RICHMOND, Va. (BP)–International Mission Board President Jerry Rankin talks about the Asian earthquake and tsunami –and how Southern Baptists are responding to the massive human tragedy — in a brief video now available for viewing or downloading at www.imb.org.
To view the streaming video, go to one of the following website (depending on your computer’s connection speed):
http://imb.org/asx/eletter/tsu_relief_256k.asx
http://imb.org/asx/eletter/tsu_relief_112k.asx
http://imb.org/asx/eletter/tsu_relief_56k.asx
To download the video, go to:
http://resources.imb.org/index.cfm/fa/prodownlist/DID/69/GID/23/express/1.htm
“Your missionaries are somewhat accustomed to responding to occasional local disasters somewhere in the world, but it’s hard to comprehend a wall of water traveling at 500 miles an hour, devastating coastal populations in eight nations,” Rankin said on the video.
Southern Baptist missionaries and relief workers, however, are responding as quickly as possible, he said.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of compassion and concern expressed in praying for the people who have been impacted by this tragedy,” Rankin said. “We praise God that our missionaries are safe, and that they are in place to minister to survivors whose lives are devastated by the loss of homes and family. Food, water and blankets are being distributed in southern Thailand and IMB assessment teams are on site in other countries exploring options for providing relief and ministry.
“With a significant number of Southern Baptist missionaries in most of the affected countries, we are positioned for providing immediate aid and long-term ministry in partnership with local government officials and other Christian organizations.
“Because you already support missionary personnel and administration through your gifts to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 100 percent of relief funds will go to help those in need. You may send gifts to the International Mission Board general relief fund, designated ‘Asia Earthquake Disaster Relief,’ or give online by going to www.imb.org and clicking on ‘give now.’
“Many of you have recently given very generously to the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We are grateful for your support in sharing the hope of the Gospel with a lost world. Now we want to encourage you to respond with compassionate support for those who are suffering in the aftermath of this tragedy.”
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