GOVERNOR BUSH ANNOUNCES WEEKEND OF PRAYER

TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today asked for people of all faiths to take
a moment during their religious services this weekend to join him in prayer
for those who have been impacted by Hurricanes Charley, Frances and
potentially Ivan. 

"The people of Florida have weathered brutal blows, and are braced for yet
another challenge as Hurricane Ivan approaches our shores," said Governor
Bush.  "At this time of unprecedented challenge, I've drawn comfort and
strength from my own personal faith, and have been lifted by the prayers of
others."

Attached please find a letter from Governor Bush to faith-based leaders
regarding the weekend of prayer.
 
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During times of challenge, men and women of all religions draw strength from
their faith, and others discover the solace and power of prayer and other
expressions of the religion they may have forgotten.  The people of Florida
have weathered brutal blows, and are braced for yet another challenge as
Hurricane Ivan approaches our shores.  As governor, I've drawn comfort and
strength from my own personal faith, and have been lifted by the prayers of
others during the unprecedented events of the last few weeks.

Our work to relieve the suffering of the thousands of Floridians devastated
by the hurricanes continues, and our preparation for Ivan is ongoing.  This
weekend, I'm asking people of all faiths to take a moment during their
religious services to offer a special prayer.  I ask them to pray for the
souls we've lost to nature's power, for the recovery of this great state
and, if Florida cannot be spared from Ivan, I ask them to pray for the
strength to face what lies ahead with the resolve and generous spirit
required to serve each other and rebuild together.

Please extend this invitation to the members of your group or congregation.
Ask them to join us, and lift our state in prayer this weekend.

May God bless and keep you close.

Sincerely,

Jeb Bush
Governor