vulnerable women and widows. We are particularly exploring ways that the Joining Hands Against Hunger program of the Presbyterian Hunger Program might be an effective model for Sri Lanka. We are also exploring expansion of our presence in Indonesia. We are thankful for Presbyterians with many years of experience and connections in the region to help us connect with the poorest of the poor in this situation.

We are working in areas where the Christian Church is a minority and where relations between the Christian community and other faith traditions have become strained by the aggressive posturing of some Christian denominational groups. After September 11, the Presbyterian Church — through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance — provided funding for the start of the Interfaith Listening project that worked to help build bridges among Christians and Muslims within and between countries.

Thus, we will continue to respond to emergency needs, build long-term capacity, work to restore livelihoods, and facilitate dialogue in the very tense environments of the tsunami-affected areas. We ask that you continue to pray as we seek to be faithful, prudent, and wise in stewardship of funds and people in this long road to recovery.

Judy Golliher, Interim Controller, states "We have had more than 11,000 donations to the tsunami relief effort. Tax receipts to all donors are forthcoming, but because of the unprecedented volume we are running about six weeks behind in processing these receipts. We have a plan in place to have the receipts out to all donors no later than February 28, 2005."