...If you have been to any of our concerts in the last year, you have probably heard us share about the AIDS epidemic in Africa and how it is ravaging that continent. We have been so thankful for the response of so many of you to this crisis by way of child sponsorships, donations and activism.
At this very moment Dan Haseltine, our singer, is traveling in Africa with both World Vision and African Leadership, visiting missions and AIDS clinics in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. We are anxious for Dan to get back so that he can share with you all his experiences.
We are writing now because there is a crucial moment approaching in the next week regarding the fate of many in Africa, and an opportunity for you to respond in a way that could have a significant and lasting effect in this struggle. Here's the deal. PRESIDENT BUSH WILL TRAVEL TO AFRICA JANUARY 10. We need you to JOIN WITH THOUSANDS ACROSS THE U.S. IN CALLING THE WHITE HOUSE COMMENT LINE on December 18 and 19 TO URGE HIM TO GO TO AFRICA WITH A SERIOUS PLAN TO FIGHT THE EPIDEMIC.
Please don't pass on this opportunity as hopeless. There are countless other Americans participating in this coordinated effort on behalf of those suffering in Africa. Especially at this time of year we need to remember those that are in need and those that have no voice to cry out in their suffering. We are bound by our love for Christ and our fellow man to hear their cry and stand for Justice.
...Mark your calendar now to make your call on either Wednesday the 18th or Thursday the 19th. Put a note on your fridge or your bathroom mirror right now so you won't forget! :)
Call the White House Comment line at 202-456-1111 between 9 and 5:PM EST on December 18 or 19. Follow the prompts to leave your message with a live operator. You can also email the President at http://takeaction.stopglobalaids.org or send a fax to 202-456-2461.
Ask AT LEAST two friends or colleagues to call, ask people to donate cell phone minutes and pass their phone around at a meeting, on your campus, or in a school cafeteria, asking people to call in; organize your religious congregation or other group to have everyone MAKE THAT IMPORTANT PHONE CALL...with enough people calling we CAN make a difference.
The President will announce SOME sort of initiative on AIDS timed with his trip...whether it will be a re-packaging of existing plans or something really historic is now in the balance -- that's why your calls matter!!
WHAT TO SAY: "As a Christian, I am calling to urge the President to offer an historic AIDS initiative as he travels to Africa next month. Because of the global AIDS epidemic individuals are suffering, families are broken, and communities are ripped apart. Entire countries are being destabilized.
"We must fund solutions that can save lives NOW and provide effective relief from crushing debts. Christ calls upon us to act for the least of these - please heed His call.
"I urge President Bush, when he goes to Africa in January, to announce a bold, comprehensive US initiative. This should include a plan for comprehensive debt cancellation, plus at least $2.5 billion to combat AIDS, TB and malaria with at least $1.2 billion of that for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria."
