Thank You, Mr. President

I haven't gone 'political' on my blog yet, so today's a first. I sat and watched Mr. Bush gracefully depart from Washington, DC after Mr. Obama was sworn in as our new president. I've been reading about what others are saying will be Bush's legacy. Despite what political party you support, and despite who you voted for, you should know about this legacy.

Cameron Strang, Editor of Relevant Magazine wrote an outstanding article in the Jan/Feb 2009 publication called The Untold Story. As Rick Warren stated when he presented Bush with the International Medal of PEACE from the Global PEACE Coalition , "No man in history, no world leader, has done more for global health than George W. Bush."

In 2003, the President announced the formation of the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The plan shattered it's goal and provided ARV's to 2million+ people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa in 5 years. Because of PEPFAR, 8 million people have not contracted the disease, who otherwise would have. 10 million lives were saved. And of those, 4 million are orphans.

"A president must have a firm set of principles from which he will not deviate. I believe in the universality of freedom, and I believe freedom is universal because of an almighty God. It's not just freedom from tyranny that the US must become involved in, I believe it's freedom from disease, freedom from hunger, freedom from deprivation. If you believe in the universality of freedom, then you should not shy away from doing your duty." (President Bush)

All of this to say, it's a fabulous article. It's great to see someone saluting President Bush, instead of applauding his departure. President Bush should also be applauded for his efforts in 2003 to get Charles Taylor to surrender, leading to his prosecution at The Hague for war crimes. [And I know, 1 million textbooks might not seem like a great gift.....but it is! Textbooks equals knowledge, and knowledge equals change.]

Please pray for President Obama. That he will lead this country with humility and that he will have discernment. Pray for guidance. Pray that he will continue in the footsteps of President Bush and continue to provide much needed aid for people around the world who are suffering from disease, hunger and depravity.