The Missions Mobilization Group of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, has issued this information for individuals or churches interested in the current war in Iraq.

-    Because of security reasons, the Pentagon is discouraging U.S. citizens from collecting and sending ‘care packages’ to troops overseas. The USO does have a care package program. The USO can be contacted by calling 1-866-876-4487, or at www.usocares.org.

-    Because of transportation and weight issues, the Pentagon is discouraging letters and cards to U.S. troops. Instead, an e-mail support service has been established. The e-mail service does not allow individuals to send e-mail to a specific individual, but senders can specify a branch of the service. Company commanders can retrieve the e-mail messages and circulate them to troops. This service is provided at http://anyservicemember.navy.mil.

-    The International Mission Board has provided about $200,000 in hunger funds and $50,000 in general relief funds for Iraqi refugees, fleeing their country to Jordan, where Baptists and other evangelicals are working in refugee camps. The International Mission Board is accepting contributions to a relief fund. Checks may be mailed to: Iraq Response, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767. Please make checks payable to International Mission Board and designate ‘Iraq Response – General Relief.’ Every dollar given will go 100 percent to relief ministries. For more on Iraq relief efforts please go to www.imb.org/urgent.

-    The North American Mission Board has established Operation Prayer Cover through its website at www.namb.net/iraqPrayer. The site includes materials to assist local churches in coordinated prayer efforts.