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To follow the Tesh family in Sri Lanka, log on to www.ob.org for video, audio and journal updates.
 
DISASTER RELIEF

John Tesh Travels with Operation Blessing to aid Tsunami Victims

By Belinda Elliott
CBN.com Producer

CBN.com Entertainer and syndicated radio host John Tesh will spend one week in Sri Lanka with Operation Blessing International to aid victims of the tsunami. Along with his wife Connie Sellecca, 23-year-old son Gib, and 10-year-old daughter Prima, Tesh will travel to Colombo, Ampara, Galle, and other areas affected by the natural disaster.

Operation Blessing International, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., is a non-profit organization that provides relief and development assistance to economically disadvantaged people and victims of disaster across the globe, providing food, clothing, and medical supplies to those in need.

Tesh said his decision to travel with Operation Blessing came after he interviewed the organization’s president and chief operating officer, Bill Horan, on “The John Tesh Radio Show”. When Tesh asked what else he could do to help, Horan extended an invitation for him to travel with Operation Blessing and see the relief efforts firsthand. Tesh said he and his family decided they all wanted to be part of it.

“We’re big fans of the idea that faith without works is dead,” Tesh said. “James 2:17 says faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all.”

While his family will be serving in various capacities during the trip, Tesh said one of his main roles will be raising awareness of Operation Blessing and their relief efforts. He said he plans to work with associates at CBS, Fox News and the Larry King Live television program to educate viewers about the organization and their work in the areas impacted by the tsunami.

“I guarantee you that the people who watch Conan O’Brien or who watch Entertainment Tonight and probably a lot of these other programs have never heard of Operation Blessing. Maybe they have heard of UNICEF, and I’m sure they have heard of the Red Cross, but they haven’t heard of this organization. So that’s my job, to spread the news about what OB is doing.”

Operation Blessing International was one of the first relief groups on location after the disaster hit Asia on December 26, and their relief teams have been providing emergency relief and critical medical aid in many of the areas affected by the tsunami.

The organization has taken $4.2 million dollars worth of antibiotics and other medical supplies to Sri Lanka, where Horan said even basic medical provisions have not been available following the tsunami.

“Our medical doctors and nurses are working night and day in the field,” Horan said. “There is an unprecedented need.”

Tesh said he and his family are honored to be a part of what Operation Blessing is doing and to have the opportunity to put their faith into action outside the walls of a church building.

“We feel like if we miss a Sunday at church, that’s one thing, but we can’t miss an opportunity to help,” Tesh said.

While they are there he said his daughter also hopes to reach out to the children who have been affected by the disaster. She will be delivering handwritten notes of encouragement from her California classmates.

During their stay Tesh plans to report back to the United States with updates about the relief efforts and ways people can contribute.

“Already we’re getting a great response from our fans who are calling the radio show and saying, ‘How can we help?’” Tesh said.

To follow the Tesh family in Sri Lanka, log on to www.ob.org for video, audio, and journal updates. To listen to John Tesh’ syndicated radio show updates, log on to www.tesh.com for a listing of radio stations across the U.S.

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