Franklin Graham Update | June
Franklin Graham Update | June
Gospel Hope for the World
Dear Friend,
Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of convening the European Congress on Evangelism with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Berlin, Germany. We brought over 1,000 church and ministry leaders from 55 countries and territories across Europe to focus on proclamation evangelism. Our theme was Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel ..." I was so thankful to see these leaders encouraged, challenged, and reignited with passion for sharing the truth of the Gospel in a world that seems to be growing darker and more secular every day.
While in Berlin, I also had the privilege of meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who was at the same hotel I was in. He expressed his deep appreciation for the help Samaritan's Purse has provided to the people of Ukraine. I prayed for him, for Russian President Putin, and for President Trump, asking God to give them a path to peace. The situation is very difficult, but Samaritan's Purse continues to work with churches in Ukraine to provide food, clean water, agricultural materials, firewood, and more to those suffering. Continue to lift up the leadership of these countries, as well as President Trump, that God would open a door acceptable to both sides that would bring this conflict to an end.
Then it was on to Israel. There we dedicated the 20th ambulance of 42 committed by Samaritan's Purse to Magen David Adom (MDA), the emergency service provider for Israel. We have already replaced the 14 ambulances destroyed in the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023, and have now delivered six additional armored vehicles, which are essentially bulletproof hospitals on wheels. Each ambulance features a Bible verse on the door.
The dedication ceremony took place outside the Tower of David—an ancient fortress within Jerusalem's city walls. Eli Bin, director general of MDA, said, "It's not just by chance that the ambulance sits at the wall. It represents defense, kindness, protection to anyone who needs it." The Bible tells us that "the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).
I am grateful to Greg Laurie and his ministry, Harvest.church, for providing the funds for this particular ambulance. He joined me in the Holy Land for the dedication ceremony. We were also honored to have U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee there.
I met Karina Engel, who was abducted with her two daughters from her kibbutz in the 2023 attacks. Her husband, Ronen, a member of MDA, was killed defending their home; his body remains in Gaza. Karina only discovered his death after her release. The former hostage recounted her family's 52-day ordeal and also spoke of how comforting it is to know that one of the Samaritan's Purse ambulances given last year is stationed near her home and honors her late husband's memory.
The day after the dedication, my son Edward visited Arab al-Aramshe, a community in northern Israel near where the newest armored ambulance will be stationed. This village sits on Israel's border with Lebanon and was hit by a deadly Hezbollah missile strike. Edward told community leaders that we will do all we can to help the area grow back stronger and safer—"not just because we love you, but because God loves you." He assured them they are not forgotten.
On the Homefront
Our teams in North Carolina continue to help residents recover after Hurricane Helene. In addition to fixing bridges and culverts, we are repairing damaged homes, delivering new mobile homes, and rebuilding stick-built homes for families who lost theirs in the storm. Before I left for Germany, I was able to be with our team and present two mobile homes to families near Asheville, not far from where I grew up. These are specially built to upgraded, stronger specifications for us and are fully furnished for these families. I told everyone gathered that God has provided these homes—through His people, the church. As we presented the homeowners their keys, we gave them a new Bible signed by our volunteers and staff.
At the dedication, I met Karina Ramos, who has three small children, including a new baby just home from the hospital. Their home was torn off its foundation during the storm, and when they returned, they found nothing but ruined belongings and an unlivable shell of a house filled with mold. I was in the Swannanoa area right after the flood and saw the devastation firsthand—trees, cars, houses, roads all swept away.
We thank God that He spared their lives, and now they have a new home. All this is from Him, I told them. That's why it says "Given in Jesus' Name" across the front siding (see inset). Will you pray for these families and so many others, that God would restore their lives and bring healing? So many people are still hurting and need to know the hope of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter what we face, our biggest problem is sin, which separates us from God, and the only solution is repentance and faith in Him.
ON THE GROUND: For 17 weeks every summer, military veterans and their spouses are invited to Operation Heal Our Patriots for a week-long marriage retreat. Kristy Graham takes listeners behind-the-scenes to experience what these military couples do day by day, immersing them in what life is like at Samaritan Lodge Alaska. Hear how the Lord transforms marriages through Biblically based marriage classes, excursions in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, and intentional conversations with chaplains, staff, and volunteers.
In Alaska, we've kicked off our 14th season of Operation Heal Our Patriots, a project for wounded military veterans and their spouses. Couples spend a week going through Biblically based classes and enjoying wilderness excursions with our retired military chaplains. It is life-changing and often life-saving.
During the first week this summer, a veteran gave one of our chaplains a folded-up note he'd written. He told the chaplain it was a suicide note and that he had planned to take his own life. However, as the week progressed, he said, his outlook had greatly changed. Taking back the note, he simply threw it into our camp's fire pit. On Friday, the man and his wife, along with five other couples, renewed their marriage vows before God. Seven others placed their faith in Christ, and eight were baptized that same week. Praise God for his mercies, and keep praying for these American heroes! "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV).
As we prepare for another U.S. hurricane season, please prayerfully consider volunteering with us as we respond in Jesus' Name. We are so grateful for your prayers and your partnership with this ministry. May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
Ways You Can Help
Pray for Military Couples
Ask God to prepare the hearts of all those who will come to Alaska for Operation Heal Our Patriots this summer. Only He can heal marriages and grant eternal life in Christ. Pray for many to be saved.
Volunteer
You can volunteer with Samaritan's Purse through North American Ministries. Hurricane season is coming. Sign up for text alerts at spvolunteer.org/alerts.
- Israel Response
- Samaritan's Purse has 11 construction projects in progress across Israel, including ambulance stations and bomb shelters. Your gift will support this work, which will help strengthen areas devastated by the Hamas attacks.
- Operation Heal Our Patriots
- Samaritan's Purse offers Operation Heal Our Patriots free of charge to wounded veterans and their spouses, with deep gratitude for their service to our nation. Your gift will help fund this ministry—including transportation, lodging, activities, and ongoing Family Care.
- Where Most Needed
- Samaritan's Purse works around the world to save lives, relieve suffering, and share the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your gift to "Where Most Needed" equips us with the resources—including personnel, materials, supporting services, buildings, and equipment—to fulfill our worldwide mission of relief and evangelism.
