Bush Thanks Relief Groups for “Providing Love, Compassion and Help”

By Pauline J. Chang, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Some two dozen leaders from Christian and charitable NGOs gathered at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, January 10, 2005, for a special meeting with President George W. Bush regarding the recovery efforts in tsunami-battered Asia.

In a speech to officials of the US Agency for International Development and other relief agencies, the President said thanked NGOs for “providing love and compassion and help,” and encouraged the American people not to “shortchange” the poor in other parts of the world.

"The President thanked our organizations for the unprecedented humanitarian relief and recovery work to aid tsunami victims in South Asia. He said our organizations are fulfilling a vital role. He underscored the importance of directing and tracking donated monies to help tsunami victims,” said Paul Kennel, President of the Christian relief group World Concern, who attended the briefing.

Bush also recognized the recovery efforts for the earthquake-tsunami effort will take years, and stressed that payments made to charitable organizations will be tax deductible.

Christian organizations in attendance included World Concern, World Vision, Northwest Medical Teams, Mercy Corps and the Lutheran World Relief.