Nearly three months after Hurricane Ian slammed into southwestern Florida, many families are still struggling to recover from massive wind and water damage to their homes. The Fort Myers community was particularly hard hit, with powerful storm surges and 150-mph sustained winds at landfall. Samaritan’s Purse, in partnership with Mission BBQ, served a hearty Christmas…
Our Ministry
A Tribute to the DC-8
!["The Mighty DC-8 has been [God's] instrument taking the Gospel message of Jesus Christ throughout the world," writes Joe Proffitt, a flight engineer with Samaritan's Purse, as the legendary plane is decommissioned.](https://spweb-uploads.s3.theark.cloud/2025/11/HS-1-320x273.jpg)
My name is Joe Proffitt and I have had the honor and privilege to be a flight engineer aboard this beautiful aircraft, the Mighty DC-8, for the past five and a half years. McDonnell Douglas produced 554 DC-8s. Samaritan’s Purse was blessed to operate the last one registered in the United States. In 2014, during…
Crisis & Disaster Response
Service Is a Calling for Volunteers in Hurricane-Devastated Florida
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER Hurricane Michael pummeled the Florida Panhandle two months ago today, yet in Panama City and other areas the effects of the storm are still being felt. Hundreds of people are living in tents. Large trees still lay on punctured roofs, allowing rain to pour into homes. A major employer has announced…
Health & Medical Ministries
New Life for Baby Jay
Baby Jay needed a miracle. And soon. Like any first-time parents, Elijah and Hannah Mwaura were overjoyed when they welcomed their son into the world March 30. But when Hannah cradled him in her arms, she noticed that something was wrong. Although he seemed to be breathing without any difficulty, the newborn’s lips, fingernails, and…
Operation Christmas Child
Shoebox Packers
Shoebox Packers 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. Shoebox packing is a great way to teach your children and grandchildren the importance of giving. Members of the…
A Veteran Couple Finds Hope for Their Marriage in Alaska
Evan Benton joined the Army in 2010 with lofty expectations and planned to make the military a career. When he reported to boot camp as a teenager, he couldn’t have been more excited. “There aren’t too many places that let an 18-year-old kid shoot automatic weapons and play with explosives,” he said. Evan was deployed…
Discipleship, Education & Training
Marriages Restored and Lives Changed in Alaska
Staff Sergeant Omar Milan and his wife Michelle have created beautiful memories throughout their 23-year marriage. But one pivotal moment changed the course of their lives forever. During his second deployment in Afghanistan, Omar stepped on an improvised explosive device. The blast resulted in the loss of his leg and a finger, and caused multiple…
Discipleship, Education & Training
Military Couples Mark New Beginnings in Alaska
Mike Parsons served as a Marine from 2002-2006 and was first injured in 2003 during an IED blast in Iraq that left shrapnel in his leg, arm, and back. He continues to require surgeries for these physical wounds. But like many Marines and soldiers, airmen and sailors, Mike has struggled hardest with post-traumatic stress disorder…
Our Ministry
Retired Marine Serves with Team Patriot in St. Louis
Their mission that day in St. Louis was to save a condemned home where mold had taken over. The owner and her 85-year-old mother were still residing inside, breathing noxious spores. “I really can’t believe they were living in that,” said Brad Chandler, who was serving as a volunteer with Team Patriot, a Samaritan’s Purse…
Letting Go of Anger and Finding Peace
The first time Marine Lance Corporal PJ Kehs was shot at, he was crossing a street in Fallujah, Iraq–and he fell. Just then, a tracer round zipped over, striking the man behind him. “Why did I fall? I didn’t trip over anything. I literally just went down,” he said. “I should have taken that bullet.”…
