Marine Master Sergeant Al Aranda entered a Marine recruiting office as a young man trying to make a better life for himself and to become a good example to the family he might have one day. Now more than 21 years later, after two combat deployments and three years as a Marine Corps drill instructor,…
Discipleship, Education & Training
Military Couple Finds a New Beginning in Christ
The first time Wayne Wilson learned how to drive, it was behind the wheel of a Humvee in Iraq. The 17-year-old had joined the Army to escape from an abusive home, going straight from high school into basic training. He graduated from Airborne School and was immediately deployed on his first combat tour in 2002.…
Samaritan’s Purse Volunteers Bring Relief in Jesus’ Name to Georgia and the Florida Panhandle
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR OUR HURRICANE MICHAEL RESPONSE LATEST Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m. Our volunteers are hard at work in Albany, Georgia, and in the Florida Panhandle where our teams have received more than 1,500 work orders between the two locations. More than 300 volunteers so far have helped respond to the need. Many…
Operation Christmas Child
Midwest Ministry Center in Aurora, Illinois (Shoebox Processing)
Welcome to Aurora! Samaritan's Purse Midwest Ministry Center 800 North Commerce Street, Aurora, Illinois 60504 Learn More About Build a Shoebox Online Fulfillment Seasonal Employment Shoebox Processing Volunteers The Samaritan's Purse Midwest Ministry Center in Aurora, Illinois, is dedicated to sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ, with those in need. The Ministry Center provides…
God Used a Fishing Trip in Alaska to Reel in a Veteran Who No Longer Believed
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…
Health & Medical Ministries
Cleft Lip Surgeries Change Lives in Myanmar
“My mom told the midwife to kill the baby,” Thin said. Thin’s mom feared her grandson would not grow up as a normal child because of his cleft lip. She didn’t know how he would eat since he couldn’t breastfeed and worried he would be teased when he got older. Neither Thin nor her mom…
Operation Christmas Child
30 Year Anniversary Sweepstakes Terms and Conditions
Official Sweepstakes Rules for Operation Christmas Child 30th Anniversary Sweepstakes NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING. By participating in this sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”), you (“Entrant”) accept and agree to the following Terms and Conditions: Sweepstakes Period:The Sweepstakes runs from…
Crisis & Disaster Response
Volunteers Arrive with Hope and Help as Floodwaters Recede
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER Samaritan’s Purse volunteers have been busy in Nebraska since March 22 assisting communities after catastrophic flooding struck the Midwest. We have been helping dozens of homeowners remove debris and damaged belongings and offering encouragement in Jesus’ Name. Among these homeowners are long-time Operation Christmas Child volunteers Charlotte Young and her husband…
Media
Edward Graham Photos
Edward Graham These photographs are available for news media outlet use in coverage of Samaritan's Purse-related stories. If your news outlet uses a photograph, please credit: "Courtesy of Samaritan's Purse." These photographs are not for commercial use. Jamaica 2025 Children in Jamaica spend time with Samaritan’s Purse COO while he visits with their families and hears…
Shoebox Recipient Gives the Gift of Service to Louisiana Homeowners
Karina knows what it’s like to receive an unexpected gift from strangers. One year around Christmastime, a pre-teen Karina and her seven siblings were surprised to see stacks of colorful shoeboxes ready to be distributed to children at their church. Her large family was used to sharing what possessions they had and celebrating Christmas without…
