On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse
Samaritan's Purse<p>On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse is a podcast with Kristy Graham that explores the work we’re doing around the world. Experience what it’s like to be in the field with our teams, and hear first-hand from staff, volunteers, and people
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Older episodes
- 241A Journey Up the Amazon RiverTake a trip with Kristy Graham to the ends of the earth where a team delivers Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to an unreached people group deep in the jungles of Peru. For the first time the Chapra people hear the Gospel in their heart language, opening the door for future generations to learn about Jesus. Resources:Learn more about Operation Christmas Child and how you can get involved.Watch how the Gospel changed an isolated Amazon village forever.Listen to “Trusting God: A Conversation with Ken Isaacs” to hear how God has enabled Ken to run into the fire throughout his life.
- 242Why Should We Hurt When Others Are Hurting?If you’re reading the news headlines and you find yourself tired or overwhelmed by the pain and suffering in our world, you’re not alone. Many Christians are struggling to figure out how to grieve with compassion for the number of disasters plaguing communities near and far. Kristy Graham sits down with Jeremy Zerkle to talk about why Christians should care when others are hurting. Resources:Listen to our episode with Jeremy’s wife about her work as a licensed counselor and how she addresses compassion fatigue, burnout, and suffering in the world through her profession and as a follower of Christ.Listen to “A Journey Up the Amazon River” to hear the incredible story of bringing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to an isolated ethnic group in Peru.
- 243Led By Compassion: Kijabe HospitalCome with Kristy Graham to the picturesque hills of Kenya, where Kijabe Hospital is located. As one of Samaritan’s Purse World Medical Mission partner hospitals, Kijabe remains faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hear from Edward Densham—who grew up at Kijabe and has witnessed its growth over the years—as he talks about how God created in him a heart for service and mission work on those very grounds.Resources:Learn more about World Medical Mission.Listen to “Why Should We Hurt When Others Are Hurting?” to hear from Jeremy Zerkle, a staff chaplain with Samaritan’s Purse.
- 244God Goes Before UsAfter a major winter storm wreaked havoc across the Southeast, hundreds of thousands were left without power and with extensive damage to their homes. From just days after the storm to even now as the ice thaws, our North American Disaster Relief teams have been on the ground helping homeowners in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Hear from those serving and those being helped about what it has been like to see God’s love amid the crisis. And you don’t want to miss an incredible story from a pastor, who saw the Lord at work through a divine appointment. Resources:Sign up now to volunteer with North American Disaster Relief! Hear a new perspective on the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 by listening to “Led by Compassion: Kijabe Hospital.”
- 245From Brokenness to Redemption: Never Too Far from God’s LoveDennis Robinson has served on more than 75 North American Disaster Relief deployments with Samaritan’s Purse in his 75 years, but all of those have taken place in the past 18 years of his life after many years of being lost. Hear his story of brokenness, redemption, and God’s unfailing love even in the darkest parts of life. Resources: Learn more about current opportunities to serve with North American Disaster Relief Listen to “God Goes Before Us” to hear how our North American Disaster Relief teams are seeing God’s love in the aftermath of a winter storm.
- 246Plane Hijacked in Africa: The Pilot’s Story Part 1When someone put a gun in his face, a pilot named Jim had a choice—he could either let fear take over or he could trust Jesus with his life. As Jim’s plane was hijacked in Africa, the Lord brought Scriptures back to his mind and reminded him that there is power in the Name of Jesus. Hear from Jim Streit, who was in the air, and from Matt Olson, who was on the ground in North Carolina, about how God came through in a mighty way. Resources:Listen to “From Brokenness to Redemption: Never Too Far from God’s Love” to hear a longtime Samaritan’s Purse volunteer, Dennis Robinson’s, powerful testimony.Hear Part 2 of this story now!
- 247Plane Hijacked in Africa: The Pilot’s Story Part 2When someone put a gun in his face, a pilot named Jim had a choice—he could either let fear take over or he could trust Jesus with his life. As Jim’s plane was hijacked in Africa, the Lord brought Scriptures back to his mind and reminded him that there is power in the Name of Jesus. Hear from Jim Streit, who was in the air, and from Matt Olson, who was on the ground in North Carolina, about how God came through in a mighty way. Resources: Listen to Part 1 of this story now!
- 248Suffering for Christ’s SakeHundreds of churches once bombed and burned to the ground are not only standing again but thriving in Sudan and South Sudan. Hear stories of pastors who experienced intense persecution and how their faith sustained them. Resources: Learn more about the Church Reconstruction Program in South Sudan.To hear more about Ryan’s time in Sudan, listen to Serving in Uncertainty: The War in Sudan.Listen to “Plane Hijacked in Africa: The Pilot’s Story Part 1 and 2” to hear the inspirational story of one of our ministry pilots who chose to fully entrust his life to Jesus even while his plane was being hijacked.
- 249Called Out of Our Comfort Zone: A Conversation with Edward GrahamGod likes to call us out of our comfort zone, but often we hesitate out of fear—we like the comfort and safety of the life we have known. But stepping out in faith is where true growth happens. Edward Graham, chief operating officer at Samaritan’s Purse, shares what God has taught him in leadership, both in the military but also in ministry. Hear how you, too, can step out in faith and obedience to the Lord, in whatever He has for you. Resources:Learn more about how you can get involved with Samaritan’s Purse domestically and internationally.Listen to “Suffering for Christ’s Sake” to hear stories of pastors who experienced intense persecution and how their faith sustained them.
- 250Ukrainian Pastor Shares from the FrontlinesNo matter what is happening around you, God is faithful. Amid four years of war and tribulation in Ukraine, Pastor Daniel and his congregation continue clinging to these words: God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. Hear stories from the frontlines in Ukraine and how the Lord is working in the hearts and minds of those suffering. Resources:Read more stories about our response in Ukraine. Listen to “Called Out of Our Comfort Zone: A Conversation with Edward Graham” to hear how you can step out in faith and obedience to the Lord, in whatever He has for you.
- 251Carrying One Another’s BurdensAlmost a year and a half ago, Hurricane Helene changed western North Carolina forever—not just the landscape, but the people and the churches. One church that stepped up to respond was Alliance Bible Fellowship, located in the backyard of Samaritan’s Purse International Headquarters. Hear how this church is still partnering with Samaritan's Purse and continuing to preach the Gospel. Resources:Come out and serve on our Hurricane Helene rebuilds! Listen to “Ukrainian Pastor Shares from the Frontlines” to hear how the Lord is working in the hearts and minds of those suffering during the war.
- 252The Great Commission is for EveryoneThe Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) couldn’t operate without the people working tirelessly behind the scenes in roles like water and sanitation, construction, and finance. Hear stories of how God has used people with all skillsets and backgrounds to serve others through disaster response.Resources: Learn more about the Disaster Assistance Response Team and how you can get involved. To hear more about our DART response in Italy during the pandemic, listen to “Through the Eyes of DART Nurses: COVID-19.”Listen to “Ukrainian Pastor Shares from the Frontlines” to hear stories of God’s faithfulness and how the Lord has continued to work in the hearts and minds of people during four years of conflict in Ukraine.
- 253The Body of Christ in ActionKristy Graham takes you on a tour through a Samaritan’s Purse Community Medical Outreach clinic where she witnessed the faithful service of the body of Christ. A team of more than 100 volunteers from North Carolina’s West Burnsville Baptist Church and Samaritan's Purse joined hands to minister to people from all walks of life, many of whom may never have set foot in a church otherwise. Resources:Learn more about our Community Medical Outreach clinics.Listen to “The Great Commission is for Everyone,” where you will hear stories of how God has used people with a variety of skill sets and backgrounds to serve others through disaster response.
- 254God Our Refuge and StrengthGod has worked many miracles throughout Alex’s life—surviving the Rwandan genocide, receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox that planted seeds for the Gospel, and most recently, living on the other side of a brain tumor. Alex talks about how serving the Lord doesn't mean that challenging and even painful things will not happen in our lives. But we can take heart because God, our refuge and strength, has overcome the world.Resources:Hear more of Alex’s story!Listen to “The Body of Christ in Action,” where Kristy takes you behind the scenes to a Samaritan’s Purse Community Medical Outreach clinic.
- 255From Bondage to AbundanceWithout God's perfect love, we cannot be free from condemnation and the bondage that we all face here on earth. But with God, we can live life and live it abundantly. Before knowing the Lord, Marina was living in bondage. Hear Marina’s incredible testimony and the ways God is using her story now as she serves in the Samaritan’s Purse Germany office. Resources:Listen to “Fighting Spiritual Battles: Human Trafficking in Berlin,” to hear more about Alabaster Jar and how God is transforming hearts amid spiritual darkness.
- 256Knowing Jesus is FreedomNone of the programs out of the Samaritan's Purse Germany office could be accomplished without prayer. Hear more of Kristy’s conversation with Marina, where she highlights incredible projects like Alabaster Jar and Men Against Human Trafficking. In working with both women and men who are stuck in bondage to sin, the Germany team introduces them to a Savior, who calls them by name. Resources:Hear Marina’s testimony!Listen to “Fighting Spiritual Battles: Human Trafficking in Berlin,” to hear more about Alabaster Jar and how God is transforming hearts amid spiritual darkness.
- 257How to Respond with CompassionEdward Densham has seen war, famine, disease and disasters all over the world. The more we see, the easier it is to become numb or even callous toward suffering. In this week’s episode, Edward reminds us that we are to see these situations through Jesus' eyes. Kristy also reflects on scripture and shares how we can have a compassionate heart and allow that to spur us on to compassionate action. Resources:Listen to “Led By Compassion: Kijabe Hospital” and hear about Edward Densham’s upbringing in the mission field.Hear about the incredible projects out of our Germany office, like Alabaster Jar and Men Against Human Trafficking.
- 258Our Mission Field is EverywhereGod uses His people for good works to further His Kingdom. Sometimes we think we have nothing to offer, but we do because God can use your past and your pain now, in the present. Kristy sits down with Josh McCart, a former Army paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, who talked about how there is service after the service. Josh is not in uniform anymore, but he is still on mission—and this time it’s a different kind of mission. Resources:Learn more about Operation Heal Our Patriots and Team Patriot.Listen to “How to Respond with Compassion” to hear a devotional from Edward Densham and Kristy Graham.
- 259More Than a Church BuildingThere are pastors all across Sudan and South Sudan boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ that changed their lives, and yet doing so could cost them their very lives. Kristy hears stories from Dave Philips about his recent trip to Sudan and South Sudan, where he shares the importance of faithfulness and looking for areas in life where you can rush in with the Gospel. Resources: Learn more about the Church Reconstruction Program in South Sudan.Listen to “Suffering for Christ’s Sake” to hear our recent episode on the Church Reconstruction Program in Sudan and South Sudan.Listen to “Our Mission Field is Everywhere” to hear the inspiring story of an Army veteran who attended Operation Heal Our Patriots with his wife. It changed their lives and marriage.
- 260Obedient to the CallWhat has God called you into? In his work with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Viktor Hamm has witnessed God do exceedingly abundantly above anything that he could have ever asked or imagined. Viktor shares about how we can be obedient to God’s calling on our lives and the importance of discipleship in the work of evangelism. Resources:Learn more about Franklin Graham’s festivals around the world.Listen to “More Than a Church Building,” where you will hear how pastors in Sudan and South Sudan are boldly proclaiming the Gospel amid conflict and persecution.
- 261Praising God Through the StormKristy was recently on the ground in southern Mississippi, where a tornado tore through the tight-knit community of Lamar County. Though it left a trail of devastation, people like Pastor Jimmy Breazeale continue to praise God. Hear stories of hope and how the Lord protected their congregation during this storm. Resources: Serve with our U.S. Disaster Relief and Rebuild teams!Listen to “Our Mission Field is Everywhere” to hear from Josh McCart, a former Army paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, about how there is service even after military service.
- 262Bringing Hope In: DRC Ebola ResponseRight now, a Samaritan's Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team is on the ground in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, operating two Ebola Treatment Centers to help fight this dangerous disease and stop its spread. Kristy took part in an infectious disease response training alongside our DART members, where she put on the personal protective equipment our teams wear in the field. It changed her. Hear Kristy’s thoughts as she gets in the suit and from our staff as they share why they are willing to say yes to serving in the DRC. Resources:Learn more about the DRC Ebola Response.Serve with our Disaster Assistance Response Team.Listen to our episodes about the 2014 Ebola Response in Liberia.Remembering the Liberia Ebola Response: 10 Years LaterBearing Each Other's Burdens: Liberia Ebola Response Part 2
- 263Letting Go, Leaning InTravel to Bongolo Hospital in Gabon, Africa, where a team of World Medical Mission volunteers spent two weeks performing life-changing orthopedic surgeries and sharing the love of Christ with patients. Hear wisdom about surrendering and obedience from Jeff Lane, an anesthesiologist who first followed the Lord into the jungles of Africa over a decade ago and is now back, serving with Samaritan's Purse on a short-term medical missions trip. Resources:Learn more about World Medical Mission and how you can volunteer!Listen to “Bringing Hope In: DRC Ebola Response,” where you will hear what it was like for Kristy to don and doff personal protective equipment alongside staff ready to serve at one of two Samaritan’s Purse Ebola Treatment Centers.
- 264No Escaping God’s GraceWe are never too far gone for God's grace to cover us. And through Jesus, we can have forgiveness. Hear from Jake Southern, a former Army sergeant, who shared his testimony and the ways that God used Operation Heal Our Patriots to help transform his heart. Resources: Learn more about Operation Heal Our Patriots.Listen to “One Week in Alaska,” where Kristy takes you behind-the-scenes at a week of Operation Heal Our Patriots.
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