Contact: Tim Rickel, World Gospel Mission, 765-671-7283

MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, disaster relief agencies are reporting a surge of donations; however, Hubert Harriman, president of Marion, Indiana-based World Gospel Mission, cautions both givers and agencies that the donation surge will be followed by a similar surge of "giver's remorse" unless more exchanges hands than just money.

"When a tragedy like in Haiti strikes, we are immediately surrounded by words and images so horrible they defy comprehension," says Harriman. "We're unsure of what to do, so we pick up the phone, send in a check, or give a gift online."

The problem, according to Harriman, occurs when reports surface of aid being slow to reach its destination or agencies unable to bring relief to those hardest hit. "Sometimes expectations are created on both sides that are unrealistic," Harriman said. "A giver's original excitement in helping gives way to cynicism and suspicion. Meanwhile, agencies complain that givers don't understand the complexities of delivering aid. So a second tragedy hits: givers resent aid agencies, and aid agencies resent givers."

Harriman contends that the solution is more than choosing the right organization to give to. "Avoiding giver's remorse means that your hand, heart, and brain are all attached to the check you send," he says. He offers the following counsel to individuals considering how to help in response to the earthquake in Haiti:

1. If you don't know anything about Haiti, go to the CIA Factbook or Wikipedia to learn about the country and culture so that you can pray.

2. Talk about the tragedy with your kids, and pray as a family for the victims.

3. Give in community. Instead of giving by yourself, give to a fund like WGM's Crisis Relief Fund with your family, your church, or your work.

4. Find out if there are Haitians in your city and reach out to them.

5. Search the Bible and ask questions about this kind of suffering and why God allows it.

Harriman sees collaborating with others as a key to avoiding giver's remorse. "Our actions are usually so isolated," Harriman says. "Instead, let's respond by sharing, learning, connecting, and bringing something to a larger community."

About World Gospel Mission
WGM disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. An interdenominational missionary organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to address the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities.