March 27, 2003
by Eleanor P. Lundy
American Baptist International Ministries

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. - American Baptist International Ministries is calling for prayer for those living in uncertainty about the dangers of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a pneumonia-like illness that has already sickened hundreds in Hong Kong, China and elsewhere. The number of cases is spreading rapidly in several countries and the global death toll is increasing daily.

According to news reports health officials are taking unprecedented steps to stop the spread of the potentially deadly virus amid fresh fears that air travel is worsening the outbreak. On Tuesday officials asked some 245 passengers and crew on two Air China flights between Beijing and Hong Kong to contact the Department of Health immediately and to remain in Hong Kong. Some schools are closed, and surgical masks are being distributed to those using public transportation.

"We are asking all American Baptists to join together in praying about this situation-especially for our missionaries and churches in Hong Kong and in mainland China," said the Rev. Benjamin S.L. Chan, International Ministries' area director for East Asia and India. American Baptist missionaries in the affected area include John and Janine Gravley, who serve in Hong Kong, and Judith Sutterlin and Marie McCulley, both serving in mainland China.

Several tourists who were on a March 15 flight from Hong Kong to Beijing were confirmed to be suffering from viral pneumonia and are in stable condition after admission to various hospitals. Officials believe the tourists caught the SARS virus from another passenger, a man from mainland China, raising new questions about the origin of the virus.

Hong Kong and China remain the most seriously affected areas in the world, with hundreds of reported cases. According to the World Health Organization the illness has killed 17 people so far-including 10 deaths in Hong Kong-and sickened more than 480 in 13 countries.

American Baptist churches, regions and other institutions planning to send teams to the 14th Baptist Youth World Conference, sponsored by the Baptist World Alliance on July 16-20 in Hong Kong, may contact Jonathan Hilsher in International Ministries' Volunteer Missions Program at 1-800-ABC-3USA x2164 for updated information. For information about the Youth World Conference visit the Baptist World Alliance website (www.bwanet.org).

American Baptist News Service