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
- 193LA Wildfire Response: Franklin GrahamEven in pain and tragedy, God can make beauty out of ashes. Kristy Graham speaks with her father-in-law and president of Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, about his recent trip to the Los Angeles area, where he met people affected by the devastating wildfires. You will hear directly from firefighters, who battled the flames, and a homeowner, who gave his life to the Lord after he lost everything in the wildfire.Resources:Learn more about Franklin Graham’s visit to Los Angeles where he met homeowners affected by the devastating wildfires.Volunteer with us!Listen to “A Family’s Story of Survival: Hurricane Helene” to hear a testimony of God’s faithfulness as Kristy Graham talks with a family of five who lost their home in the storm.
- 194Saving Baby Deo: Part 1In a remote area of Uganda, a little boy named Deo was living on borrowed time. At just 3 years old, he was suffering from a critical heart condition, and he needed surgery that wasn’t available in his home country. Samaritan’s Purse knew it would take a miracle from God to save this boy’s life. Resources:Learn more about Children’s Heart Project. Listen to “From Emergency Detour to Miracle Story” to hear how God worked in and through Francis, another Children’s Heart Project surgery recipient.Listen to “LA Wildfire Response: Franklin Graham” to learn more about how Samaritan’s Purse is responding to the devastating wildfires in California.
- 195Saving Baby Deo: Part 2In a remote area of Uganda, a little boy named Deo was living on borrowed time. At just 3 years old, he was suffering from a critical heart condition, and he needed surgery that wasn’t available in his home country. Samaritan’s Purse knew it would take a miracle from God to save this boy’s life. Resources:Learn more about Children’s Heart Project. Listen to “Saving Baby Deo: Part 1” to hear the first half of Deo’s journey to a healed heart.Listen to “From Emergency Detour to Miracle Story” to hear how God worked in and through Francis, another Children’s Heart Project surgery recipient.
- 196How to Hold Things LooselyNothing is ever truly ours—even our loved ones belong to the Lord. Hear an incredible story of a family's faith through loss. Kristy Graham speaks with Dr. Seth and Rebecca Mallay, who share their daughter’s testimony and talk about how we should hold things loosely as believers.Resources:Watch Dr. Seth Mallay’s testimony from Prescription for Renewal last year.Learn more about the World Medical Mission Post-Residency Program.Listen to our two-part series about a little boy named Deo, who was suffering from a critical heart condition and needed surgery that wasn’t available in his home country. Listen to Part 1 | Listen to Part 2
- 197Sharing God’s Light in a Dark PlaceMore than 11 million Sudanese people have been internally displaced by violence from ongoing civil war. Amid this turmoil, many people are feeling hopeless. In one particular city where the medical infrastructure is overwhelmed, Samaritan's Purse set up an Emergency Field Hospital to offer help in Jesus’ Name. Kristy Graham sat down with Shannon Hamilton, who served as the team lead for this disaster response team in Sudan.Resources:Read stories of brave moms in Sudan who have been helped by Samaritan’s Purse.Learn more about how Samaritan’s Purse is bringing medical care to Sudan's displaced women and children.Listen to “How to Hold Things Loosely,” where you will hear from Dr. Seth and Rebecca Mallay, who share their daughter’s testimony and talk about how we should hold things with open hands before the Lord.
- 198Opening Our Hearts to God’s WordScripture is alive and active, and no matter the circumstances we face in life, God’s Word can help lift our eyes beyond our current situation and towards our eternal hope in Jesus Christ. This week, we are taking you behind the scenes to Samaritan’s Purse staff devotions, where Randy Bishop talks about the history of the English Bible and how important it is that we not only read God’s Word, but crave it daily. Hear Kristy Graham and other members of the podcast team share Scripture that has impacted them in their walk with the Lord. Resources:Have You Heard the Good News of Salvation?For further study, below are sources that Randy Bishop used in his devotion: 1. Filling Up the Afflictions of ChristThe Cost of Bringing the Gospel to the Nations in the Lives of William Tyndale, Adoniram Judson, and John PatonThe Swans Are Not Silent, Book FiveBy John Piper, Crossway, 2009 2. The Legacy of the King James BibleCelebrating 400 Year of the Most Influential English TranslationBy Leland Ryken, Crossway, 2011 3. The Origin of the BibleBy various authors including F.F. Bruce, J.I. Packer, Philip Comfort, and Carl F. H. HenryTyndale House Publishers, 2012 Listen to “Sharing God’s Light in a Dark Place” to hear from Shannon Hamilton, who led the disaster response team that put up an Emergency Field Hospital in Sudan.
- 199Ministry Behind the ScenesNo matter what you do, where you work or how you serve, God can use it for His Kingdom. This week Kristy Graham takes you behind the scenes and introduces you to some of our Samaritan’s Purse flight attendants, who fly all around the world on our DC-8 combi aircraft. These highly skilled and experienced members of our Mission Aviation Services staff share how, as believers, we can faithfully serve the Lord wherever He has called us.Resources:Learn more about how Samaritan’s Purse rushes help and hope worldwide.Check out “Sharing God’s Light in a Dark Place” to hear from Shannon Hamilton, who led the disaster response team that put up an Emergency Field Hospital in Sudan. Listen to “Opening Our Hearts to God’s Word” to get a behind-the-scenes experience at Samaritan’s Purse staff devotions where Randy Bishop talks about the history of the English Bible and how important it is that we not only read God’s Word, but enjoy its riches daily.
- 200Does Prayer Matter?As a child, receiving a simple shoebox gift made Anabel realize the power of prayer and how much God loved her. Throughout her life, Anabel kept the Lord’s promises hidden in her heart. So when tragedy struck, He reminded her of the answer to her prayers in the form of a shoebox with a note that was written in love.Resources: Learn more about Operation Christmas Child.Read how we shared great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ in Ethiopia.Listen to “Ministry Behind the Scenes” where Kristy Graham introduces you to some of our Samaritan’s Purse flight attendants, who fly all around the world on our DC-8 combi aircraft.
- 201Updates From Around the World with Edward GrahamKristy Graham sits down with her husband and Samaritan’s Purse Chief Operating Officer Edward Graham to hear updates of our work around the world, including the Myanmar earthquake response. Edward shares what is on the hearts of the organization’s leaders and how we can be praying for Samaritan’s Purse ministry of helping in Jesus’ Name after manmade and natural disasters.Resources: Learn more about how Samaritan’s Purse is rushing relief to Myanmar.Serve with U.S. Disaster Relief!Listen to “Does Prayer Matter?” to hear from Anabel about how receiving a shoebox gift as a child taught her about God’s love and the power of prayer.
- 202God’s Incredible Provision: Myanmar Earthquake ResponseSamaritan’s Purse is helping the people of Myanmar in the wake of a deadly earthquake by providing clean water, shelter, and medical care at our Emergency Field Hospital. It is only by the Lord’s provision that our Disaster Assistance Response Team received access into Myanmar, showing once again, just how powerful prayer is. Hear directly from our staff who are on the ground in Myanmar, demonstrating God’s love.Resources:Learn more about how Samaritan’s Purse is performing life-saving surgeries in Myanmar.Listen to “Updates From Around the World with Edward Graham” to hear how you can be praying for Samaritan’s Purse ministry after manmade and natural disasters.
- 203The Fragrance of the Lord After HeleneThe storm may be out of the news, but it's not out of God's sight. Kristy Graham takes listeners to her own backyard in western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene hit in September of 2024. Months later, the storm is not over—people's lives are still turned upside down. Kristy talks with Kendell Kauffeldt, the response manager during this disaster response, and he shares stories of how Samaritan’s Purse has been able to meet unique needs. This has included the replacement of critical items lost during the storm, such as cars, work vehicles, campers for temporary housing, and even mules for a local supply transport team. Kristy also speaks to a DART member named Jazmin Ortiz, who had the privilege of witnessing many salvations while serving.Resources:Learn more about Samaritan’s Purse rebuild projects that are continuing after Hurricane Helene.Volunteer with U.S. Disaster Relief.Find out more about our Disaster Assistance Response TeamListen to “God’s Incredible Provision: Myanmar Earthquake Response” to hear how Samaritan’s Purse is helping the people of Myanmar.
- 204Restoring Hope in TigrayIn Tigray—a region of Ethiopia once ravaged by conflict—God is using Samaritan’s Purse to equip local churches to change lives, mend hearts, and restore hope in Jesus’ Name. Meeting the vulnerable where they are and addressing physical and spiritual needs, we are together pouring into the next generation—a generation whose childhood was stripped away. By creating safe havens, these kids are able to play, laugh, and learn about how there is a God who cares for them.Resources:Read more about the Tesfa for Tigray program.Listen to “The Fragrance of the Lord After Helene” to hear stories of how Samaritan’s Purse has been able to meet unique needs in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
- 205God’s Providential Hand: A Conversation with Jim DaileyJim Dailey, vice president of communications at Samaritan’s Purse, spoke with Kristy Graham about how he has witnessed God’s sovereign, providential hand throughout his 25 years of working in the ministry. Jim shared about perseverance in times of trial, and what it has been like taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
- 206The Miracles of God and the Power of ForgivenessSeeing family members killed right in front of him, spending months on the run, ending up in an orphanage—this was Alex’s life after the Rwandan genocide began. Yet, despite all this hardship, Alex can look back and see the miracles of God throughout his life. And when Alex received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, a seed of hope was planted that would later bloom into a deep love for the Lord. Hear about the miracles of God in Alex’s story and how the power of forgiveness set him free.
- 207One Week in AlaskaFor 17 weeks every summer, military veterans and their spouses are invited to Operation Heal Our Patriots for a week-long marriage retreat. Kristy Graham takes listeners behind-the-scenes to experience what these military couples do day by day, immersing them in what life is like at Samaritan Lodge Alaska. Hear how the Lord transforms marriages through Biblically based marriage classes, excursions in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, and intentional conversations with chaplains, staff, and volunteers.Resources:Learn more about Operation Heal Our Patriots.Check out “The Transforming Power of the Gospel: Operation Heal Our Patriots” to hear how the Lord healed Matt and Kayla Tucker’s hearts and restored their marriage in Alaska.Listen to “The Miracles of God and the Power of Forgiveness” to hear the miracles of God in Alex Nsengimana’s story and how the power of forgiveness set him free.
- 208How to Have a Heart of WorshipJosh Havens and Matt Fuqua, the two founding members of the Christian band, The Afters, sat down with Kristy Graham to talk about what it looks like to have a heart of worship, what it has been like traveling around the world with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, and what God is teaching them in this season. Resources:Have You Heard the Good News of Salvation?Listen to “One Week in Alaska” to hear how the Lord transforms marriages through Operation Heal Our Patriots every summer.
- 209Sowing and Watering Seeds in Hard PlacesRecently some of our international staff visited our Samaritan's Purse headquarters and shared updates from their work around the world. Matt Nowery and Barry Jessen, two of our country directors, talked with Kristy Graham about how they are able persevere and continue to sow and water seeds for the Gospel in hard places.Resources:Listen to “How to Have a Heart of Worship” to hear Josh Havens and Matt Fuqua, the two founding members of the Christian band, The Afters, talk about what it has been like traveling around the world with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.
- 210How the Lord Directs and RedirectsKaren never thought she would ever have the opportunity to return to Myanmar, but the Lord had other plans. After the recent earthquake in Myanmar, Karen Daniels, an operating room nurse, returned to treat patients with the Disaster Assistance Response Team. Hear from Karen about the patients she met on this response and what God taught her along the way. You will also hear directly from some of our patients, who were treated at our Emergency Field Hospital. Resources: Read more about the Samaritan’s Purse Emergency Field Hospital in Myanmar that treated more than 1,000 patients.Listen to “Sowing and Watering Seeds in Hard Places” to hear Matt Nowery and Barry Jessen, two of our country directors, talk about how they are able to persevere and continue to sow and water seeds for the Gospel in challenging places.
- 211How You Can Choose JoyChoosing joy in all circumstances is a daily battle that we all face. Pastor Chip Ingram sits down with Kristy Graham to talk about how he has been able to shift his perspective and, with God’s help, truly choose joy.
- 212Mules on a Gospel MissionMike and Michele Toberer founded a Christian nonprofit called Mission Mules, that provides disaster relief to otherwise inaccessible areas through a very unique mode of transportation: packing mules. Samaritan’s Purse and Mission Mules crossed paths after Hurricane Helene. We had the honor of serving alongside them in the mountains of North Carolina, working together to deliver supplies to those who had been cut off. Hear how God challenged Mike and Michele to launch this ministry and about their time serving in the wake of Hurricane Helene.Resources:Learn more about Mission Mules.Read about families who received brand-new mobile homes after Hurricane Helene.Check out “Hope in Heartache: Hurricane Helene” to hear about how God provided in the first days after the devastating hurricane last September.Listen to “A Family’s Story of Survival: Hurricane Helene” to hear a testimony of God’s faithfulness in a storm.
- 213How to Be a Servant LeaderSamaritan’s Purse is pouring into the next generation of Godly leaders. This week, Kristy Graham introduces you to a Samaritan’s Purse program you may not know about: the Leadership Development Pathway. Kendell Kauffeldt, who heads up this program, shares how the program develops and equips staff by studying Biblical leadership. Hear from recent graduates of the program about what they learned and how they follow Jesus’ example of leadership.
- 214How to Apologize and Love Others WellKristy Graham sits down with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, to talk about how we can love our family, our friends, and our spouse well. Dr. Chapman’s books and teachings have helped transform marriages, and Samaritan's Purse uses his materials at Operation Heal Our Patriots in Alaska. Hear how you can make your apologies sincere, your love genuine, and your care Christlike for those experiencing tragedy. Resources:Find more resources from Dr. Gary Chapman.Listen to “How to Be a Servant Leader” to hear how Samaritan’s Purse is pouring into the next generation of Godly leaders.
- 215Journeying with GodEllie Graves has served as a volunteer with Operation Christmas Child for nearly 20 years. Her life of service is a true example of obedience to God, as she walks with Him in dependence and submission. Hear about Ellie’s remarkable journey with the Lord and how the power of prayer has been an anchor. Resources: Learn more about how you can volunteer with Operation Christmas Child.Listen to “How to Apologize and Love Others Well” to hear Kristy’s conversation with Dr. Gary Chapman, the author of The Five Love Languages.
- 216Texas Flash Floods: Hope After the StormKristy Graham takes listeners to Texas, where Samaritan’s Purse is responding after massive flooding left a trail of extensive damage across several counties. Hear from Andrew Metcalf, a program manager for U.S. Disaster Relief, and Edward Graham, the chief operating officer of Samaritan’s Purse, about what it has been like on the ground and how we can be praying for Texans.Resources:Come volunteer with us!Learn more about Samaritan’s Purse flood response in Texas.Listen to “Journeying with God” to hear about an Operation Christmas Child year-round volunteer’s remarkable life with the Lord and how the power of prayer has been an anchor.
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