Franklin Graham Update | August
Franklin Graham Update | August
Feeding the Desperate in Gaza
Dear Friend,
During His ministry, Jesus cared about hurting and hungry people. The Bible says he had "compassion on the multitude" because they had "nothing to eat" (Matthew 15:32). Today, Samaritan's Purse is working in His Name to help feed innocent civilians caught in the ongoing crossfire in Gaza. We have already airlifted several planeloads full of ready-to-use supplemental nutrition packets—over 280,000 pounds—with more flights planned in the days ahead. This massive response will help sustain many thousands of people.
Working through trusted partners, we are delivering food with a focus on reaching women and children. Our teams are working around the clock to help ensure that the vitamin-rich, peanut-based packets—proven to save lives around the world—will get to those in greatest need.
At the food distributions, we have medical teams who are caring for those in need at first-aid stations. We are treating people of all ages with both serious injuries and chronic illnesses. One badly injured man who received treatment from our team said, "I cannot believe American Christians saved my life."
Israel is still reeling from the Oct. 7 attacks almost two years ago. I've spent time in some of the communities that were terrorized and heard heartbreaking stories from survivors. I also went to Israel to dedicate ambulances from Samaritan's Purse for Magen David Adom, the national emergency service. Twenty-five of these vehicles—many with armored protection—are already delivered and in use. Another 20 are on the way. Our teams are also providing medical care and training in strategic areas across Israel.
Samaritan's Purse has several construction projects underway in Israel right now, including two emergency medical stations, nine community centers with bomb shelters, and an equine therapy center to help children traumatized by the horrors of what they've experienced.
Like the example of the Good Samaritan Jesus gave, we want to stop and help those in crisis on life's road. We cannot ignore people who are suffering. That's why we are working in Jesus' Name to reassure Gazans and Israelis—and others around the world—that God sees them, cares for them, and has not forgotten them in their suffering.
Gaza is mentioned in the Old Testament as a key Philistine settlement. With God's help, Samson performed one of his feats of strength there, ripping out the city gates as he escaped his enemies (Judges 16). In the New Testament, Philip was sent to the road between Jerusalem and Gaza to proclaim the Gospel to an Ethiopian eunuch, a meeting which resulted in his salvation (Acts 8). The Lord continues to be at work here.
Please pray for our teams in the Middle East. Ask God to use Samaritan's Purse to be a light in a very dark part of the world. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Recovering From Tragic Storms
Samaritan's Purse recently finished up our first phase of relief for those affected by the terrible flooding in central Texas. We cut downed trees, mucked out homes, and helped remove waterlogged belongings. We are thankful for over 2,300 volunteers who came out to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to hurting people. Praise God that more than 60 people have prayed to receive Jesus Christ!
Now we are providing campers and vehicles to those who lost their housing or transportation. We are also replacing furniture, appliances, and medical items (hearing aids, dentures, eyeglasses) for both homeowners and renters. We have been able to support many families with grocery gift cards to tide them over during this difficult time.
After almost a year, our work continues in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee replacing, rebuilding, and repairing hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Our work opens doors for us to share the Gospel and encourage those who may be struggling in their faith.
ON THE GROUND: Ten months ago, in Mountain City, Tennessee, Hurricane Helene turned Kim and Michael Mitchum’s lives upside down. Now, they have a fresh start as they move into their brand-new house. Follow the Mitchums’ journey as they witness volunteers and staff build their home from the ground up and hear directly from Kim and Michael’s hearts.
Our team recently dedicated a brand-new home for Mike and Kim Mitchum in Mountain City, Tennessee. Mike said that, in the months following the storm, he had felt hopeless and lost track of his relationship with Jesus Christ. He credited the hard work and caring attitude of Samaritan's Purse staff and volunteers with helping to restore his own trust in God. Kim said, "He's back. My husband has found his faith again through this process."
We need prayer daily for our work. Thank you for remembering us. May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
Ways You Can Help
PRAY
Pray for peace in the Middle East. Our teams are working in Gaza and Israel to help those affected by nearly two years of war.
- ISRAEL RESPONSE
- Samaritan's Purse has multiple construction projects active across the country, including nine community centers with bomb shelters.
- GAZA RELIEF
- Samaritan's Purse is providing ready-to-use supplemental nutrition packets to many thousands across Gaza. Our medical teams are also treating the sick and injured.
- Where Most Needed
- Your gift to "Where Most Needed" equips Samaritan's Purse with the resources—including personnel, materials, supporting services, buildings, and equipment—to fulfill our worldwide mission of relief and evangelism.
