As the death toll tops 150,000 the world is in shock over the incredible loss of life as a result of the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia. In our lifetime, we have not seen a natural disaster to compare. Daily our hearts and prayers go out to the people of this region of the world and to all who have rushed to the area to offer relief. I am so thankful for the helping agencies around the world and the countries that have poured out billions of dollars to help the devastated areas.

You will be glad to know that we have a Georgia Baptist team on site in Southeast Asia ministering among the other relief workers who are there. Jim Richardson, who heads our disaster relief ministry and a medical team of three who have accompanied him, are hard at work in the area ministering to the needs of those whose lives they can touch. This trip will provide us a better picture of what we can do to assist in the process of ministry, healing and rebuilding in the long term.

Numerous churches have called my office to ask how they may be of assistance. If you would like to make a contribution through the Georgia Baptist Convention, you may do so by sending that contribution directly to my office marked for tsunami disaster relief. Every penny of your contribution will be used to minister to the needs in Southeast Asia, needs that will be with us for a very long time.

The International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, and numerous state conventions are already heavily engaged in providing assistance. I know that you will keep all of our workers in your prayers. Pray for their safety, pray that God will keep them from disease, and pray that God will return them safely to their homes.

Our hearts have been broken by this tragedy. Perhaps the words of General Colin Powell best express the reaction of all of us when he simply said that he was "stunned" by what he saw.

The weather related disasters seem to continue as remarkable amounts of rain and mudslides are taking lives in California. Please pray for our friends at the California Baptist Convention who are involved in ministering among these needs. Pray for families who have lost loved ones and for the emergency workers who are putting their lives on the line to provide assistance to those in need.

It is vitally important when disaster arrives at any place in the world that we as Georgia Baptists, Southern Baptists, and as Christians would express our witness through the remarkable love of Christ by giving resources and ourselves to care for those who are hurting. I know that God is pleased through the positive witness of Christians in times like these. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your willingness to help, and thank you for your generosity in giving. You are making a difference!