Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741, 202-547-1735

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney to remind President Obama to remember the poor and needy while he is on his $50,000 a week vacation.
 
The name of the event is called "The Matthew 25 Project" and is based on Christ's words in Matthew 25:40 where he says, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."
 
The demonstration will be on Thursday, August 25, at 2:00 P.M. on Pennsylvania Ave. NW in front of the White House.
 
Rev. Mahoney calls it a "disgrace" for President Obama to take such a lavish vacation while so many people are hurting and struggling.
 
He plans to bring sleeping bags, old newspapers, blankets and garbage cans as part of his prophetic witness for the poor.
 
Mahoney has an over 30 year history of standing for the poor and has slept in a garbage dumpster to establish shelters for the homeless, established food pantries and soup kitchens around the country, help found medical clinics for the poor and needy and started a community outreach which now houses a church for the homeless in Fredericksburg, Va.
 
Rev. Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C. based Christian Defense Coalition, states,

"Christ teaches us in the gospels to reach out to the most broken, poor and needy within our communities.  In fact, in Matthew 25, he tells us when we have reached out with compassion and mercy to the least in our society we have done it unto Christ himself.
 
"We must always be a loud and prophetic voice for the struggling and wounded in our society.  We must also speak 'truth to power' when we see injustice and indifference. That is what 'The Matthew 25 Project' is about."
 
"We are going to the front of the White House calling on President Obama to respect and reach out to the poor.  Sadly, the President has not done this and recent national reports stated that 20% of America's children are living in poverty.
 
"It is a national disgrace that President Obama is taking, according to U.S. News and World Report, a $50,000 a week vacation while so many are hurting in these difficult economic times.
 
"While the President is relaxing in luxurious and plush surroundings dining on the best foods, millions of Americans are living in the streets and wondering where their next meal will come from.

"President Obama's lavish and elite vacation is sending a clear signal that he has contempt for America's poor and no respect for the 'least of these' in our society.

"Mr. President we don't begrudge you time away with your family. However, in these very difficult times it is important that you send a clear message that you care and have compassion for the poor."

For more information or interviews call:
 
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at:  540.538.4741     202.547.1735