CBO/FBO GATEWAY

Governor Bush Participates in National Day of Prayer Rally (May 1, 2003)

TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today took part in the National Day of Prayer Rally on the steps of the Old Capitol. More than 30,000 coordinators and volunteers will organize and take part in prayer observances similar to this one in all 50 states. "This year we especially recognize the importance of prayer as we ask God to protect our troops overseas. ‘Righteousness Exalts a Nation,’ this year’s theme, speaks directly to the goal of freedom that our nation embraces," Governor Bush said. "On this special day let us humbly pray in unison for our troops and their families, for the many freedoms that we hold sacred, and for this nation under God." During the Rally, Governor Bush announced the formation of a faith-based initiative advisory board. The board will make recommendations on how faith-based groups can work in support of state government efforts, as well as provide options to ensure these groups have fair and equitable access to state government. Areas that may be addressed include: Working to encourage the good works of faith-based organizations and giving them the fullest opportunity permitted by law to compete for state funding; Identifying improper state barriers to faith-based and community service programs’ participation in providing social services; Identifying ways to encourage greater corporate and philanthropic support for faith-based and community organizations through public education and outreach activities. "Faith-based groups are a natural ally as we work to meet the needs of Florida’s citizens," said Governor Bush. "This board will help us harness the amazing resources available in both small community and faith-based organizations so that we can meet the needs of our neighbors. I thank the thousands of Floridians who use their talents through faith-based organizations. They provide much needed services with great care and compassion." This year’s theme is based on Proverbs 14:34. President George W. Bush as well as all 50 governors are expected to sign proclamations setting aside the first Thursday in May as National Day of Prayer. For more information on National Day of Prayer please visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org. For more information on the Governor’s faith-based initiatives please log on to www.flamentoring.org. The faith-based advisory board members are: Mr. Charles Bender Place of Hope Mr. John Brabson Retired Ms. Libbie Combee Leland Family Ministries Mr. Bernie DeCastro Florida Faith-Based Association Apostle Nelia Frazier Tampa Bay Area Faith Based Alliance Mr. Bill Gay W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. Dr. Robert Greene Pensacola Bay Baptist Association Rev. R.B. Holmes Bethel Missionary Baptist Mrs. Linda King Advocate Reverend Dr. Robert V. Lee FreshMinistries Rev. Luis Lopez Hispanic Christian Church Association of Central Florida Sister Theresa McElewee GROWS Family Learning Center Mr. Muhammad Musri Islamic Society of Central Florida Dr. Randy Nelson 21st Century Mr. David Odahowski Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation Reverend Julio Perez ConCristo, Inc. Dr. N. S. Sanders Progressive State Baptist Convention Ms. Yvonne Sawyer Family & Children Faith Coalition Rabbi Solomon Schiff Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami Dr. Richard Turcotte Catholic Charities of Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, & Martin Counties Mr. Arto Woodley Frontline Outreach