Evangelical Leaders to Announce April 29 As "Blue Sunday" to Pray for Abused Children and Help 'End America's Epidemic'

National Audio Press Conference Tuesday March 27, 1:30 p.m. EDT, 10:30 am PDT

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recognizing child abuse and neglect as an epidemic that killed 1,560 children in 2010 and affected nearly 700,000 children nationwide, Christian leaders will hold an audio news briefing on Tuesday, March 27, at 1:30 p.m. EDT (10:30 am Pacific Time) to discuss efforts encouraging congregations to observe Blue Sunday on April 29, with prayer and reflection for abused children as well as recognition of the heroes who rescue and protect children.  To learn more about these efforts, go to www.1560reasons.org

The Christian non-profit Shepherding the Next Generation is sponsoring the press conference, which will include representatives from Moody Radio, World Vision and the Fairhaven Church in Dayton, Ohio.  Besides focusing on the problem of child abuse and neglect, participants also will discuss effective ways to address the epidemic including high-quality voluntary home visiting programs that can reduce abuse and neglect by as much as 50 percent.

Greg Wheatley of Moody Radio will serve as moderator. Janet Magee, founder of Blue Sunday, will discuss her ten-year commitment to Blue Sunday and her personal efforts in Texas to reduce child abuse and neglect. Romanita Hairston, World Vision's Vice President of U.S. Programs, will discuss the moral imperative of helping children at risk. 

For more information on the national campaign to promote participation in Blue Sunday, go to www.1560reasons.org or call Meghan Biallas at 630-915-1508.

Join the conversation online with #1560reasons.

PARTICIPANTS:

Dr. John Crupper, National Director, Shepherding the Next Generation                

Greg Wheatley, Host of "Inside Look with Greg Wheatley," Moody Radio      

Romanita Hairston, World Vision, Vice President of U.S. Programs                                       

Janet Magee, founder of Blue Sunday, Port Isabel, Texas                                        

Don Solin, Pastor of Next Generation Ministry, Fairhaven Church in Dayton, OH

Renee Pettinger, Senior Associate, Shepherding the Next Generation

SOURCE Shepherding the Next Generation