DART Newsletter

In April, I had the privilege of spending time with teammates from nearly every field office at a Samaritan's Purse Learning Exchange. I enjoyed hearing conversations and topics from the conference room carry over into mealtime discussions and healthy debates about common problems, unique challenges, novel solutions, and operational excellence. It was a great reminder that we all have much to learn and can learn much from each other.

I am always amazed at the incredible and talented people, like you, that God calls to the work He allows us to partake in around the world. Hearing stories about the extraordinary ways people find Samaritan's Purse is a good reminder of God's provision. I spoke with one individual who previously worked for other NGOs in their country, but immediately felt a difference when they started working with Samaritan's Purse because there was such “strong unity.” As I stood at the conference worshipping with brothers and sisters from many different backgrounds and nationalities, I looked around and was struck at what a beautiful picture this was of that unity.

When the days are long or hard, as they often are on a DART, or a healthy debate starts to turn into an unhealthy discussion, we need to remind ourselves of this unity for “there is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4: 4–6, ESV).

One pastor summarizes Paul's definition of unity in Ephesians as “having common convictions about Christ, common confidence in Christ, and common care for each other.” Let us pray for and foster unity by reminding each other of God's truths, encouraging each other to walk boldly, knowing that Christ goes before us and with us, and responding with compassionate action, not only to the needs around us, but to the needs among us. Know that we are praying for you and are encouraged by your willingness to go where, and when, God calls you.

In Christ,

Sam Hawes Deputy Director, International Projects

Samaritan's Purse continues operations in southern Brazil partnering with local churches to meet the overwhelming needs caused by massive flooding. Four flights of NFIs and water filtration systems have been sent to provide aid and clean drinking water to those who are suffering. To date, over 11,000 blankets, 3,000 hygiene kits, 6,000 Bibles, 94,900 liters of water have been distributed by DART. Please continue praying for those affected in Brazil and for our teams.

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Kenya

Torrential rains have caused devastating floods in Kenya, affecting 43 of the 47 counties. Scores of homes, schools, health facilities, and businesses have been destroyed, along with a massive loss of crops and livestock. Samaritan's Purse started responding in various parts of the country on May 6. Four DART staff were sent to assist our country office in food and WASH, NFI assistance, and Biblical counseling. The relief efforts concluded on June 3 helping a total of 36,850 people. Over 140 metric tons of food and 50,500 NFIs were distributed, along with 36,000 liters of fresh water trucked into various sites. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in the Kenya country office as they continue to serve in Jesus' Name.

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Sharpen Your Skills!

If you have never deployed with one of our Emergency Field Hospitals (EFH) or would like to learn more on the different tier designs that are sent to the field, watch this EFH introduction training video!

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Upcoming Trainings

• Administration, Base Manager, and Human Resources: July 22–26, Blowing Rock, North Carolina
• Finance: July 29–31, Blowing Rock, North Carolina
• WASH: August 5–9, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Be sure to express interest here in attending our upcoming specialty trainings if you are listed on the DART roster in one of these roles or have the preferred skills/experiences listed!