Cleft lip and palate can be easily repaired in many nations, but the required surgeries often are not available in developing countries with inadequate healthcare. Children born with these medical issues often face a lifetime of ridicule and discrimination, especially in areas that associate the health condition with witchcraft or being “cursed.” That’s why Samaritan’s…
Refugios para afrontar los meses de invierno
It was the first home they’d ever owned, so when feet of water filled the house, Maggie and Ruben Martinez of Bakersville were devastated. Samaritan’s Purse volunteers and other volunteer groups helped clean the water out, but it was still unlivable, as mold and moisture took over. And as the winter months approached, they knew…
Ayudamos a un pastor que perdió casi todo en el huracán Helene
Pastor Charles English was at home with one of his daughters when Ivy Creek became a torrent of boulders, trees, and exploding propane tanks—common elements for most stories about Hurricane Helene’s destructive path through the mountains. Charles and his wife, Sadie, have lived five decades in Barnardsville, North Carolina, along a normally idyllic branch of…
El amor se desborda en el este de Kentucky
The strewn debris and trash still hanging from the barren trees in Brandt Justice’s backyard stand as stark reminders of how high the waters rose when floods ravaged his small Kentucky community last week. In the early hours of Feb. 16, the small tributary behind his home suddenly swelled and climbed to the tips of…
Agricultores regresan a sus campos en Ucrania
Three longtime farmers are busy planting wheat and sunflowers this spring—and it is a dream come true! Ivan*, Serhiy*, and Oleksiy* weren’t sure they would ever work their fields again after Russia invaded, destroying their grain storehouses and leaving behind a hidden maze of landmines. But Samaritan’s Purse repaired their storage facilities so now they…
Mongolia
Mongolia is located in northern Asia between Russia and China. Its pasturelands make livestock herding a common occupation. A traditional Mongolian dwelling is called a ger (yurt), a circular tent-like structure made of wood and canvas. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes there in 1996 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, in…
Benín
Located in West Africa, Benin ranks high among the continent’s cotton producers, but still remains one of the world’s poorest countries. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts here in 1999. Since 2010, many of the Benin’s children have also participated in The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship course for shoebox recipients. Learn…
Burkina Faso
Located in West Africa, Burkina Faso is home to a large rural population that is known to be honest. This fits well since the country’s name means “Land of Incorruptible People.” Samaritan’s Purse started delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children here in 1999 and by 2011 began offering them The Greatest Journey, our…
Ghana
Located in West Africa, Ghana was the first country south of the Sahara to gain its independence from colonial rule. Formerly part of Britain’s Gold Coast, the nation’s rich natural resources continue to be an asset. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children here in 1996. Since 2010, we have also offered…
Honduras
Honduras is located in Central America and is one of the poorest nations in the region. Devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, the country has rebounded in part due to its production of sugar cane, tropical fruit, and coffee. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to Honduran children in 1996. We have…