March 2, 2004 (719) Millions to Let Freedom Ring President Bush and all 50 governors will proclaim 53 rd annual National Day of Prayer

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8605 Explorer Drive Colorado Springs, CO (719) 268-4813 NEWSRelease For Immediate Release: Contact: Mark Fried March 2, 2004 (719) 268-4813 Millions to Let Freedom Ring President Bush and all 50

1 8605 Explorer Drive Colorado Springs, CO (719) NEWSRelease For Immediate Release: Contact: Mark Fried March 2, 2004 (719) Millions to Let Freedom Ring President Bush and all 50 governors will proclaim 53 rd annual National Day of Prayer Colorado Springs As American troops continue fighting for liberty in various countries, United States citizens are preparing to celebrate their freedom to gather, worship and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 6, the 53 rd annual National Day of Prayer, by flocking to observances held in public venues to intercede for the nation. Our leaders confront difficult challenges every day and our society faces a future of uncertainty, said National Day of Prayer Task Force Chairman Shirley Dobson. We live in the land of the free where we the people can openly call upon God for wisdom, protection and blessing. In order to realize the potential outlined in the Declaration of Independence, we must continue seeking Divine Counsel, asking for His intervention and direction. As in previous years, President George W. Bush, all 50 governors and the governors from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are expected to sign proclamations setting aside the first Thursday in May as a day of prayer. Dobson s Task Force is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and its efforts are powered by a large grassroots network. An estimated 40,000 coordinators and volunteers will host events that take place at courthouses, state capitols, city halls, parks and around school flagpoles. Many churches, firehouses and schools will ring their bells at noon to invite their communities to unite on bended knee. The theme for this year s event is Let Freedom Ring and is based on Leviticus 25:10, proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder and chairman Dr. James Dobson, said the opportunity to openly pray should not be missed. By uniting in the public arena, we will be a nation filled with individuals of faith, she said. Some countries do not allow their citizens to elect their leaders much less express their beliefs according to conscience. However, America was built by men and women of deep religious conviction and it is a privilege to approach the Lord with boldness and without fear of persecution. Retired Marine colonel Oliver North is the 2004 Honorary Chairman and will provide the keynote address at the national event in Washington D.C. In addition to his appearance at the national observance, North has released, True Freedom: The Liberating Power of Prayer, which is this year s theme book. The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States when the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer in In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. To schedule an interview or obtain a media kit, please contact Mark Fried at 719/ Or, to find out more about this year's activities, log onto ###

2 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PRAYER IN AMERICA A Timeline of Events Leading to National Day of Prayer 1775 Continental Congress calls the colonies to pray for wisdom in building a nation During the tumultuous time of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln makes a proclamation calling for a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer The National Day of Prayer is officially established as an annual event by an act of Congress and is signed into law by President Harry Truman. The first annual observance occurs on the Nation s birthday, July 4, The Supreme Court affirms the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer as a result of Marsh vs. Chambers The law instituted by Truman in 1952 is amended by President Ronald Reagan. Reagan designates the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer. This amendment provides a set annual day allowing citizens ample time to organize prayer gatherings. Every year from this date forward, the President signs a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray on this day Mrs. Shirley Dobson becomes the Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force a team of full-time staff and a network of thousands of grassroots volunteers nationwide that seeks to promote an awareness of prayer, not only on the first Thursday of every May, but on a daily basis Reports of six citywide events an observance in which churches from various denominations gather to pray are received by National Day of Prayer. September, 2001 Just three days after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, President George W. Bush leads the country in a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance Number of citywide events grows to over 60. Millions nationwide attended more than 30,000 related observances organized by approximately 40,000 volunteers. Activities at these observances range from prayer breakfasts, Bible reading marathons, concerts of prayer, rallies, church prayer vigils, student flagpole gatherings and observances held in sports stadiums. April, 2003 All 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories sign Proclamations similar to the one signed each year by the President May 6th marks the 53 rd annual National Day of Prayer a day that transcends denominational differences. Millions of Americans across the country will unite to pray for America and its leaders.

Fact Sheet NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FACT SHEET Event Date: Thursday, May 6 th, 2004 Established: 1952 marked the official establishment of the National Day of Prayer (NDP) as an annual event; this was

3 Fact Sheet NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FACT SHEET Event Date: Thursday, May 6 th, 2004 Established: 1952 marked the official establishment of the National Day of Prayer (NDP) as an annual event; this was a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan amended the law, permanently designating the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. History: The National Day of Prayer tradition was established prior to the founding of the United States. In 1775, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a time for prayer in forming a new nation. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln also called for such a day. Franklin Roosevelt declared a national day of prayer on June 6, 1944 D-Day and George W. Bush proclaimed a day of prayer and remembrance after the events of September 11, Purpose: The National Day of Prayer is a celebration of America's freedom to pray. It is intended to: Encourage Americans to embrace prayer as a means of seeking Divine Providence Encourage individuals and families to commit to a daily life of personal and corporate prayer and repentance Encourage prayer on behalf of the nation and those in leadership on all levels of local, national, church and educational areas of influence Proclamations: President George W. Bush and all 50 Governors are expected to sign proclamations setting aside May 6, 2004 as a day of intercession for the nation.

4 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER TASK FORCE FACT SHEET Overview of Task Force: The National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDPTF) was organized in 1988 to organize events on the local and national level to bring groups together to pray on the National Day of Prayer. The NDPTF is a 501(C)(3) entity and is formed on the foundation of the Judeo- Christian tradition in order to promote an awareness of prayer, not only on the first Thursday of every May, but on a daily basis. NDPTF 2004 Theme: NDPTF 2004 Theme verse: Leadership: 2004 Events Overview: Let Freedom Ring Leviticus 25:10 - proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Chairman Mr. Jim Weidmann, Vice Chairman Oliver North, 2004 Honorary Chairman On May 6 th, in all 50 states, Washington D.C., the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, locally-organized town, city and county prayer events will be held. Over 40,000 coordinators and volunteers are organizing these prayer observances. In addition to organized events throughout the country, people are being asked to pray at noon, wherever they are, the "Prayer for the Nation" drafted this year by Dr. Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate.

5 Page 2/NDPTF Fact Sheet National Day of Prayer 2004 Events and Highlights National Capitol Event: The centerpiece event will take place in Washington D.C. at 9:30 AM in the Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building with Oliver North as the keynote speaker. The executive (Education Secretary Rodney Paige), legislative (Rep. Charles Stenholm, D-TX) and judicial (Justice Kenneth B. Bell) branches of our government will be represented, as well as the military (Gen. Peter Pace, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). Testimony of Prayer, Archie Dunham, CEO of ConocoPhillips "Prayer for the Nation," Dr. Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate Remarks, Mrs. Shirley Dobson, NDPTF Chairman (wife of Dr. James Dobson, Founder and Chairman of Focus on the Family) Youth Events: Website/Event Timelines and Listings: Freedom: The National Day of Prayer for Students - Teens lead the Nation in prayer via events throughout America on the eve of the National Day of Prayer (5/05/04).

6 SHIRLEY DOBSON BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Mrs. Shirley Dobson is nationally recognized for her leadership skills and contributions to women s affairs, Christian organizations, and the institution of the family. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Focus on the Family, and has served as chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force (NDP) since Through the efforts of her team of NDP staff and volunteers, millions of Americans gather at thousands of prayer events annually on the first Thursday of each May. Mrs. Dobson is also a sought-after speaker on issues impacting families and the culture. She is the coauthor of four books: Let s Make a Memory and Let s Hide the Word, with Gloria Gaither, and the devotionals Night Light for Couples and Night Light for Parents with her husband, Dr. James Dobson. Her new publication on prayer, Certain Peace in Uncertain Times, was released in April, A graduate of Pasadena College, she has received honorary doctorate degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary (1989), Biola University (1995), Huntington College (1997) and Dallas Baptist University (2002). In September, 1992, Mrs. Dobson was honored with the Christian Woman of the Year Award, and she was designated as Churchwoman of the Year in 1996 by Religious Heritage of America. In 1999, she received the Full-time Homemaker of the Year award from the Eagle Forum. Mrs. Dobson and Dr. James C. Dobson, founder and president of Focus on the Family, reside in Colorado Springs and are the parents of two adult children.

OLIVER L. NORTH BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Oliver L. North serves as the 2004 National Day of Prayer Honorary Chairman. In his duties as Honorary Chairman, Mr.

He also has written the 2004 National Day of Prayer theme book entitled, "True Freedom: The Liberating Power of Prayer," which was released in January.

7 OLIVER L. NORTH BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Oliver L. North serves as the 2004 National Day of Prayer Honorary Chairman. In his duties as Honorary Chairman, Mr. North will provide the keynote address at the national observance in Washington D.C., on May 6. He also has written the 2004 National Day of Prayer theme book entitled, "True Freedom: The Liberating Power of Prayer," which was released in January. North was born in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and served 22 years as a U.S. Marine. His awards for service in combat include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for valor and two Purple Hearts for wounds in action. He is a combat-decorated Marine, a #1 best-selling author, the founder of a small business, an inventor with three U.S. patents, a syndicated columnist, the host of a nationally-syndicated daily radio show and the host of "War Stories" on the Fox News Channel. However, he claims his most important accomplishment as being "the husband of one and the father of four."

JIM WEIDMANN BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Jim Weidmann serves as Vice Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force since 1997.

8 JIM WEIDMANN BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Jim Weidmann serves as Vice Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force since Under the leadership of Shirley Dobson, he implements strategy and oversees the day-to-day operations for NDP. He also sits on the Focus on the Family Executive Cabinet as NDP Vice Chairman and has been featured on the Focus on the Family radio program with Dr. James Dobson. Jim is a 1978 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he was a four-year letterman in varsity football for the Falcons and served as co-captain his senior season. Following his education at the Air Force Academy, he was a football coach at his alma mater before serving in our nation's military as an Air Force pilot. Jim then worked at IBM for 12 years in sales and marketing. Jim and his wife, Janet, live in Littleton, Colorado, and are the proud parents of four children.

MARK FRIED BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Mark Fried (pronounced FREED) joined the National Day of Prayer staff in February 2000 and currently is the Media and Marketing Coordinator.

9 MARK FRIED BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Mark Fried (pronounced FREED) joined the National Day of Prayer staff in February 2000 and currently is the Media and Marketing Coordinator. He is responsible for creating and implementing the national media and marketing campaigns for the National Day of Prayer, as well as fulfilling duties as spokesman for the ministry. Mr. Fried came to NDP after three years as a Correspondence Assistant to Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family. Mr. Fried is a native of Del City, Oklahoma, and graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Oklahoma in Before moving to Colorado Springs to work for Focus on the Family, he served as Sports Director for KTMC Radio in McAlester, Oklahoma. Mr. Fried is a freelance writer in addition to his duties with NDP. Mr. Fried resides in Colorado Springs with his wife, Skye, and their daughter.

1988 President Reagan signs into law the designation of the first Thursday in May as the annual observance for the National Day of Prayer.

1988 President Reagan signs into law the designation of the first Thursday in May as the annual observance for the National Day of Prayer. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER TASK FORCE 1775 First National Call to Fasting & Prayer, called for by Continental Congress. 1863 President Lincoln declares a National Day of Prayer and Fasting. 1983 The National