VALLEY FORGE, PA (03-19-09)—Thousands of Christians will gather April 26-29 in Washington, D.C., with a broad and diverse coalition of faith-based organizations, churches and global anti-poverty groups to raise awareness about poverty.

Hosted by Sojourners, the "Mobilization to End Poverty" represents one of the largest anti-poverty coalitions today: Lead sponsors include Convoy of Hope, ONE, Wesley Theological Society, World Vision and National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA.

National Ministries invites American Baptists across the country to join in this historic effort.

The assembled group will call on President Obama (an invited speaker) and the new Congress to make overcoming poverty a political priority and to develop a national plan that addresses the moral and spiritual crisis that allows it. Participants will share in education, worship, community and activism, meeting with Congressional leaders and learning how to be more effective locally.

National Ministries "boldly joins arms" with other lead partners in this movement, says Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III. "Since 1832, one of the highest missional priorities of The American Baptist Home Mission Societies, which carries out mission today as National Ministries, has been to address the needs of those living at the margins of our society who are so vulnerable to socioeconomic variables that can render them destitute."

In this current economic climate, people are coming to American Baptist churches every day—and more than before—seeking help because of hunger, homelessness, unemployment, illiteracy and inadequate health insurance.As Christians, American Baptists know these hardships can be addressed through prayer as well as better policy and more powerful advocacy. The "Mobilization to End Poverty" is a crucial event to raise awareness and urgency with leaders and decision makers in Washington, D.C.

Through participation in the "Mobilization to End Poverty," National Ministries joins with others in raising a collective voice with and on behalf of people in our communities struggling with the negative effects of poverty. National Ministries is committed to cutting poverty in half by 2019 and continuing the work of justice in the years beyond.

Because National Ministries is a sponsoring partner of the mobilization, American Baptists can register at a reduced price: Register at www.sojo.net/mobilization/abc for the reduced rate of $199.