Days of torrential rain in northwest Washington state have swollen a number of tributaries and rivers across the region, triggering massive floods that have deluged entire neighborhoods and stranded families on rooftops. More than 100,000 people were evacuated in the Skagit Valley—roughly halfway between Seattle and the Canadian border—as more rains are expected in the…
Crisis & Disaster Response
Older Residents Rejoice as Groceries Are Delivered in Eastern Ukraine
Over nearly four years, Samaritan’s Purse has distributed enough food to war-weary Ukrainians to fill over 6,400 18-wheeler trucks. If placed in a line, those trucks would stretch more than 92 miles. But for Alexander*, Olena*, Oksana*, and Andrii*, these groceries delivered through local churches are not just a staggering statistic, they offer strength to…
Crisis & Disaster Response
Hearts Warmed by Christ Amid the Ice
Millions of people across the U.S. had their lives upended last week as a monster storm dumped snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Talitha Finnie, a resident of Oxford, Mississippi, hunkered down at home alongside her husband and their six children while the storm rolled through during the night. As they tried to sleep, it battered…
Operation Christmas Child
Mongolia
Mongolia is located in northern Asia between Russia and China. Its pasturelands make livestock herding a common occupation. A traditional Mongolian dwelling is called a ger (yurt), a circular tent-like structure made of wood and canvas. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes there in 1996 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, in…
Operation Christmas Child
Benin
Located in West Africa, Benin ranks high among the continent’s cotton producers, but still remains one of the world’s poorest countries. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts here in 1999. Since 2010, many of the Benin’s children have also participated in The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship course for shoebox recipients. Learn…
Operation Christmas Child
Dominican Republic
Located in the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic occupies the eastern side of Hispaniola, the island it shares with Haiti. It is known for its tourism and the merengue dance. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children here in 1999. Ten years later, we launched The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship program…
Operation Christmas Child
Ghana
Located in West Africa, Ghana was the first country south of the Sahara to gain its independence from colonial rule. Formerly part of Britain’s Gold Coast, the nation’s rich natural resources continue to be an asset. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children here in 1996. Since 2010, we have also offered…
Operation Christmas Child
Honduras
Honduras is located in Central America and is one of the poorest nations in the region. Devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, the country has rebounded in part due to its production of sugar cane, tropical fruit, and coffee. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to Honduran children in 1996. We have…
Operation Christmas Child
Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. It is known for its lemurs, baobab trees, vanilla, and pepper. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children here in 1993. Since 2010, we have also offered these shoebox recipients our follow-up discipleship program, The…
Operation Christmas Child
Panama
Panama is located in Central America on the Isthmus of Panama, the narrow piece of land that connects North and South America and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Panama Canal. The country contains hundreds of islands off its Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes there in 1997 and launched…
