An article was published in the community newspaper regarding a meeting with John Thomas and President Bush. I've been meaning to share it with you as I believe it shows the magnitude of Living Hope's efforts and the respect that this organization recieves worldwide. I've summarized the article below.
Reverend John Thomas, founder of Living Hope, met with US President George Bush in his Oval Office at the White House on Thursday, July 15th.
The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funds about half of the running costs of Living Hope and Mr. Bush was keen to meet Mr. Thomas. Living Hope is the only church-based charity which is funded by Pepfar. Mr. Thomas said, "I thanked President Bush for his vision in creating Pepfar and I said that I believe it would be his lasting legacy". Pastor John encouraged him to consider setting up a foundation which would continue the work of faith-based organizations, particularly Christian organizations, which would empower the church to reach out further with less political interference. "He responded very warmly to that."
John told Mr. Bush about Living Hope's strategy of reaching one child at a time and about the enormous problem of vulnerable children - from age three upward - being sexually active. He also spoke about how "Aids is rooted in poverty and that we have to deal effectively with poverty and morality."
At their parting, President Bush said that "it was his desire to come and visit the Fish Hoek Baptist Church and Living Hope after his presidency."
Reverend John Thomas, founder of Living Hope, met with US President George Bush in his Oval Office at the White House on Thursday, July 15th.
The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funds about half of the running costs of Living Hope and Mr. Bush was keen to meet Mr. Thomas. Living Hope is the only church-based charity which is funded by Pepfar. Mr. Thomas said, "I thanked President Bush for his vision in creating Pepfar and I said that I believe it would be his lasting legacy". Pastor John encouraged him to consider setting up a foundation which would continue the work of faith-based organizations, particularly Christian organizations, which would empower the church to reach out further with less political interference. "He responded very warmly to that."
John told Mr. Bush about Living Hope's strategy of reaching one child at a time and about the enormous problem of vulnerable children - from age three upward - being sexually active. He also spoke about how "Aids is rooted in poverty and that we have to deal effectively with poverty and morality."
At their parting, President Bush said that "it was his desire to come and visit the Fish Hoek Baptist Church and Living Hope after his presidency."
2 comments:
It's amazing to see the president take such a big part in the program. You are on a national level with your efforts! Love you, keep it up
What is happening over there? I need a new update! Love you! Hope things are going great
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