Franklin Graham Update | November
Franklin Graham Update | November
OUR BROKEN WORLD NEEDS
THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL
Dear Friend,
The whole world has been horrified by the recent terrorist massacre in Israel. At Samaritan's Purse, we always stand with Israel, and we have a team on the ground right now working through local churches to help those who are suffering and grieving.
The Jewish homeland has several strong evangelical churches that have answered God's call to help their neighbors, including many who were displaced from homes near the Gaza Strip. These churches are counting on Samaritan's Purse to equip them as they distribute food, blankets, and other assistance. We've offered our help to authorities in Israel, and we have medical teams and an Emergency Field Hospital ready to deploy if needed.
Israel immediately has announced plans to invade Gaza and root out Hamas militants. As the situation unfolds, we stand ready to help the Palestinian people.
Anyone who has studied the Bible understands the possible consequences of a war involving Israel, God's chosen people, living in the Promised Land.
I know the people of Israel need our prayers as they go through this trial by fire. So many have lost loved ones, and a generation has been scarred by evil. The Bible tells us, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6).
ON THE GROUND: Samaritan's Purse is hard at work in Israel, Armenia, and other areas. Hear directly from leadership about how Samaritan’s Purse is serving people in need there. Kristy Graham also talks to the team lead on the ground in Israel to hear his first-hand perspective and share ways to pray.
PRAYERFUL CARE IN ARMENIA: Samaritan's Purse sent a team specializing in burn care to minister to injured refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.
Caring for Refugees in Armenia
Just before trouble erupted in Israel's backyard, we dealt with another crisis 800 miles north, where the old Soviet state of Azerbaijan seized an Armenian enclave called Nagorno-Karabakh. More than 100,000 refugees fled their mountainous homeland and are resettling in Armenia. More than 170 people died in an explosion at a fuel depot, and the death toll might have been worse if not for specialized medical teams deployed by Samaritan's Purse who provided surgery, therapy, and care for many who were burned.
In addition to the medical teams, our cargo jets flew two airlifts to Armenia, bringing emergency supplies such as blankets and solar lights. Many of the refugees are from Christian backgrounds and are excited to receive Armenian-language Bibles. Meanwhile, our teams and church partners are working to share the hope of the Gospel.
Our international teams have also been busy recently in North Africa, where we are helping after an earthquake and flooding. Our work continues in Ukraine, where the war is dragging into another winter, and our church partners are providing multitudes with food, water, and heat.
Going the extra mile here on the homefront
When a disaster strikes, Samaritan's Purse is often the first on the ground to help the survivors. But our work doesn't end there. Like the Good Samaritan who made arrangements for ongoing care of the man robbed on the Jericho road, we are committed to staying and helping as long as we are needed.
It's been nearly two years since an outbreak of tornadoes devastated western Kentucky, and in that time Samaritan's Purse has remained busy in and around the town of Mayfield, where nearly 1,300 homes and businesses were destroyed. I went to Mayfield just before Christmas two years ago, when despair hung over the town.
How much different it was a few weeks ago, when I returned to Mayfield to dedicate the first 16 homes in a neighborhood we call New Hope Acres.
In addition to the 60 houses in New Hope Acres, we are building 21 more around Mayfield and installing in-ground storm shelters at hundreds of existing houses.
“Thanks to the generosity of people like you, we are giving them a fresh start.”
"I thought we were going to die," said Dennis Hayes, remembering how friends and family members sought refuge in a bedroom, hid under a mattress, and cried out to the Lord. He said the twister sounded like stampeding horses as it ripped through their house. Their neighbor's roof came crashing through the window. Yet their lives were spared.
The only wall that survived was one where Latasha Hayes had hung a cast-iron cross. "We're going to bring that cross here to our new house," Dennis said. "The Lord kept us safe, and He's going to keep us safe here."
When Latasha walked through the front door of her new home, she immediately gave thanks to God. "We're so blessed to be given this house," she said. "My God is a mighty God, and He's merciful. I knew God would see us through. And He did. Look at where I'm standing today. I give all the glory to Jesus!"
Samaritan's Purse has also been diligent in our ministry to victims of the wildfire that ravaged the Hawaiian island of Maui last August. Even now, some families are still awaiting permission to return to their neighborhoods.
I recently visited the town of Lahaina and the devastation is overwhelming—the fire wiped out nearly everything standing. I had the opportunity to pray with 81-year-old Pastor Arza Brown (pictured on the front page), whose church sanctuary was destroyed. His congregation has a heart for missions, and Samaritan's Purse is providing them with a tent and helping them rebuild. Pastor Brown said that after 60 years of preaching, it's encouraging for him to see how God is working in the wake of the wildfires. "God is good even in this situation," he told me.
Our crews have been sifting through the ashes of homes to find keepsakes that might be salvaged. In the course of this ministry, we've seen more than 50 souls trust Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We'll keep lifting Him up!
As we look for ward to Thanksgiving, I want to thank everyone for your prayers, generosity, and service on behalf of Samaritan's Purse and the people who need our help. You are making a difference, in the Name of Jesus. May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
Ways You Can Help
Pray
Pray for peace in Israel and also for those who are caught up in the conflict. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts of children around the world who will soon be receiving Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.
- U.S. DISASTER RELIEF
- The New Hope Acres project in Mayfield will continue well into 2024. Samaritan's Purse also has projects underway to replace houses destroyed by flooding in eastern Kentucky and a tornado in Alabama. If the Lord is calling you or your church to volunteer, sign up at spvolunteer.org.
- ISRAEL PROJECTS
- This is the first time that many evangelical churches in Israel have had the opportunity to help their neighbors through local relief projects. Through your gift, we can equip them to distribute daily essentials for families displaced by the Hamas attacks.
- Where Most Needed
- Samaritan's Purse works in the Name of Jesus Christ in more than 100 countries. Your gift to "Where Most Needed" equips us with the resources—including personnel, materials, supporting services, buildings, and equipment—to fulfill our mission of relief and evangelism.
