 1/5/05)--American
Baptist Churches USA World Relief Officer Lisa Rothenberger reported
today that to date $45,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) funds
have been released to assist in relief efforts in the wake of the
tsunami devastation in Asia. Of those funds, $30,000 has been given to
Church World Service, $5,000 to Baptist World Aid, $5,000 to our
partners in Thailand, and $5,000 to our partners in India.  "Right now
all of these partners are working to provide for the most basic
needs--medicines, shelter kits, health kits, baby kits, and cooking
utensils," Rothenberger said.  She added, "Some are also providing grief
and trauma counseling to survivors."

Rothenberger emphasized that monetary donations are the greatest need at
this time and that 100% of all donations given to "Asian Tsunami Relief"
through OGHS will go directly to relief and rehabilitation efforts.

She also noted, "To date we have not received any requests for volunteer
assistance.  Volunteers, if requested at all, will be most valuable once
the initial crisis phase of the situation is past and the rehabilitation
phase begins (probably in about six months).  First word from Church
World Service is that in Indonesia and Sri Lanka the partners will first
look to local people to do the necessary rehabilitation in an effort to
rebuild their local economy."

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 Relief."

K/2005ABNS/05ABN3

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