Standing waist-deep in chilly water just downstream from Tanalian Falls, Army Specialist Eric Stacy had hooked a large Arctic grayling, one of the most beautiful freshwater fish in Alaska—”the sailfish of the north” with its sweeping, colorful dorsal fin. He was reeling in this prize catch one moment, and the next was watching that signature…
Hope Restored for a Hurting Marriage
Even from his youngest years, Lorenzo Richardson had dreamt of becoming a musician—or at least of joining his high school band in Albany, Georgia. Then two great floods hit his hometown—both times forcing his family to evacuate. “After the 1994 flood, it took us four years to get our home back. When the 1998 flood…
Walking Together in New Life
Army Staff Sergeant Chad Hindal doesn’t talk to many folks about his two deployments to Iraq where he helped protect convoys along roads lined with IEDs and sniper fire. His job was to clear these threats from the desert thoroughfares and provide safe passage for supplies and soldiers. And Chad was eager for the opportunity.…
Embracing God’s Strength in Weakness
For many years, the Carbullidos’ combat experiences remained a mystery roiling under the surface of their marriage. Air Force Master Sergeant David Carbullido considered it his duty to lock away those moments into a dark corner of his mind. He thought it was an absolute necessity in order to stay engaged in the work at…
Discipleship, Education & Training
Veteran Couples Find Spiritual Renewal in Alaska
The last thing Natalie heard was a mortar round exploding and her husband shouting, “We’re taking incoming.” Then, the phone line went dead. Natalie wondered if that was the last time she’d hear his voice. Natalie endured many restless days and nights while her husband, Army Sergeant Eddie Shanks, was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.…
Rescuing Military Marriages in Alaska
Army Sergeant Ian Hunt and his wife Maria were desperate for healing and for change when they arrived in Alaska this year for Week 5 of the Operation Heal Our Patriots summer season. There were moments during their time in Alaska that were filled with tears and turmoil, but God was at work in all…
A Fresh Start
Army Specialist Jason Tyson was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, when he met Jodina, a school teacher. The first time Jodina came to visit him on base she brought homemade cookies and “it was love at first bite,” Jason said. “I knew we were meant for each other.” Jodina also knew after that first…
Wounded Veterans and Spouses Find God’s Healing through Operation Heal Our Patriots
When Army Sergeant Joe and Brittany Gray arrived at Samaritan Lodge Alaska on Sunday, July 21, they had been separated several weeks and were on the verge of getting a divorce. In fact, the very day they got there they had originally planned to go to dinner and discuss next steps—possibly giving up on their…
Media
Press Release Samaritan’s Purse Scales Up North Carolina Response, Opening Emergency Field Hospital and Launching Airlift Operations
Samaritan’s Purse Scales Up North Carolina Response, Opening Emergency Field Hospital and Launching Airlift Operations Additional Medical Support to Provide Surge Capacity as Search and Rescue Efforts Continue BOONE, N.C., Oct. 2, 2024—Samaritan’s Purse has begun emergency airlift operations in western North Carolina to help people who have been cut off from access to basic…
Crisis & Disaster Response
A Workshop of Faith and Hope
Walter Lewis barely missed one great flood in Boone, North Carolina. That was 85 years ago—about five years before he was born. He did not escape a second great storm, Hurricane Helene, which hit late last year. More than eight decades ago, the 1940 flood triggered more than 2,000 landslides and caused 16 deaths. It’s…
