President George W. Bush left on his historic trip to Africa today, and the timing of his trip is extremely strategic for those who have united to combat the horrific AIDS plague that is threatening to decimate much of the continent. As previously reported, many Christian artists have officially endorsed an organization created by U2's Bono, called DATA, which seeks to educate the public about what's happening in Africa and spearhead efforts to provide much-needed relief to the famine, disease, and poverty victims there.

Bono visited the Bush White House recently to personally ask for help from the United States government in sending relief funds into Africa, and the President made an historic promise to send billions of dollars of aid to the continent. Many U.S. citizens are now under the mistaken impression President Bush's initiative for Africa has been successfully funded and finalized by Congress. But in reality, it still must be authorized by Congress, possibly as part of a key vote this Thursday (July 10).

According to Entertainment Weekly, Bono held a press briefing by phone, along with actress Ashley Judd and DATA's leaders, to ask U.S. citizens to urge the President and their Senators and Representatives to make good on Bush's promises relief money to the African nations devastated by the dire circumstances there.

''There has been remarkable momentum on this problem,'' said Bono, according to EW. ''He really upped the ante with his State of the Union speech... If this Congress he controls sinks the ship by not delivering on the money for MCA [Bush’s Millennium Challenge Account] or AIDS, we will have to reevaluate the way we see him. But right now he deserves a lot of credit."

He went on to urge citizens to flood their Congressmen with phone calls and letters in advance of a key Thursday vote on spending, saying it would be ''high drama'' to see whether a roll call would be scuttled in Bush’s absence. ''This is the defining moment of our generation,'' Bono declared. ''In 50, 60 years, people are gonna ask questions: Did you really let millions of people die while you had medicines you could distribute?... If these questions are not asked in the schoolbooks of the future, they will certainly be asked when you meet your maker.''

Before the vote on Thursday, many Christian artists will join in the ongoing effort. This coming Wednesday night (July 9), DATA's executive director, Jamie Drummond, and members of his staff will be joining Charlie Peacock in hosting a high profile artists summit on behalf of Africa. These artists are standing up in support of Africa and the promise that President Bush has made. DATA's PR team is soliciting both national and local media attention for this event in support of President Bush's trip. DATA will take this opportunity to update the artists on the campaign's progress and offer strategic ways they can continue to educate the public and compel their fans to action.

These artists are showing the church and the nation how imperative it is that America keeps its promise to Africa. In addition to the artists, many key music industry leaders will be attending Wednesday night's Nashville summit.

DATA is endorsed in the Christian Music community by Dex Alexander (All Together Separate), The Benjamin Gate, Margaret Becker, Ceili Rain, Nate Cole (Plus One), dc Talk, Jeff Deyo, Nirva Dorsaint, Natalie Grant, Grits, Jars of Clay, Jennifer Knapp, Rachael Lampa, Sarah Masen, Kevin Max, Riki Michele, Newsboys, Nichole Nordeman, Out of Eden, Charlie Peacock, Relient K, John Reuben, Sixpence None the Richer, Switchfoot, Tait, Steve Taylor, Third Day, tobyMac, and Michael W. Smith.

Speaking of MIchael W. Smith, according to yesterday's Tennesean, Smitty recently spent time hanging out wth Bono at his home in Ireland. The two first met last year when Bono visited the U.S. to talk to artists about his DATA initiative. Smith was recently in the middle of his European Tour, in Dublin, when Bono sent a car to retrieve him so the two could visit in person.