Missionary Organization Says Networking Key to Haiti Relief Efforts

Missionary Organization Says Networking Key to Haiti Relief Efforts

MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- After a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, 2010, an outpouring of aid came in as individuals, organizations, and countries around the world sought to provide relief to those affected by the devastation. World Gospel Mission President Hubert Harriman and others in the Marion, Indiana, area think they've found a more effective way to respond to the crisis than just through individual donations. "If communities partner together, relief will be a life- changing experience for both the Haitian people and the community itself," Harriman says.

WGM staff recently partnered with various other organizations in the Marion area to mobilize an effective response strategy. Together, the community is supporting a team of 13 medical professionals, including three doctors from Marion who will travel to Haiti on January 22 under the leadership of Kevin Jones, program manager for the Alliance for International Christian Business Education. Participating organizations include Indiana Wesleyan University, Global Partners, Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, Marion General Hospital, Missionary Flights International, and Medicap Pharmacy.

"Seeing the transformation of a community as organizations and businesses partner together is phenomenal," says Harriman. "Our efforts take on an exponential strength when they are fused with the efforts of others in our community. We are stronger united."

The medical team will be based on the west side of the capital city Port-au-Prince in an area heavily affected by the disaster. They will be caring for injured survivors in a walled schoolyard with medical supplies donated by Marion General Hospital and Medicap Pharmacy. Brookhaven Wesleyan Church will be sending more medical teams in the coming months as a continuation of the community partnership.

Visit WGM's website for ideas on how to mobilize community engagement

for the Haiti relief effort and to give to the Crisis Relief Fund

. For more information or to help repair Christian radio station Radio Lumière, located in Port-au-Prince, please contact Tim Rickel at 765-671-7283.

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

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