How have Southern Baptists responded?

RICHMOND, Va. (BP) - Here are some answers to questions many Southern Baptists are asking about the Asian tsunami disaster and how they can respond:

What are Southern Baptists doing?

Initial efforts have focused on delivering food, water, medical supplies and other essentials to survivors in heavily damaged coastal villages in southern Thailand and Malaysia. Assessment teams and trained disaster volunteers have arrived in - or are heading toward - Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia/Pacific Rim and other areas where more than 100,000 people have died from the Dec. 26 earthquake and subsequent tsunamis.

How much money has been allocated for relief efforts?

As of Jan. 5, projects totaling $300,000 had been funded, with additional relief projects to be funded as teams evaluate needs and design projects to meet those needs.

How do I give to help those hurt by the earthquake and tsunamis?

Online - Visit www.imb.org and click on "Give Now" to give using your MasterCard or Visa credit card.

By phone - Call 1-800-999-3113 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday to give using your MasterCard or Visa credit card. Have your card handy when you call.

Mail - Send checks to this address:
Asia Earthquake Disaster Relief
International Mission Board
P.O. Box 6767
Richmond VA 23230

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes. Whichever method you use to give, you will receive a receipt by mail for tax purposes.

How were Southern Baptist missionaries affected?

Southern Baptist missionaries are safe and in place to minister to survivors.