* "Faith In Action" - A Groundbreaking Ministry Finds Momentum in Communities

* More Needs to be Done, Many Families and Children Still in Need, says World Vision

Contact: Laura Blank, World Vision, 617-945-7548, lblank@worldvision.org; Brian Burch, Lambert, Edwards & Associates, 616-233-0500, bburch@lambert-edwards.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- As the worsening economy continues to make life difficult for families across the country, churches are putting their faith into action this Sunday, October 12th by doing something radical. This year, more than 300 churches nationwide will close their doors to help serve their neighbors in need. Some 36,000 Americans are now involved in this growing movement.

Since September 2007, Faith In Action has been the most radical ministry in today's church by advocating that churches should cancel Sunday services, close their doors and "Be the Church" by leading local community service projects.  The Faith in Action program bridges the gap between families who could use a helping hand this year - and churches who have the extra hands to offer help.

"For far too long, the American church has remained stuck inside the walls of the sanctuary each week. We talk about serving others like Christ served the church, but too many on the outside say that not enough churches embody that message.  We can no longer look away in indifference. Faith in Action helps churches take this message to their communities," says Steve Haas, Vice President at World Vision.

Faith In Action culminates in a community outreach Sunday where regular services are canceled, and congregations do service projects in, and with, their local community. The program also helps Christians invite members of their community to join in serving together. Three leading Christian organizations, World Vision, Outreach and Zondervan, are behind Faith in Action.

For additional information on this program, log on to www.putyourfaithinaction.org.

For more information about Faith In Action or to request an interview, please contact Laura Blank at (617) 945-7548 or lblank@worldvision.org.

About Faith In Action
Faith in Action is a resource developed by Christian humanitarian organization, World Vision, church communication resources provider, Outreach, Inc., and Christian communications company, Zondervan.  Faith In Action features a campaign kit, which includes a step-by-step approach to transforming a congregation and reaching the community.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.