Leading Christian Publisher Joins Col. Oliver North, best-selling author Bruce Wilkinson for Report on Efforts to Battle Hunger, Disease in Africa

By Dave Bohon
WDC Media News

(Tulsa) —- One of the nation's leading Christian publishers is joining Col. Oliver North and best-selling author Bruce Wilkinson for an informational meeting on the efforts of one global relief organization to address the rampant disease and starvation sweeping across Africa.

Jason T. Christy, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Church Report, a national business and news magazine for Christian leaders, received a special invitation to attend the Sept. 17 th fact-finding event sponsored by the Tulsa-based relief organization MEDICS International.

"Hunger, sickness, and poverty are pandemic across Africa," notes Christy. "Ultimately this is going to impact every nation on earth if we don't face the issue head-on. The current situation is so dire that we simply can't stand by passively and do nothing."

Among the pressing needs that are threatening the population of Africa, according to MEDICS, are:

Hunger. Even with 70 percent of Africans involved in the field of agriculture, millions on the continent still face starvation.

Disease. Bad water, malaria, and other tropical diseases kill millions of Africans each year. HIV/AIDS related deaths number over 200,000 a month in Africa, and tens of thousands of those deaths are innocent children.

Poverty. The average African survives on less than $1 a day, which compounds hunger, political unrest, disease, and war.

Christy says he is grateful for the efforts of relief groups like MEDICS that are committing resources and expertise to address the problem. "I also applaud leaders like Col. North and Dr. Wilkinson, who are focusing international attention on Africa's deadly plight," he says.

Col. North, who served as a national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan, will offer a first-hand report of how disease, starvation, and poverty are threatening the stability and future of Africa.

Dr. Wilkinson, who currently lives and ministers throughout Africa, will describe the alarming conditions he has personally witnessed and explain how religious, community, and national leaders can join forces to alleviate the suffering.

Christy notes that the expanding global economy isn't benefiting everyone in the world. "Africa is a prime example of a vast population that is being left behind," he explains. "As other nations prosper, this huge continent is mired in misery we have the means to alleviate. I believe the church — as well as individuals, communities and nations with the resources and expertise – have an obligation to come to the aid of these terribly impoverished countries right now."