DART Newsletter

February 2026

A woman being helped by two Samaritan's Purse staff members.

Greetings DART Members,

There are moments in life when we get reminded that we are not in control of what is happening all around us. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards, and conflict around the world suddenly appear and adversely affect those in harm's way. These are the moments when Samaritan's Purse responds, and without fail our DART members say: “Here I am! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8, ESV).

As we prepare for upcoming responses, I want to remind you of two things:

  • Know that you are not in control. You don't know if or when you will be called. You may not know exactly what the reality will be when you land in the field. You will not know who you will be working beside.
  • We know who is in control.

For by him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Colossians 1:16-17, ESV

My prayer, as we make ourselves available to serve the Lord through the work we do at Samaritan’s Purse, is that we remember what is certain: In Christ all things hold together!

Rebeccah IriasEngagement Supervisor, International Disaster Response Unit

  • A group of flight professional standing in front of a airplane.
  • A family smiling with a green gift bag.
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  • A woman taking care of a baby on a bed.
  • A group of people gathering food from bags.

2025 In Review

Mission Aviation Services

God richly blessed Samaritan's Purse Airlift Response Center (SPARC) in Greensboro in 2025. He provided us with a Boeing 767 freighter, just as we retired the DC-8. The workhorse cargo plane completed its final mission when it delivered over 9,000 Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to boys and girls in Jamaica following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. We praise the Lord for its 219 missions over 10 years. The more modern 767 cargo aircraft expands our capacity to respond rapidly and efficiently wherever disaster strikes.

Last year, SPARC successfully completed 30 operational missions, supporting disaster relief efforts in Myanmar, Israel, Jamaica, and an Emergency Field Hospital resupply to Canada. SPARC also participated in the Dayton Airshow, Oshkosh EAA AirVenture, and Mission Aviation Day in Daytona. We invite our DART family to visit Greensboro and see firsthand the amazing work God is doing as we continue helping—on a wing and a prayer—in Jesus' Name.

James “Vech” Vechery Director of MAS Greensboro

Myanmar

Our Myanmar response, in the wake of the deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked the country, was a daily exercise of faith. It was marked by complex logistics and uncertainty, particularly surrounding visas and communication restrictions. One of the greatest challenges was the impending expiration of 15-day visas for key medical personnel treating earthquake victims at the Emergency Field Hospital. At the last moment, God moved the hearts of authorities to grant an extension, allowing continued ministry. In all, Samaritan's Purse deployed over 100 staff, serving more than 20,000 people—many of whom came to faith in Christ. Praise God!

Ruth Santos DART member

Jamaica

Following Hurricane Melissa, Samaritan's Purse deployed two Mobile Medical Unit teams to reach severely affected and remote communities in Jamaica. Each team, staffed by a physician and two nurses, operated far beyond traditional MMU models by traveling deep into areas inaccessible by road, often reachable only by helicopter.

Teams remained on-site for two to three days at a time, bringing all necessary medical supplies, food, water, and shelter, effectively “hard camping” in communities without electricity or running water. The ability to stay embedded in these areas transformed patient care and created meaningful opportunities to share the love of Jesus through both word and deed.

I have served on many DART responses, but this was the most unique and impactful medical mission I have experienced. It demonstrated how God works when we go the extra mile, just like the Good Samaritan, to help those in need.

Dr. Chris Brandenburg DART member

Israel/Gaza

From September to December 2025, I served in a warehouse in Israel, receiving, storing, and packing essential relief items including blankets, hygiene kits, solar lights, and supplemental food for distribution. Although I did not interact directly with beneficiaries, we prayed over every truck that departed, asking God to bless those who would receive the aid.

We heard encouraging stories from distribution and medical teams whose actions, even when language barriers existed, reflected God’s love in tangible ways. Serving during a time of uncertainty required prayer and perseverance, but it reinforced the truth that when doors close, God opens new ones in His perfect way and timing. My role was a support function, but I learned that no task is too small or insignificant when serving our Lord. Contributing as one part of Christ's body alongside dedicated colleagues and local partners was a great blessing.

(name withheld for security)DART member

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