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Compassion International asked its celebrity endorsers, like Michael W. Smith and Rebecca St. James, not to draw any correlation between sponsoring children and September 11. No appeals went out for two weeks after the attacks, and radio spots were held off for fears that listeners would find them inappropriate.

But Rick Mitchell, director of marketing and development, said the child-development organization has seen increases in sponsorships since the attacks. September also saw fewer cancellations than budgeted. "Maybe people are just thinking more deeply about helping now," Mitchell said.

Likewise, World Vision pulled some September television spots and became "very aware of grief and shock," according to Sheryl Watkins, spokesperson. She said that when preparing an appeal or spot, World Vision considers what the average American would feel about it.

Food for the Poor wrote to donors about "what would happen if our flow of support continues to be interrupted."

Angel Aloma, executive vice president, said the letter's purpose was to "remind people that what happened here was horrible, but lives of those around the world are horrible as well."

"Since this was such a visible tragedy, I think people contributing to September 11 haven't donated to our organizations before," International Aid's Fish said. "But the hope is that after a good experience with donating, they will again."

Todd Hertz is assistant online editor for Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Recent Opinion Roundup columns have focused on the effect of September 11 on prophetic interpretation and religious freedom.

Yahoo full coverage has a collection of emergency and relief information in wake of the terrorist attack on U.S.

For more Christian perspectives and responses to September 11, see various articles posted on Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com, and Beliefnet.com.

Previous Christianity Today articles on Ground Zero relief work after the attacks include:

Where I Minister, Grace Abounds Over Sin | At Ground Zero, a New York pastor becomes a symbol that God is present and available. (Sept. 24, 2001)

Orthodox Church Near Ground Zero Hopes to Rise Again | Members hope to rebuild 169-year-old structure, which stood only 500 feet from the World Trade Center. (Sept. 18, 2001)

Churches Meet Needs at Ground Zero | Brooklyn pastors and parishioners thank God for survival, but help victims and families cope. (Sept. 17, 2001)

Communication Troubles Challenge U.S. Church Relief Agencies | Aid work continues amid atmosphere of shock, fear, and sporatic harrassment. (Sept. 13, 2001)

In the Belly of the Beast | Christians, calling terrorist attack "satanically brilliant," minister at epicenter of World Trade disaster. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Churches, Agencies Respond to Attacks | Leaders call for prayer, justice, and mercy. (Sept. 12, 2001)

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October (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45