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Last revised Feb. 26, 1999


A Special Message To Our Web Visitors From Rich Stearns
President, World Vision U.S.

Hundreds of thousands of children and families in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua are fighting for their lives in the aftermath of deadly Hurricane Mitch. The scope of this disaster is horrifying and heartbreaking.

Whole villages have been swallowed up by the storm, and hundreds of bodies are stuck in the hardening rivers of mud. "We have before us a panorama of death, desolation and ruin," said President Flores of Honduras, the country hit hardest by the hurricane.

Torrential rains have released crushing waves of mud and rock, destroying homes, bridges, and road. More than 3 million people, many of them children, are homeless and struggling to survive without fresh water, food, clothing, and shelter.

The flooding has also broken sewage pipes, and raw sewage is spilling into streets and ruined homes, threatening lives. We must act now to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera and diarrhea to the most vulnerable, the children.

Prompted by God's leading, World Vision has made a faith commitment to send $5 million worth of food, water, medicine and medical supplies, temporary shelter, and clothing. Our field staff have been working around the clock to respond to the most desperate needs.

Will you join with us in answering God's call to respond quickly to these overwhelming needs? Simply click here to donate.

President Flores of Honduras has said, "All we have left is the hope that God never forsakes His children." I believe that with this help, together we can show the people of Central America that He has not forgotten them.

Thank you for your quick response, and for your continued prayers for the victims of Hurricane Mitch.

Richard Stearns
President, World Vision U.S.