When disasters come roaring into our lives, loss follows. The loss can be material possessions: our home, vehicles, household belongings, income, photos, and keepsakes. Even more devastating, the loss can involve loved ones. 
Those who have been affected by these disasters are left to cope with feelings of:
- Loss
- Intrusion
- Vulnerability
- Escape
We must have an understanding of these inner responses, if we are to minister to those seeking to recover from the devastation of disasters.
Loss: It is vital that the relief volunteer understands that the sense of hurt won’t be magically wiped away. A spiritual experience will not take away the loss that victims have experienced.
Intrusion: Devastated by disasters, victims are often forced to trust strangers for the most basic of necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. It is important to offer love and support that enables the person to feel valued and respected as a person.
Vulnerability: Often victims of disaster feel abandoned, forgotten, overwhelmed, angry, depressed, and hopeless. Survivors feel extremely vulnerable, and it is important for a volunteer to avoid any behavior that even hints at manipulation.
Escape: Recovery after disasters can take months and years. The pain of survivors is very real and should not be glossed over. We must always avoid offering the Gospel as a magic cure for the loss suffered by victims, or as a panacea that overlooks the real concerns that they are facing.
Here are some bits of wisdom in sharing the hope of Christ with those devastated by crisis events:
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