Hundreds Killed in 8.9 Earthquake, Resulting Tsunami
Contact: Ty Mays, 770-256-8710, tmays@inchristcommunications.com
WINCHESTER, Va., March 11, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to today's earthquake that shattered Japan, and believed to be the world's fifth strongest since 1900, ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) has created a link on its homepage for givers to connect with member organizations already assisting or poised to assist in massive relief efforts there.
The 8.9-magnitude earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that caused widespread devastation. ECFA is highlighting opportunities through its "ServantMatch®" capabilities for those who want to donate quickly, easily identifying accredited organizations working to bring aid to the disaster area at "ServantMatch® Japan" (www.ecfa.org/Relief/Japan).
"As our prayers go out to the hundreds who have died and thousands who have been left homeless, as we open our hearts, we open our pocketbooks to help," said Dan Busby, ECFA president. "This is an important opportunity for the Christ-centered community to pray and give generously."
While many organizations will raise money for the disaster, in our imperfect world, some will not be legitimate, Busby warned. ECFA members are among the most well-respected and trusted faith-based nonprofits in the world.
"Many givers look to ECFA member organizations because they have been vetted and are accountable to ECFA through its highly respected accreditation process," he said.
"ServantMatch®," a tool matching givers with specific ministries and other faith-based nonprofits, was added to ECFA's website in 2009. By utilizing the ECFA website and "ServantMatch®," givers can determine if a ministry is an ECFA member, what the organization's mission is, review important financial information about the ministry and then be linked directly to the ministry's web site for giving.
ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA standards pertaining to financial accountability, fund-raising and board governance. More than 20 million givers annually provide in excess of $13 billion of gifts to ECFA members. The council recently added its 1,500th member.
For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit www.ecfa.org or call 1-800-323-9473.
To schedule an interview with Dan Busby or an ECFA staff member, contact Ty Mays at 770-256-8710 or tmays@inchristcommunications.com.
