The bomb blast at the International Committee for Red Cross, on October 27 (Monday), and other bombings throughout Baghdad highlighted once again the urgent need for Adventist Development and Relief Agency - ADRA's team to maintain a low profile while seeking to assist those most venerable in Iraq. None of the ADRA staff were hurt or directly involved in the blasts.

ADRA works with health care institutions in providing medicine and distributes emergency supplies such as food, stoves, kitchen sets, blankets and mattresses as well as hygiene kits and clothes to those in need. Two containers of clothes are enroute and plans are underway for rehabilitation of schools and the opening of a health centre in the near future.

"It is a sad day when individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping people are deliberately targeted for death. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives," said Michael Porter, ADRA's director for the Middle East.

The local office staff will monitor the situation closely and carry on essential activity. Tom Benton, country director, is scheduled to attend a training workshop outside the country but will remain in daily contact with his office team during his absence. "We will monitor the situation closely and hope and pray that things will settle down soon so we can safely get on with the work we want to do," says Tom Benton.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International is an independent humanitarian agency established in 1984 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the specific purposes of individual and community development and disaster relief. The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations granted ADRA general consultative status in 1997. ADRA has a presence in more than 120 countries. [Editor: Michael Porter for ANR/APD]