May 19, 2008

VALLEY FORGE, PA – American Baptist International Ministries has sent a $5,000 grant to our partner, The Amity Foundation, for immediate relief efforts, after one of the strongest earthquakes to strike China in decades happened Monday, May 12, leaving thousands dead and more missing.

According to news media reports, more than 15,000 people are estimated to have died when the earthquake, which measured 7.9 in magnitude, struck in Sichuan province, an area in Southwestern China. The province is very near a border with Myanmar, which has been devastated recently by a cyclone.

The grant was provided through the American Baptist World Relief Office with One Great Hour of Sharing funds. Ben Chan, area director for East Asia for International Ministries, said much more will be needed.

"We are very grateful for this initial response, which will support the Amity Foundation, who is providing more than $140,000 in immediate aid, such as clean water, food, medicine and shelter on the ground for those affected," said Chan. "Amity is a trusted partner, with good relationships with the churches and the government. They are playing a crucial role in helping victims and will need our continued financial support to be most effective."

American Baptists wishing to support ongoing China efforts can do so through their church's monthly report of mission support, designating contributions "OGHS-China Earthquake." For online contributions, go to the give now option available at http://www.abc-oghs.org/give.

American Baptist Churches USA