Samaritan's Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org News Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:37:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://users.feedblitz.com/ec17766dabfb882064cc1903e3224114/SP-logo.jpg Samaritan's Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/a-blitz-build-blesses-homeowners-after-helene/ A Blitz Build Blesses Homeowners After Helene https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968487452/0/samaritanspurse~A-Blitz-Build-Blesses-Homeowners-After-Helene/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:21:49 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273385 Samaritan’s Purse gifts a fully furnished home to a couple who lost everything when Hurricane Helene hit in 2024.It had been pouring for days. The power went out across Asheville, North Carolina, and Mary and Tommy Moss began stocking up on food and supplies to sustain them until the lights came back on. They never imagined that Hurricane Helene would unleash its fury on their quiet mountain town. The couple awoke early on Sept. 27, 2024, to the sounds of a large tree collapsing in the backyard. Floodwater was racing down the hill above their house, uprooting any trees in its way. Because of the torrential downpour, the Swannanoa River—about 100 feet away—was overflowing and standing in their yard. Mary and Tommy scrambled into their car with nothing but a few thrown-together bags of clothing and nonperishable food. They made their escape up the hill, but a fallen tree blocked them off from the connecting road. While they decided what to do next, neighbors called out to them, inviting them inside a house safely out of the raging river’s reach. Families watched together as the water climbed up past the homes below—including Mary and Tommy’s. “How are we ever going to clean that up?” Mary wondered. The wind and rain intensified, completely obscuring their view. They frantically searched for their home, straining to catch a glimpse of its green paint in the muddy ocean. But it was nowhere to be found. It had been swept downstream. They had lived there all 40 years of marriage. And it was their only connection to their son, who died of a genetic disease as a child. “That was everything we had of him,” Mary said. They watched as their neighbors’ houses were uprooted by the current and collided into one another. The sound of crunching wood sent needles down their spines. “Eleven houses gone completely,” Tommy said. The Journey Home “This entire neighborhood was wiped away,” said Tim Tripp, an assistant superintendent with Samaritan’s Purse. “This rebuild is an opportunity for Christ to shine.” Nearly two years ago, Hurricane Helene ravaged areas across western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, destroying thousands of homes and businesses and changing millions of lives forever. Samaritan’s Purse is still providing relief to families by rebuilding, repairing, and replacing homes that were lost in the storm. “People felt that after the initial response, people forgot about western North Carolina,” said Daniel Gerolimatos, a local volunteer from Asheville. “Samaritan’s Purse didn’t.” Our team connected with the Mosses and learned that since the hurricane, Mary had foot and ankle surgery that limited her mobility, and Tommy was put on dialysis earlier this year for kidney failure. “Being able to do anything to alleviate their suffering and put them back on a better course—that’s exciting to me,” Samaritan’s Purse lead foreman Wade Withrow said. Samaritan’s Purse leadership was eager to bless them with a home as soon as possible, and on July 20, the work began at full speed. Two of our foremen came together to efficiently produce a quality home in Jesus’ Name, directing two U.S. Rebuild teams and about 100 volunteers who traveled from all over the country. They worked around one another to quickly perform tasks such as installing pipes and cables, and framing and flooring. “There is a real camaraderie around what the Lord is doing and how great it is to be part of it,” Daniel said. As the teams worked onsite, panelized walls were pre-assembled in a nearby facility to expedite the production process. The Mosses and their neighbors enjoyed watching the construction every day from a neighbor’s house where they were staying. “It has been very fast—Samaritan’s Purse knows what they’re talking about,” Mary said. “One day there’s a floor and the next day the walls are up!” The house is equipped with an easy access ramp up to the house—standing six feet above flood level—and an accessible shower for the couple’s convenience. “Samaritan’s Purse has been a Godsend,” Mary said. We praise God that we were able to build Mary and Tommy’s home in just 27 workdays! And we praise Him for the opportunity to care for them as they continue to walk through trials with their health. “This is a house that love built,” Tim said. “Hopefully, every time they walk through the door, they’ll just be reminded of God’s faithfulness and goodness to them.” Home at Last On Aug. 25, family and neighbors gathered with the Mosses to celebrate a new place to call home. Their son Dallas also came to support his parents at the home dedication. “This is an example of the Lord’s work, and it’s such a huge blessing to take a look at this for the first time,” he said, addressing the crowd. “We are super thankful that we get to call this home again—this is always going to be home.” We presented them with the keys to their new home along with an itemized bill covered by the words “Paid in Full,” reminding them of the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus’ death on the cross. They also received a Billy Graham Training Center Bible—signed by all the volunteers who worked on the home—and a few small gifts, including an ornament for when they celebrate their first Christmas in their new home. To close the ceremony, everyone laid their hands on the home as project superintendent David Fleming prayed a blessing over the home. “We pray that Your love would abide here, and that there’d be many days of laughter, joy, and fellowship. Give them strength and health and meet their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs.” When the Mosses took their first steps inside their new home, nothing could have prepared them for the joy that overwhelmed them. Silently, they walked through every room, feeling blankets, touching countertops, and opening fridge doors. “It’s gorgeous—I love it,” Tommy said. Mary stood alone in the kitchen, surveying all the loved ones who filled every room and soaking in her new home. “Words can’t express,” she started, tearing up. Tommy and Mary are grateful for the team and cannot wait to sit on their deck to reflect on the whole journey. It faces the river and offers a daily reminder of the devastating storm, the rebuilding process, and God’s faithfulness through it all. “God has provided, and Samaritan’s Purse has been just wonderful,” Mary said. “They’ve helped us with every step and every setback, and they’ve been very encouraging.” Tommy said, “I want to thank Samaritan’s Purse, the volunteers, and the businesses that partnered with them in putting this project together. They’ve been tremendous to work with.” Please pray for our teams as they continue to rebuild and dedicate homes in Jesus’ Name. Pray also that we would display His love so that homeowners would find eternal hope in Jesus Christ.]]> Samaritan’s Purse gifts a fully furnished home to a couple who lost everything when Hurricane Helene hit in 2024.It had been pouring for days. The power went out across Asheville, North Carolina, and Mary and Tommy Moss began stocking up on food and supplies to sustain them until the lights came back on. They never imagined that Hurricane Helene would unleash its fury on their quiet mountain town. The couple awoke early on Sept. 27, 2024, to the sounds of a large tree collapsing in the backyard. Floodwater was racing down the hill above their house, uprooting any trees in its way. Because of the torrential downpour, the Swannanoa River—about 100 feet away—was overflowing and standing in their yard. Mary and Tommy scrambled into their car with nothing but a few thrown-together bags of clothing and nonperishable food. They made their escape up the hill, but a fallen tree blocked them off from the connecting road. While they decided what to do next, neighbors called out to them, inviting them inside a house safely out of the raging river’s reach. Families watched together as the water climbed up past the homes below—including Mary and Tommy’s. “How are we ever going to clean that up?” Mary wondered. The wind and rain intensified, completely obscuring their view. They frantically searched for their home, straining to catch a glimpse of its green paint in the muddy ocean. But it was nowhere to be found. It had been swept downstream. They had lived there all 40 years of marriage. And it was their only connection to their son, who died of a genetic disease as a child. “That was everything we had of him,” Mary said. They watched as their neighbors’ houses were uprooted by the current and collided into one another. The sound of crunching wood sent needles down their spines. “Eleven houses gone completely,” Tommy said. The Journey Home “This entire neighborhood was wiped away,” said Tim Tripp, an assistant superintendent with Samaritan’s Purse. “This rebuild is an opportunity for Christ to shine.” Nearly two years ago, Hurricane Helene ravaged areas across western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, destroying thousands of homes and businesses and changing millions of lives forever. Samaritan’s Purse is still providing relief to families by rebuilding, repairing, and replacing homes that were lost in the storm. “People felt that after the initial response, people forgot about western North Carolina,” said Daniel Gerolimatos, a local volunteer from Asheville. “Samaritan’s Purse didn’t.” Our team connected with the Mosses and learned that since the hurricane, Mary had foot and ankle surgery that limited her mobility, and Tommy was put on dialysis earlier this year for kidney failure. “Being able to do anything to alleviate their suffering and put them back on a better course—that’s exciting to me,” Samaritan’s Purse lead foreman Wade Withrow said. Samaritan’s Purse leadership was eager to bless them with a home as soon as possible, and on July 20, the work began at full speed. Two of our foremen came together to efficiently produce a quality home in Jesus’ Name, directing two U.S. Rebuild teams and about 100 volunteers who traveled from all over the country. They worked around one another to quickly perform tasks such as installing pipes and cables, and framing and flooring. “There is a real camaraderie around what the Lord is doing and how great it is to be part of it,” Daniel said. As the teams worked onsite, panelized walls were pre-assembled in a nearby facility to expedite the production process. The Mosses and their neighbors enjoyed watching the construction every day from a neighbor’s house where they were staying. “It has been very fast—Samaritan’s Purse knows what they’re talking about,” Mary said. “One day there’s a floor and the next day the walls are up!” The house is equipped with an easy access ramp up to the house—standing six feet above flood level—and an accessible shower for the couple’s convenience. “Samaritan’s Purse has been a Godsend,” Mary said. We praise God that we were able to build Mary and Tommy’s home in just 27 workdays! And we praise Him for the opportunity to care for them as they continue to walk through trials with their health. “This is a house that love built,” Tim said. “Hopefully, every time they walk through the door, they’ll just be reminded of God’s faithfulness and goodness to them.” Home at Last On Aug. 25, family and neighbors gathered with the Mosses to celebrate a new place to call home. Their son Dallas also came to support his parents at the home dedication. “This is an example of the Lord’s work, and it’s such a huge blessing to take a look at this for the first time,” he said, addressing the crowd. “We are super thankful that we get to call this home again—this is always going to be home.” We presented them with the keys to their new home along with an itemized bill covered by the words “Paid in Full,” reminding them of the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus’ death on the cross. They also received a Billy Graham Training Center Bible—signed by all the volunteers who worked on the home—and a few small gifts, including an ornament for when they celebrate their first Christmas in their new home. To close the ceremony, everyone laid their hands on the home as project superintendent David Fleming prayed a blessing over the home. “We pray that Your love would abide here, and that there’d be many days of laughter, joy, and fellowship. Give them strength and health and meet their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs.” When the Mosses took their first steps inside their new home, nothing could have prepared them for the joy that overwhelmed them. Silently, they walked through every room, feeling blankets, touching countertops, and opening fridge doors. “It’s gorgeous—I love it,” Tommy said. Mary stood alone in the kitchen, surveying all the loved ones who filled every room and soaking in her new home. “Words can’t express,” she started, tearing up. Tommy and Mary are grateful for the team and cannot wait to sit on their deck to reflect on the whole journey. It faces the river and offers a daily reminder of the devastating storm, the rebuilding process, and God’s faithfulness through it all. “God has provided, and Samaritan’s Purse has been just wonderful,” Mary said. “They’ve helped us with every step and every setback, and they’ve been very encouraging.” Tommy said, “I want to thank Samaritan’s Purse, the volunteers, and the businesses that partnered with them in putting this project together. They’ve been tremendous to work with.” Please pray for our teams as they continue to rebuild and dedicate homes in Jesus’ Name. Pray also that we would display His love so that homeowners would find eternal hope in Jesus Christ. ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/samaritans-purse-sending-relief-after-deadly-flooding-in-nepal/ Samaritan’s Purse Providing Relief After Deadly Flooding in Nepal https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968353244/0/samaritanspurse~Samaritans-Purse-Providing-Relief-After-Deadly-Flooding-in-Nepal/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:40:10 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273376 Damaged houses stand precariously near the swollen, debris-choked banks of the Trishuli River after flash floods in Nepal's Nuwakot district on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)Devastating flash flooding killed hundreds of people in Nepal and along the Nepal-Tibet border in late August. Thousands more remain missing. An untold number of Nepali families are in need. Samaritan's Purse has a team of disaster relief specialists on the ground in Nepal working with trusted Christian partners. We have been cooperating with these local churches and groups since the terrible 2015 earthquake and its aftershocks. They are already distributing emergency items including tarps, hygiene kits, kitchen kits, and more. Our 767 cargo plane departed Greensboro, North Carolina, headed for Nepal on Aug. 31, packed with many tons of relief including more tarps, hygiene kits, blankets, solar lights, and household water filters. Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham posted the following on Facebook on Aug. 31: "This morning our Samaritan's Purse cargo plane left North Carolina with nearly 85,000 pounds of emergency supplies for Nepal. ... The destruction is unimaginable. The 30-foot-high wall of water, mud, and debris destroyed everything in its path. Survivors are in shock, grieving, and many have lost everything. So many of their family members and friends were killed or are still missing. We are working with partners in the hardest-hit areas to provide things like water filters, tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and solar lights. Continue to pray for the people of Nepal. And pray for our teams responding to this overwhelming tragedy in Jesus' Name." The death toll has risen above 1,000 people (Sept. 1) in the region and is expected to increase. Search-and-rescue operations continue. Scientists believe part of a glacier collapsed to the valley floor of this remote and mountainous region, which caused the equivalent of a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. Such a tremendous landslide pushed a terrifying and deadly wall of water down through the narrow river canyons and beyond for many miles, destroying buildings, homes, bridges, and roads. There are fears of additional flooding in the region. Please pray for more survivors to be found in the coming hours. Pray for safe access to bring relief in Jesus' Name alongside our partners. Finally, lift up families around the world who are grieving the loss of loved ones. This story was first published on Aug. 27 and has been updated through Sept. 1. ]]> Damaged houses stand precariously near the swollen, debris-choked banks of the Trishuli River after flash floods in Nepal's Nuwakot district on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)Devastating flash flooding killed hundreds of people in Nepal and along the Nepal-Tibet border in late August. Thousands more remain missing. An untold number of Nepali families are in need. Samaritan's Purse has a team of disaster relief specialists on the ground in Nepal working with trusted Christian partners. We have been cooperating with these local churches and groups since the terrible 2015 earthquake and its aftershocks. They are already distributing emergency items including tarps, hygiene kits, kitchen kits, and more. Our 767 cargo plane departed Greensboro, North Carolina, headed for Nepal on Aug. 31, packed with many tons of relief including more tarps, hygiene kits, blankets, solar lights, and household water filters. Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham posted the following on Facebook on Aug. 31: "This morning our Samaritan's Purse cargo plane left North Carolina with nearly 85,000 pounds of emergency supplies for Nepal. ... The destruction is unimaginable. The 30-foot-high wall of water, mud, and debris destroyed everything in its path. Survivors are in shock, grieving, and many have lost everything. So many of their family members and friends were killed or are still missing. We are working with partners in the hardest-hit areas to provide things like water filters, tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and solar lights. Continue to pray for the people of Nepal. And pray for our teams responding to this overwhelming tragedy in Jesus' Name." The death toll has risen above 1,000 people (Sept. 1) in the region and is expected to increase. Search-and-rescue operations continue. Scientists believe part of a glacier collapsed to the valley floor of this remote and mountainous region, which caused the equivalent of a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. Such a tremendous landslide pushed a terrifying and deadly wall of water down through the narrow river canyons and beyond for many miles, destroying buildings, homes, bridges, and roads. There are fears of additional flooding in the region. Please pray for more survivors to be found in the coming hours. Pray for safe access to bring relief in Jesus' Name alongside our partners. Finally, lift up families around the world who are grieving the loss of loved ones. This story was first published on Aug. 27 and has been updated through Sept. 1. ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/serving-earthquake-survivors-in-colombia/ Serving Earthquake Survivors in Colombia https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968467202/0/samaritanspurse~Serving-Earthquake-Survivors-in-Colombia/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:47:20 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273430 When a 7.4-magnitude earthquake recently rocked Colombia, it shattered Jessica’s home. “It was very, very scary,” she said. “Suddenly, we thought that the earth was going to open up, and it was going to swallow everything.” Her roof caved in, the walls cracked, and the floor split open. She didn’t know what she was going to do. She was overwhelmed. “I was depressed,” Jessica said. “I wanted to not be here anymore.” But soon she heard about Samaritan’s Purse, and we were able to supply Jessica with much-needed emergency relief items, including a tarp to keep out the rain. “Thank you very much for being here,” she said. View the video above to see how God is supplying for Jessica and others through Samaritan’s Purse. Please pray for Jessica and all those in Colombia who are still suffering from the devastating earthquake and for our teams as they serve in Jesus’ Name. ]]> When a 7.4-magnitude earthquake recently rocked Colombia, it shattered Jessica’s home. “It was very, very scary,” she said. “Suddenly, we thought that the earth was going to open up, and it was going to swallow everything.” Her roof caved in, the walls cracked, and the floor split open. She didn’t know what she was going to do. She was overwhelmed. “I was depressed,” Jessica said. “I wanted to not be here anymore.” But soon she heard about Samaritan’s Purse, and we were able to supply Jessica with much-needed emergency relief items, including a tarp to keep out the rain. “Thank you very much for being here,” she said. View the video above to see how God is supplying for Jessica and others through Samaritan’s Purse. Please pray for Jessica and all those in Colombia who are still suffering from the devastating earthquake and for our teams as they serve in Jesus’ Name. ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/led-beside-the-still-waters-of-gods-grace/ Led Beside the Still Waters of God’s Grace https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968372600/0/samaritanspurse~Led-Beside-the-Still-Waters-of-Gods-Grace/ Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:51:14 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273332 Wounded veterans as well as active-duty military personnel and their spouses experienced God's love for them while at Operation Heal Our Patriots in Alaska.Staff Sergeant Katrina Rockel has had little hope for her marriage since her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Devin Rockel, returned from a nine-month deployment over six years ago. “I never got my husband back,” she said. “We were best friends. We did everything together. We talked; we joked.” Tears welled in her eyes as she repeated, “I never got him back.” By the time Devin was deployed to the Middle East for the last time in 2019, the now squadron commander had been on nearly as many deployments as years he had served since his career in the Air Force began in 2000. As the Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Devin was responsible for identifying enemy locations and coordinating attacks, while also helping ensure the safety of soldiers and civilians. He led dozens of missions during a precarious time across the Middle East. What he saw and experienced abroad he brought back home to his wife and two children in North Carolina. “I still don’t really know what it was about that deployment,” Devin recalled. “It was different and we are still recovering from it.” Anger, resentment, and miscommunication drew the couple of 22 years further and further apart, worsening with each passing year. Then, a military spouse pulled Katrina to the side. “If you want to save your marriage you should look into Operation Heal Our Patriots,” Katrina recalled her saying. A New Frontier of Faith Found in Alaska They stood on opposite ends of the boat—together but fishing alone in silence. The Alaskan beauty surrounded them, but nothing was changing between them. The Rockels signed up for Operation Heal Our Patriots in Alaska to fix their marriage. Still, they thought, how could that ever happen? “You know how many masks we put on?” Katrina said. “On the outside, everything looks perfect but it’s far from it. We are here because we can’t keep putting a bandage over our problems.” As the week went on, the bandages began to come off and the long-enduring wounds started to heal. Through Samaritan’s Purse chaplain-led, Biblically based enrichment classes, the seasoned military couple came face-to-face with each other, the trauma they both carried from their service, and their individual relationships with Jesus Christ—the Savior they once knew but had since drifted from. “Operation Heal Our Patriots has ensured that God is at the center of my relationship with my wife, and if you keep God in the center, everything is going to be OK,” Devin said. “I won’t be able to put into words how much this week in Alaska has meant to me.” Katrina, who served for six years as a Phoenix Raven—a specialized Air Force security unit—chose to forgive the wrongs Devin had committed and release the unresolved trauma she had carried for years. She laid it all at the foot of the cross. “I lost Jesus, and I was angry at Him for a little while,” Katrina said. “But by the end of the week, putting all the little pieces together—from watching the bears to seeing the beautiful waterfalls, and just the moments of kindness that have been shared by everybody—I am really appreciative.” Together, before eight other military couples, Devin and Katrina renewed their marriage vows and rededicated their new covenant to the Lord. Then, the couple made their way to the shores of Lake Clark where they were baptized as they recommitted their lives to following Jesus Christ. “I didn’t have much hope for our marriage coming here, and I was really scared to see what this week was going to be like,” Katrina said. “Now, I do have hope for our marriage again.” Made Alive Again in Christ Devin and Katrina weren’t alone in their journey of healing and restoration in The Last Frontier. Eight other military couples touched down at Samaritan Lodge Alaska with them—each with their own stories of hurt. They enjoyed a week of world-renowned wildlife excursions, such as bear viewing at Katmai National Park, fishing in the pristine waters of Lake Clark and other nearby lakes and rivers, and scenic waterfall hikes. For Staff Sergeant Jeremiah O’Mahony, the week’s activities restored an element of himself he had lost while in the Air Force. “Fishing was my love before I got hurt,” Jeremiah said. “I’d go five days a week, but I haven’t gone fishing once for two years now. I couldn’t get myself out of the house. I was avoiding life. I was avoiding everything.” In 2024, Jeremiah, an aircraft maintenance technician, narrowly survived a blow to the back of his head while working on an aircraft. He’s never been the same since. His wife, Mallory, and their three children watched as the traumatic brain injury changed the father and husband from a “happy, dad-joke-loving dude” into a “miserable and cranky” man. “For a long time, I was lost after my injury and I just couldn’t seem to find my way,” Jeremiah said. On the waters of Alaska, Jeremiah rediscovered his joy for fishing—but it was through conversations with Operation Heal Our Patriots chaplains that he found the ultimate healing for his soul: a relationship with Jesus Christ. “I was so alone, and lost, and in the dark,” he said, “and then God brought me here thanks to my wife, and I’ve been able to talk and connect with people to break down some of my problems.” Jeremiah joined eight others to be baptized on their last day in Alaska, and he and Mallory were one of four who renewed their vows. “It means everything to know that he can be vulnerable and give his life to God—I never thought he would get to that place, especially in only a week,” Mallory said, who had followed Christ for many years now. “It’s like a new life has started.” Going home, Jeremiah and Mallory are looking forward to raising their young children in the Lord. “I didn’t have drive to live for myself, let alone my children, but now as we go back, I have so many plans and ideas to get them involved already,” Jeremiah said. As the military couples return to their routine lives and face everyday challenges in their lives and marriages, pray that God would sustain them and cover them with His peace and love. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-8). ]]> Wounded veterans as well as active-duty military personnel and their spouses experienced God's love for them while at Operation Heal Our Patriots in Alaska.Staff Sergeant Katrina Rockel has had little hope for her marriage since her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Devin Rockel, returned from a nine-month deployment over six years ago. “I never got my husband back,” she said. “We were best friends. We did everything together. We talked; we joked.” Tears welled in her eyes as she repeated, “I never got him back.” By the time Devin was deployed to the Middle East for the last time in 2019, the now squadron commander had been on nearly as many deployments as years he had served since his career in the Air Force began in 2000. As the Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Devin was responsible for identifying enemy locations and coordinating attacks, while also helping ensure the safety of soldiers and civilians. He led dozens of missions during a precarious time across the Middle East. What he saw and experienced abroad he brought back home to his wife and two children in North Carolina. “I still don’t really know what it was about that deployment,” Devin recalled. “It was different and we are still recovering from it.” Anger, resentment, and miscommunication drew the couple of 22 years further and further apart, worsening with each passing year. Then, a military spouse pulled Katrina to the side. “If you want to save your marriage you should look into Operation Heal Our Patriots,” Katrina recalled her saying. A New Frontier of Faith Found in Alaska They stood on opposite ends of the boat—together but fishing alone in silence. The Alaskan beauty surrounded them, but nothing was changing between them. The Rockels signed up for Operation Heal Our Patriots in Alaska to fix their marriage. Still, they thought, how could that ever happen? “You know how many masks we put on?” Katrina said. “On the outside, everything looks perfect but it’s far from it. We are here because we can’t keep putting a bandage over our problems.” As the week went on, the bandages began to come off and the long-enduring wounds started to heal. Through Samaritan’s Purse chaplain-led, Biblically based enrichment classes, the seasoned military couple came face-to-face with each other, the trauma they both carried from their service, and their individual relationships with Jesus Christ—the Savior they once knew but had since drifted from. “Operation Heal Our Patriots has ensured that God is at the center of my relationship with my wife, and if you keep God in the center, everything is going to be OK,” Devin said. “I won’t be able to put into words how much this week in Alaska has meant to me.” Katrina, who served for six years as a Phoenix Raven—a specialized Air Force security unit—chose to forgive the wrongs Devin had committed and release the unresolved trauma she had carried for years. She laid it all at the foot of the cross. “I lost Jesus, and I was angry at Him for a little while,” Katrina said. “But by the end of the week, putting all the little pieces together—from watching the bears to seeing the beautiful waterfalls, and just the moments of kindness that have been shared by everybody—I am really appreciative.” Together, before eight other military couples, Devin and Katrina renewed their marriage vows and rededicated their new covenant to the Lord. Then, the couple made their way to the shores of Lake Clark where they were baptized as they recommitted their lives to following Jesus Christ. “I didn’t have much hope for our marriage coming here, and I was really scared to see what this week was going to be like,” Katrina said. “Now, I do have hope for our marriage again.” Made Alive Again in Christ Devin and Katrina weren’t alone in their journey of healing and restoration in The Last Frontier. Eight other military couples touched down at Samaritan Lodge Alaska with them—each with their own stories of hurt. They enjoyed a week of world-renowned wildlife excursions, such as bear viewing at Katmai National Park, fishing in the pristine waters of Lake Clark and other nearby lakes and rivers, and scenic waterfall hikes. For Staff Sergeant Jeremiah O’Mahony, the week’s activities restored an element of himself he had lost while in the Air Force. “Fishing was my love before I got hurt,” Jeremiah said. “I’d go five days a week, but I haven’t gone fishing once for two years now. I couldn’t get myself out of the house. I was avoiding life. I was avoiding everything.” In 2024, Jeremiah, an aircraft maintenance technician, narrowly survived a blow to the back of his head while working on an aircraft. He’s never been the same since. His wife, Mallory, and their three children watched as the traumatic brain injury changed the father and husband from a “happy, dad-joke-loving dude” into a “miserable and cranky” man. “For a long time, I was lost after my injury and I just couldn’t seem to find my way,” Jeremiah said. On the waters of Alaska, Jeremiah rediscovered his joy for fishing—but it was through conversations with Operation Heal Our Patriots chaplains that he found the ultimate healing for his soul: a relationship with Jesus Christ. “I was so alone, and lost, and in the dark,” he said, “and then God brought me here thanks to my wife, and I’ve been able to talk and connect with people to break down some of my problems.” Jeremiah joined eight others to be baptized on their last day in Alaska, and he and Mallory were one of four who renewed their vows. “It means everything to know that he can be vulnerable and give his life to God—I never thought he would get to that place, especially in only a week,” Mallory said, who had followed Christ for many years now. “It’s like a new life has started.” Going home, Jeremiah and Mallory are looking forward to raising their young children in the Lord. “I didn’t have drive to live for myself, let alone my children, but now as we go back, I have so many plans and ideas to get them involved already,” Jeremiah said. As the military couples return to their routine lives and face everyday challenges in their lives and marriages, pray that God would sustain them and cover them with His peace and love. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-8). ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/providing-care-and-meeting-needs-in-west-virginia/ Providing Care and Meeting Needs in West Virginia https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968265944/0/samaritanspurse~Providing-Care-and-Meeting-Needs-in-West-Virginia/ Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:56:10 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273279 Oswaldo Bermudez hadn’t been to the dentist in several years. Without dental insurance, he couldn’t even afford a cleaning. Compounding his frustration was that the native Venezuelan had a hard time finding providers near home in Wheeling, West Virginia, who spoke his heart language. “There are not many people who speak Spanish in this community, so it's hard to get kind of the care that I need,” he said. The language barrier kept him from clearly communicating his symptoms, and providers had a hard time understanding his needs. So when he heard about a Samaritan’s Purse Community Medical Outreach clinic held at WesBanco Arena–home to a minor league ice hockey team–he decided to check it out. The August 21-23 event marked our largest Community Medical Outreach clinic since the program started in early 2025. More than 240 volunteers from 22 states showed up to serve the people of Wheeling. Over 100 of the event volunteers were from Newbridge Church. “When I learned that the Community Medical Outreach would be working here, I knew I had to come because I need the help,” Oswaldo said. During his cleaning, one of our dental hygienists identified a deep cavity in one of his teeth. Although he worried that extraction was the only option, our team assured him they could restore the tooth and that it wouldn’t be painful. “It looked like there was no solution, but they were able to save it,” he said with a large smile across his face. “It has been four years since I've come to the dentist, and they were able to recover my oral health.” More than the physical care he received, Oswaldo was greatly encouraged in his faith by the doctors and dentists who spoke with him in Spanish. “I first learned about Samaritan’s Purse yesterday, but the first thing I saw was that logo,” he said, referencing the cross-in-the-storm graphic printed on each volunteer’s shirt. “It represents the one who came to save us from all of our sins. “I’ve always been honest, and I've always been close to God,” he said. “Here, I feel a lot of peace in my heart.” Oswaldo was also pleased to hear that Samaritan’s Purse was not only serving his community in West Virginia but also helping people in Venezuela, where his family is still recovering from the earthquakes. “I’m so grateful that you’ve helped my brothers in Venezuela,” he said through tears. “I’m not there physically, but spiritually I’m there.” Oswaldo left the clinic with clean teeth and a grateful heart. “I appreciate very much the work that Samaritan’s Purse is doing,” he said. “And all of the volunteers have been so kind, and I really just don't have words to thank them for all they have done for me.” Oswaldo was one of nearly 500 patients who turned to the outreach clinic for much-needed medical, dental, or vision care. Renewed Vision and Renewed Hope Michael McNamara was in desperate need of new glasses and was one of the first in line on the first day of the clinic. His insurance no longer covered vision care, and Michael hadn’t been able to afford a visit to an eye doctor to update his prescription. “I have been having vision issues, and because of my diabetes, it gets worse every year,” he said. When he arrived at the arena, he was greeted by a host of smiling volunteers who listened to his story and identified his needs. He breathed a sigh of relief when he learned he could also be seen by a physician for a myriad of other health concerns. He was out of medication and in dire need of a checkup. For years, Michael had been dealing with serious issues, including congestive heart failure. He had also experienced multiple heart attacks. “God put me here, and I'm grateful to be here,” he said. “I appreciate it beyond words.” After his evaluation and prescription refills, Michael met with our optometrist for a new lens prescription. Then he was able to pick out a new pair of frames and, within just a few minutes, was able to see again–at no cost to him! Michael also got to choose a pair of reading glasses. “Living on a fixed income has put me in survival mode, and I'm grateful for having my needs met,” he said. “The fact that you can make glasses in a day, I'm so thrilled.” Michael said he was also grateful for the volunteers who sacrificed their time to serve the community. While some traveled great distances to serve at the clinic, dozens of locals showed up to care for their own neighbors. April Brock, a licensed optician who practices just a few towns over, volunteered the entire weekend. She recognized how the need for optometry in Wheeling has only continued to grow over the years. “When I started in optics 31 years ago, glasses weren't a luxury, but they are now,” she said. “Now people are choosing whether to pay their rent and buy groceries or buy glasses.” April rejoiced with Michael when he received his new pair of glasses. “We have seen so many people come in here today not even wearing their own glasses, wearing glasses that they found at a thrift store or glasses that they got from a friend, and they walk out of here and they can see,” she said. Meeting Needs Through Strong Church Partnerships Samaritan’s Purse responded to catastrophic flooding in West Virginia that had wiped out homes and businesses and claimed eight lives in June of 2025. The disaster severely compounded the community’s existing economic decline. In partnership with Newbridge Church, scores of Samaritan’s Purse volunteers assisted communities throughout the state’s northern panhandle, mudding out homes and serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. “Wheeling, West Virginia, is a city nestled on the Ohio River full of some of the best people on planet earth, but it's also a place where the economy has kind of passed us by,” said Chris Figaretti, pastor of Newbridge Church. “There are a lot of needs here.” Now, just over one year after our relief response, we are grateful that Samaritan’s Purse was able return to the Mountain State to serve again alongside Newbridge Church. “Samaritan's Purse has been such a blessing to our community in the past with natural disasters,” Pastor Chris said. “To be able to partner together and bring a medical clinic to the needy in our community gives us the ability to do things we couldn't do on our own.” The clinic was also an opportunity to reach Wheeling’s Hispanic community. Through Hispanic Ministries, a part of Samaritan’s Purse, Spanish-speaking volunteers and Billy Graham chaplains made sure that language would not stand in the way of someone receiving care or hearing the Gospel. “Our goal is to engage the Hispanic church across the country with the ministries of Samaritan's Purse,” said Joe Mott, senior director of Hispanic Ministries at Samaritan’s Purse. “And so, a Community Medical Outreach is a great example of a tangible need and a tangible opportunity.” At the clinic, Oswaldo saw one of his friends, Karen Dixon, who was serving as an interpreter. Karen was overjoyed to help patients communicate throughout their visit. “People feel free when they can speak their native language,” she said. “It is so great that patients have the opportunity to really express what their needs are and not just use their phones to translate. Having interpreters makes it feel inclusive.” Oswaldo said that he felt welcomed from the moment he got there. “When I arrived here this morning, a woman spoke to me in Spanish, and I immediately felt like I was family,” he said. Pastor Chris is excited to see how God will continue to move throughout the Wheeling community for years to come. “When we are faithful to show up, to put in the effort, to reach out, to care in His name, to share the Gospel, He will show up and do more than we can hope for, ask for, or imagine,” he said. “And that may be five years from now, and it may be this weekend, and I anticipate it is probably going to be a little bit of both.” ]]> Oswaldo Bermudez hadn’t been to the dentist in several years. Without dental insurance, he couldn’t even afford a cleaning. Compounding his frustration was that the native Venezuelan had a hard time finding providers near home in Wheeling, West Virginia, who spoke his heart language. “There are not many people who speak Spanish in this community, so it's hard to get kind of the care that I need,” he said. The language barrier kept him from clearly communicating his symptoms, and providers had a hard time understanding his needs. So when he heard about a Samaritan’s Purse Community Medical Outreach clinic held at WesBanco Arena–home to a minor league ice hockey team–he decided to check it out. The August 21-23 event marked our largest Community Medical Outreach clinic since the program started in early 2025. More than 240 volunteers from 22 states showed up to serve the people of Wheeling. Over 100 of the event volunteers were from Newbridge Church. “When I learned that the Community Medical Outreach would be working here, I knew I had to come because I need the help,” Oswaldo said. During his cleaning, one of our dental hygienists identified a deep cavity in one of his teeth. Although he worried that extraction was the only option, our team assured him they could restore the tooth and that it wouldn’t be painful. “It looked like there was no solution, but they were able to save it,” he said with a large smile across his face. “It has been four years since I've come to the dentist, and they were able to recover my oral health.” More than the physical care he received, Oswaldo was greatly encouraged in his faith by the doctors and dentists who spoke with him in Spanish. “I first learned about Samaritan’s Purse yesterday, but the first thing I saw was that logo,” he said, referencing the cross-in-the-storm graphic printed on each volunteer’s shirt. “It represents the one who came to save us from all of our sins. “I’ve always been honest, and I've always been close to God,” he said. “Here, I feel a lot of peace in my heart.” Oswaldo was also pleased to hear that Samaritan’s Purse was not only serving his community in West Virginia but also helping people in Venezuela, where his family is still recovering from the earthquakes. “I’m so grateful that you’ve helped my brothers in Venezuela,” he said through tears. “I’m not there physically, but spiritually I’m there.” Oswaldo left the clinic with clean teeth and a grateful heart. “I appreciate very much the work that Samaritan’s Purse is doing,” he said. “And all of the volunteers have been so kind, and I really just don't have words to thank them for all they have done for me.” Oswaldo was one of nearly 500 patients who turned to the outreach clinic for much-needed medical, dental, or vision care. Renewed Vision and Renewed Hope Michael McNamara was in desperate need of new glasses and was one of the first in line on the first day of the clinic. His insurance no longer covered vision care, and Michael hadn’t been able to afford a visit to an eye doctor to update his prescription. “I have been having vision issues, and because of my diabetes, it gets worse every year,” he said. When he arrived at the arena, he was greeted by a host of smiling volunteers who listened to his story and identified his needs. He breathed a sigh of relief when he learned he could also be seen by a physician for a myriad of other health concerns. He was out of medication and in dire need of a checkup. For years, Michael had been dealing with serious issues, including congestive heart failure. He had also experienced multiple heart attacks. “God put me here, and I'm grateful to be here,” he said. “I appreciate it beyond words.” After his evaluation and prescription refills, Michael met with our optometrist for a new lens prescription. Then he was able to pick out a new pair of frames and, within just a few minutes, was able to see again–at no cost to him! Michael also got to choose a pair of reading glasses. “Living on a fixed income has put me in survival mode, and I'm grateful for having my needs met,” he said. “The fact that you can make glasses in a day, I'm so thrilled.” Michael said he was also grateful for the volunteers who sacrificed their time to serve the community. While some traveled great distances to serve at the clinic, dozens of locals showed up to care for their own neighbors. April Brock, a licensed optician who practices just a few towns over, volunteered the entire weekend. She recognized how the need for optometry in Wheeling has only continued to grow over the years. “When I started in optics 31 years ago, glasses weren't a luxury, but they are now,” she said. “Now people are choosing whether to pay their rent and buy groceries or buy glasses.” April rejoiced with Michael when he received his new pair of glasses. “We have seen so many people come in here today not even wearing their own glasses, wearing glasses that they found at a thrift store or glasses that they got from a friend, and they walk out of here and they can see,” she said. Meeting Needs Through Strong Church Partnerships Samaritan’s Purse responded to catastrophic flooding in West Virginia that had wiped out homes and businesses and claimed eight lives in June of 2025. The disaster severely compounded the community’s existing economic decline. In partnership with Newbridge Church, scores of Samaritan’s Purse volunteers assisted communities throughout the state’s northern panhandle, mudding out homes and serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. “Wheeling, West Virginia, is a city nestled on the Ohio River full of some of the best people on planet earth, but it's also a place where the economy has kind of passed us by,” said Chris Figaretti, pastor of Newbridge Church. “There are a lot of needs here.” Now, just over one year after our relief response, we are grateful that Samaritan’s Purse was able return to the Mountain State to serve again alongside Newbridge Church. “Samaritan's Purse has been such a blessing to our community in the past with natural disasters,” Pastor Chris said. “To be able to partner together and bring a medical clinic to the needy in our community gives us the ability to do things we couldn't do on our own.” The clinic was also an opportunity to reach Wheeling’s Hispanic community. Through Hispanic Ministries, a part of Samaritan’s Purse, Spanish-speaking volunteers and Billy Graham chaplains made sure that language would not stand in the way of someone receiving care or hearing the Gospel. “Our goal is to engage the Hispanic church across the country with the ministries of Samaritan's Purse,” said Joe Mott, senior director of Hispanic Ministries at Samaritan’s Purse. “And so, a Community Medical Outreach is a great example of a tangible need and a tangible opportunity.” At the clinic, Oswaldo saw one of his friends, Karen Dixon, who was serving as an interpreter. Karen was overjoyed to help patients communicate throughout their visit. “People feel free when they can speak their native language,” she said. “It is so great that patients have the opportunity to really express what their needs are and not just use their phones to translate. Having interpreters makes it feel inclusive.” Oswaldo said that he felt welcomed from the moment he got there. “When I arrived here this morning, a woman spoke to me in Spanish, and I immediately felt like I was family,” he said. Pastor Chris is excited to see how God will continue to move throughout the Wheeling community for years to come. “When we are faithful to show up, to put in the effort, to reach out, to care in His name, to share the Gospel, He will show up and do more than we can hope for, ask for, or imagine,” he said. “And that may be five years from now, and it may be this weekend, and I anticipate it is probably going to be a little bit of both.” ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/serving-residents-in-jesus-name-after-northwest-wildfires/ Serving Residents in Jesus’ Name After Northwest Wildfires https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968226986/0/samaritanspurse~Serving-Residents-in-Jesus%e2%80%99-Name-After-Northwest-Wildfires/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:54:01 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273247 Volunteers suited in protective clothing search through ashes in Spokane.“In a matter of like 30 minutes everything just blew up. The fire jumped the river, and it was coming here. The police were going door to door, saying, ‘Get out now.’ There was lots of smoke, and ash was falling from the sky,” said Paul Blake. Earlier, after seeing a monstrous cloud of smoke in the distance, Paul and his wife, Evelyn, had gone back to their home to get their cats and grab any last-minute items. The direction of the wind had changed. The fire that had been moving west suddenly changed direction with it. The flames were coming straight toward their home. When they got the order to evacuate, they were ready. “When I locked the door and left," Paul explained, "I fully intended that we would be back and that we would find Toby and everything would be good.” The wildfires that blazed through Spokane, Washington, destroyed more than 800 structures, including Paul’s home of 33 years. Like other residents of the area, Paul thought he would be coming back to an intact home. Instead, he returned to a ruin of ashes and a front door threshold leading to open sky. Serving Amid the Ashes as Jesus’ Hands and Feet Samaritan’s Purse has been serving fire-devastated communities in the area since Aug. 17. Working out of a base of operations at Life Center, a local partner church, Samaritan’s Purse mobilized teams of volunteers to begin valuable recovery efforts as families returned to what was left of their homes. “It has been very inspiriting to see the community of Spokane helping one another,” expressed Matt Campbell, the Samaritan’s Purse program manager for the response. “Partnering with Life Center has been a true joy. When we see how active the local church is, it gives us confidence that once we leave, the families here will be loved and pointed to Christ.” As volunteers began searching Paul and Evelyn’s property, they came across a cherished teapot and other delicate dishware. One of the most precious items found was a collection of his grandfather’s coins. Paul was grateful to God for these recovered mementos. “All I can do is trust in him,” Paul said. “Like Job, I don't have the answers, but God does. He loves us, and we can trust in him.” Take It All, Lord When the fire came, Doug and Georgann Howie were about to go on a five-day trip to hike in the alpine areas of Mount Rainier when the fire came. “We were all packed. Thank God. He knew we needed help. We had our clothes, toiletries, everything ready to go the morning before the fire.” Georgann explained. That same day, Doug finished working on the new gazebo in their backyard. “I thought it was just going to blow right on down past us,” said Doug. Georgann was tracking the location of the smoke and felt certain that the fire was still on the other side of the river. Then she started to see their neighbors packing their vehicles with belongings. Soon after, police and emergency management called for evacuations. “They said, ‘Go now, you don't have a choice,’” Georgann said. They rushed around the home to gather their luggage and whatever belongings they could take. A week prior, Georgann felt the urge to prepare an emergency bag with all their important items, should they ever need to evacuate. The couple saw this as the hand of God providing for them even before the fire first sparked. When they returned days later, all that remained was their home’s concrete footprint and the charred ruins of Doug’s gazebo. Georgann struggled to finish her sentences as she expressed gratitude to God for the foresight He gave them to gather those essential items and documents. “God went before me and prepared a way—like He always does,” she said. “Days before [the fire], I was like, ‘Thank you, Lord, you gave me the strength to get this done,’ because I've been—” She became filled with emotion, and Doug helped her complete the thought: “She has Stage 4 cancer right now.” “But she doesn't look like she has cancer,” he continued, smiling tenderly at his wife. A year ago, Doug and Georgann left their home of 36 years in Selah, Washington, to live closer to their kids and grandkids in Spokane. Their home was one of the last to burn on their side of the neighborhood. Just across the street, a line of houses was still standing. They spoke with hope despite their loss. “As Christians, we know this isn't our home,” Georgann said. “I told Doug, ‘If one person comes to Christ through this, then take my house, Lord.’" The couple connected with Samaritan’s Purse through their daughter-in-law whose parents are local Billy Graham chaplains. Soon after, the orange shirts of our volunteer teams appeared on their property. Their daughter-in-law and granddaughter were among them, pulling on protective suits to begin searching the ashes and rubble for any precious items that were not taken by the blaze. Somewhere in the ashes of the home was Doug’s vast collection of carpentry and welding tools gathered over decades. Georgann mentioned her cherished annotated Bible and the journals from her cancer journey had been consumed. Early on, volunteers found a plaque from a construction project one of Doug’s workshop classes completed in 1982. In all the loss, it was a small reminder of a sweet memory from Doug’s career. In the end, the couple both know that the Lord saved what really mattered. He had protected the couple, their family, and their friends. No life was lost. “We feel so blessed,” Georgann said. “I drove up and saw everyone from Samaritan’s Purse praying, and I'm thinking, ‘Oh, this is beautiful.’” ]]> Volunteers suited in protective clothing search through ashes in Spokane.“In a matter of like 30 minutes everything just blew up. The fire jumped the river, and it was coming here. The police were going door to door, saying, ‘Get out now.’ There was lots of smoke, and ash was falling from the sky,” said Paul Blake. Earlier, after seeing a monstrous cloud of smoke in the distance, Paul and his wife, Evelyn, had gone back to their home to get their cats and grab any last-minute items. The direction of the wind had changed. The fire that had been moving west suddenly changed direction with it. The flames were coming straight toward their home. When they got the order to evacuate, they were ready. “When I locked the door and left," Paul explained, "I fully intended that we would be back and that we would find Toby and everything would be good.” The wildfires that blazed through Spokane, Washington, destroyed more than 800 structures, including Paul’s home of 33 years. Like other residents of the area, Paul thought he would be coming back to an intact home. Instead, he returned to a ruin of ashes and a front door threshold leading to open sky. Serving Amid the Ashes as Jesus’ Hands and Feet Samaritan’s Purse has been serving fire-devastated communities in the area since Aug. 17. Working out of a base of operations at Life Center, a local partner church, Samaritan’s Purse mobilized teams of volunteers to begin valuable recovery efforts as families returned to what was left of their homes. “It has been very inspiriting to see the community of Spokane helping one another,” expressed Matt Campbell, the Samaritan’s Purse program manager for the response. “Partnering with Life Center has been a true joy. When we see how active the local church is, it gives us confidence that once we leave, the families here will be loved and pointed to Christ.” As volunteers began searching Paul and Evelyn’s property, they came across a cherished teapot and other delicate dishware. One of the most precious items found was a collection of his grandfather’s coins. Paul was grateful to God for these recovered mementos. “All I can do is trust in him,” Paul said. “Like Job, I don't have the answers, but God does. He loves us, and we can trust in him.” Take It All, Lord When the fire came, Doug and Georgann Howie were about to go on a five-day trip to hike in the alpine areas of Mount Rainier when the fire came. “We were all packed. Thank God. He knew we needed help. We had our clothes, toiletries, everything ready to go the morning before the fire.” Georgann explained. That same day, Doug finished working on the new gazebo in their backyard. “I thought it was just going to blow right on down past us,” said Doug. Georgann was tracking the location of the smoke and felt certain that the fire was still on the other side of the river. Then she started to see their neighbors packing their vehicles with belongings. Soon after, police and emergency management called for evacuations. “They said, ‘Go now, you don't have a choice,’” Georgann said. They rushed around the home to gather their luggage and whatever belongings they could take. A week prior, Georgann felt the urge to prepare an emergency bag with all their important items, should they ever need to evacuate. The couple saw this as the hand of God providing for them even before the fire first sparked. When they returned days later, all that remained was their home’s concrete footprint and the charred ruins of Doug’s gazebo. Georgann struggled to finish her sentences as she expressed gratitude to God for the foresight He gave them to gather those essential items and documents. “God went before me and prepared a way—like He always does,” she said. “Days before [the fire], I was like, ‘Thank you, Lord, you gave me the strength to get this done,’ because I've been—” She became filled with emotion, and Doug helped her complete the thought: “She has Stage 4 cancer right now.” “But she doesn't look like she has cancer,” he continued, smiling tenderly at his wife. A year ago, Doug and Georgann left their home of 36 years in Selah, Washington, to live closer to their kids and grandkids in Spokane. Their home was one of the last to burn on their side of the neighborhood. Just across the street, a line of houses was still standing. They spoke with hope despite their loss. “As Christians, we know this isn't our home,” Georgann said. “I told Doug, ‘If one person comes to Christ through this, then take my house, Lord.’" The couple connected with Samaritan’s Purse through their daughter-in-law whose parents are local Billy Graham chaplains. Soon after, the orange shirts of our volunteer teams appeared on their property. Their daughter-in-law and granddaughter were among them, pulling on protective suits to begin searching the ashes and rubble for any precious items that were not taken by the blaze. Somewhere in the ashes of the home was Doug’s vast collection of carpentry and welding tools gathered over decades. Georgann mentioned her cherished annotated Bible and the journals from her cancer journey had been consumed. Early on, volunteers found a plaque from a construction project one of Doug’s workshop classes completed in 1982. In all the loss, it was a small reminder of a sweet memory from Doug’s career. In the end, the couple both know that the Lord saved what really mattered. He had protected the couple, their family, and their friends. No life was lost. “We feel so blessed,” Georgann said. “I drove up and saw everyone from Samaritan’s Purse praying, and I'm thinking, ‘Oh, this is beautiful.’” ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/alive-again/ Alive Again https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968170913/0/samaritanspurse~Alive-Again/ Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:37:06 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273157 Nadine, left, and her friend Josee were admitted to our Bunia treatment center and are thanking God to be returning home after 15 days of care.When Nadine began to feel ill, she feared the worst. She’d seen what Ebola does and watching someone die with the disease was a pain “impossible to bear.” She was brought to the Samaritan’s Purse clinic in Bunia early in her illness, which was good. Soon her fever spiked. She could not eat. She felt weak and exhausted. Our medical team was there by her side to help. Doctors and nurses administered treatments and IVs of fluid to keep her vital signs out of the danger zone. They also encouraged her verbally in the midst of the worst of the illness. “The doctor personally attended to my IV. What hospital would do that?” she said in grateful astonishment. Since June we’ve treated more than 500 patients like Nadine at our Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, and at a long-time partner mission hospital in Nyankunde. There are thousands of confirmed cases of the disease in the region. “The nurses would wash me, then carry me and lay me down, and cover me. We went through weakness and exhaustion, but Samaritan’s Purse walked hand in hand with us and did not neglect a single patient,” Nadine said. For 15 days, she lay in the treatment center room, at times unaware of what was happening, at times wondering if she would ever leave alive. At the height of her illness, she still wondered if she would be numbered among those who did not survive. The nurses would come, encouraging her to “eat a little.” Pastors would pray with her from outside the hot zone. Chaplains would counsel her from a distance. “There were very many pastors. Too many to count,” she said. “Not one was absent. Twenty-four hours a day, the pastors were there. Even at night, pastors were there.” So many people in her village, Kiwangwa, were slow to get care after the symptoms started. She knew that if she had waited any longer to seek treatment, as many people in her village had done, she likely would have lost her life as well. “At night,” Nadine said of her hospitalization, “you would hear that they were carrying out someone who had died.” Responsible fathers and orphaned children were among those they lost. She said she still grieves the losses that she’s witnessed and heard about in her country. “Ignorance is what kills people. A person who refuses to accept that Ebola exists will delay. People remain at home for too long,” she said. “If you come as soon as you feel sick, you can live. All the medicine that brought us back to life is here.” Finally, Nadine began to eat again, three meals a day, and she remembers feeling that she was coming back to life. The day that Nadine walked out of the treatment center—Ebola-free—she was praising God. “May God bless that hospital. Whoever enters there, may that person recover as we have recovered, and may that person testify as we are testifying,” she said.“Today is the day God in Heaven has allowed us to leave, and we are going home to Kiwangwa. The first thing is to thank God, who gives us life and breath. We return all glory and honor to him!” We thank God for the opportunity to care for suffering patients in Jesus’ Name and for the many people, including Nadine, who have recovered from Ebola at our treatment center. We praise God for both physical and spiritual healing, as several people have given their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of our staff, chaplains, and partner pastors. ]]> Nadine, left, and her friend Josee were admitted to our Bunia treatment center and are thanking God to be returning home after 15 days of care.When Nadine began to feel ill, she feared the worst. She’d seen what Ebola does and watching someone die with the disease was a pain “impossible to bear.” She was brought to the Samaritan’s Purse clinic in Bunia early in her illness, which was good. Soon her fever spiked. She could not eat. She felt weak and exhausted. Our medical team was there by her side to help. Doctors and nurses administered treatments and IVs of fluid to keep her vital signs out of the danger zone. They also encouraged her verbally in the midst of the worst of the illness. “The doctor personally attended to my IV. What hospital would do that?” she said in grateful astonishment. Since June we’ve treated more than 500 patients like Nadine at our Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, and at a long-time partner mission hospital in Nyankunde. There are thousands of confirmed cases of the disease in the region. “The nurses would wash me, then carry me and lay me down, and cover me. We went through weakness and exhaustion, but Samaritan’s Purse walked hand in hand with us and did not neglect a single patient,” Nadine said. For 15 days, she lay in the treatment center room, at times unaware of what was happening, at times wondering if she would ever leave alive. At the height of her illness, she still wondered if she would be numbered among those who did not survive. The nurses would come, encouraging her to “eat a little.” Pastors would pray with her from outside the hot zone. Chaplains would counsel her from a distance. “There were very many pastors. Too many to count,” she said. “Not one was absent. Twenty-four hours a day, the pastors were there. Even at night, pastors were there.” So many people in her village, Kiwangwa, were slow to get care after the symptoms started. She knew that if she had waited any longer to seek treatment, as many people in her village had done, she likely would have lost her life as well. “At night,” Nadine said of her hospitalization, “you would hear that they were carrying out someone who had died.” Responsible fathers and orphaned children were among those they lost. She said she still grieves the losses that she’s witnessed and heard about in her country. “Ignorance is what kills people. A person who refuses to accept that Ebola exists will delay. People remain at home for too long,” she said. “If you come as soon as you feel sick, you can live. All the medicine that brought us back to life is here.” Finally, Nadine began to eat again, three meals a day, and she remembers feeling that she was coming back to life. The day that Nadine walked out of the treatment center—Ebola-free—she was praising God. “May God bless that hospital. Whoever enters there, may that person recover as we have recovered, and may that person testify as we are testifying,” she said.“Today is the day God in Heaven has allowed us to leave, and we are going home to Kiwangwa. The first thing is to thank God, who gives us life and breath. We return all glory and honor to him!” We thank God for the opportunity to care for suffering patients in Jesus’ Name and for the many people, including Nadine, who have recovered from Ebola at our treatment center. We praise God for both physical and spiritual healing, as several people have given their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of our staff, chaplains, and partner pastors. ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/samaritans-purse-working-in-indiana-after-flooding/ Samaritan’s Purse Working in Indiana After Flooding https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968150327/0/samaritanspurse~Samaritans-Purse-Working-in-Indiana-After-Flooding/ Sun, 23 Aug 2026 20:15:06 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273206 Volunteers rip up damaged flooring in the wake of Texas flash floodingSamaritan’s Purse, in partnership with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Rapid Response Team (BGEA-RRT), has deployed to central Indiana in the wake of serious flooding. The most severely impacted areas are in the counties of Marion and Hamilton, where floodwaters damaged houses, closed roadways, and prompted evacuations and water rescues. Our assessment team has been working closely with local emergency management officials and has identified more than 200 homes affected by the flooding. "Days of relentless rainfall and historic flooding submerged neighborhoods, damaging hundreds of homes," Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham posted on Facebook. "Pray for the families who are dealing with this disaster. It is so difficult to see your home and possessions underwater." One of our Disaster Relief Units—a tractor trailer packed with supplies and equipment—is now on the ground. Our base is Northview Church, located at 12900 Hazel Dell Parkway in Carmel, Indiana. Day volunteers started work on Monday, Aug. 24. Samaritan's Purse teams are mudding out flooded homes, removing soiled drywall and flooring, salvaging personal belongings, and taking any strewn debris or fallen trees to the curb. As volunteers serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, their actions open up opportunities to share the Good News. VOLUNTEER IN INDIANA Please pray for our staff and volunteers as they help hurting homeowners in Jesus' Name. ]]> Volunteers rip up damaged flooring in the wake of Texas flash floodingSamaritan’s Purse, in partnership with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Rapid Response Team (BGEA-RRT), has deployed to central Indiana in the wake of serious flooding. The most severely impacted areas are in the counties of Marion and Hamilton, where floodwaters damaged houses, closed roadways, and prompted evacuations and water rescues. Our assessment team has been working closely with local emergency management officials and has identified more than 200 homes affected by the flooding. "Days of relentless rainfall and historic flooding submerged neighborhoods, damaging hundreds of homes," Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham posted on Facebook. "Pray for the families who are dealing with this disaster. It is so difficult to see your home and possessions underwater." One of our Disaster Relief Units—a tractor trailer packed with supplies and equipment—is now on the ground. Our base is Northview Church, located at 12900 Hazel Dell Parkway in Carmel, Indiana. Day volunteers started work on Monday, Aug. 24. Samaritan's Purse teams are mudding out flooded homes, removing soiled drywall and flooring, salvaging personal belongings, and taking any strewn debris or fallen trees to the curb. As volunteers serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, their actions open up opportunities to share the Good News. VOLUNTEER IN INDIANA Please pray for our staff and volunteers as they help hurting homeowners in Jesus' Name. ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/stroke-survivors-receiving-care-in-eastern-ukraine/ Stroke Survivors Receiving Care in Eastern Ukraine https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/968090543/0/samaritanspurse~Stroke-Survivors-Receiving-Care-in-Eastern-Ukraine/ Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:56:21 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=272694 Mobile Medical Unit staff take the blood pressure of MykhailoBlood flow to their brains was temporarily blocked. Ukrainian stroke survivors now battle for their own lives even as their fellow countrymen continue to fight valiantly for the life of their nation. With few other medical options available, these patients rely on visits from Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Units (MMU) for critical care. The two roving teams—complete with general practitioners, nurses, a psychologist, and chaplain as well as a rotating cardiologist and endocrinologist—become a lifeline in areas not far from the frontlines of conflict. Our MMUs have had more than 58,000 consultations with over 6,500 patients with a wide range of ailments since 2024. Medicine for Body and Soul As Nadia* recovers from her stroke, she also deals with a hand injury and diabetes, which require medication she cannot afford. The Mobile Medical Unit provided her with prescriptions that stabilized her health. “I would never have been able to buy these medications on my own,” she said. The welcome she received was a balm for her soul, too. Nadia says the Mobile Medical Unit’s greatest gift to her has been the kindness she experiences with every visit. Purpose in a New Place In addition to her health concerns, Nadia deals with the strain of displacement. She had been able to remain in her home near occupied territory for about three months after the fighting began. But when pharmacies closed their doors and her insulin supply ran low, she had no choice but to flee. She traveled mine-riddled roads from checkpoint to checkpoint in search of safer territory, until she was eventually welcomed into a dormitory where the fighting was less. As she grieved the loss of her home, she found purpose in her new surroundings by wearing camouflage, knitting socks for soldiers, and making trench candles to support Ukrainians serving on the frontlines. “Home is where we are,” Nadia said. “Perhaps we will never return to the place we once called home.” Ultimate Refuge in Jesus Christ Nadia’s faith in Jesus Christ has always been important to her, but after being forced from her home, it became an even more critical foundation. Today, she faithfully attends church and studies God’s Word, finding His peace that passes understanding. “I have dedicated my life to God,” Nadia said. “Now all my time belongs to Him. At church I experience love, acceptance, and God's presence. Everything is in His hands. When people panic because of danger, I remember Psalm 91 and remind myself, ‘God is with us.’” "I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'”—Psalm 91:2 She sees this truth in her current circumstances through the faithful care of the Mobile Medical Unit. “The staff are so warm and respectful. That isn't something you find everywhere,” Nadia said. “When you've lost almost everything, even a harsh word can wound you deeply. But here it's different. They don't just help heal my body—they restore my dignity. They make me feel like a person worthy of respect again.” Health and Hope Mykhailo* suffered a stroke before the war began. A retired military pilot, he was determined to continue his life of service to his community, especially when fighting intensified in 2022. He organized food deliveries for his village and secured a generator for the town water pump after their electricity went out. His acts of kindness made it possible for the local water source to become a place where families could connect with each other, as well as charge their cell phones as war intensified around them. But in 2024, Mykhailo experienced a second stroke that required hospitalization and months of rehabilitation. When he finally returned home, his village medical clinic was in ruins. It had been hit by shelling and was no longer operational. The nearest hospital was over 12 miles away, now only accessible by limited public transportation via a badly damaged road. For a stroke survivor requiring ongoing care, the situation proved exceedingly difficult. But all that changed when the Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Unit began coming to his village. On the first day they arrived, Mykhailo was seen by our staff, receiving an electrocardiogram and various laboratory tests. Doctors and nurses reviewed his condition, prescribed treatment, and provided necessary medication. “What impressed me most was that they had all the medicines I needed right there,” Mykhailo said. “These are medications I have to take every day.” In a subsequent visit, the team also treated his high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. “My overall health has improved,” he said. “My blood pressure is stable, my blood sugar is normal, and the medications—along with the respect and kindness I received—have truly made a difference.” Our team also gave Mykhailo exercises to improve his coordination and reduce his stress after the stroke. As he did these regularly, he noticed steady improvement in his balance and mobility. “The staff treat every patient with kindness and respect,” Mykhailo said. “They provide the medicines we need, which is also a tremendous financial relief. And because they come regularly, we know we can count on them and plan our medical care." Gratitude for God’s Protection During one visit, Mykhailo received his own copy of the New Testament in Ukrainian. He never considered himself religious in the past, but the hardships of recent years have strengthened his awareness of God’s care in his life. “I can see how God has protected me and my family through the shelling,” he said. “And I believe the arrival of the Mobile Medical Unit is also one of the ways He is caring for us. “I want to sincerely thank everyone who makes this ministry possible. It has become an invaluable blessing for our village.” Please pray for Nadia, Mykhailo, and the thousands of other patients who have been seen by Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Units in Ukraine. Ask that this care delivered in Jesus’ Name would heal and restore, and that peace would come soon to the war-torn nation. *Name changed for security ]]> Mobile Medical Unit staff take the blood pressure of MykhailoBlood flow to their brains was temporarily blocked. Ukrainian stroke survivors now battle for their own lives even as their fellow countrymen continue to fight valiantly for the life of their nation. With few other medical options available, these patients rely on visits from Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Units (MMU) for critical care. The two roving teams—complete with general practitioners, nurses, a psychologist, and chaplain as well as a rotating cardiologist and endocrinologist—become a lifeline in areas not far from the frontlines of conflict. Our MMUs have had more than 58,000 consultations with over 6,500 patients with a wide range of ailments since 2024. Medicine for Body and Soul As Nadia* recovers from her stroke, she also deals with a hand injury and diabetes, which require medication she cannot afford. The Mobile Medical Unit provided her with prescriptions that stabilized her health. “I would never have been able to buy these medications on my own,” she said. The welcome she received was a balm for her soul, too. Nadia says the Mobile Medical Unit’s greatest gift to her has been the kindness she experiences with every visit. Purpose in a New Place In addition to her health concerns, Nadia deals with the strain of displacement. She had been able to remain in her home near occupied territory for about three months after the fighting began. But when pharmacies closed their doors and her insulin supply ran low, she had no choice but to flee. She traveled mine-riddled roads from checkpoint to checkpoint in search of safer territory, until she was eventually welcomed into a dormitory where the fighting was less. As she grieved the loss of her home, she found purpose in her new surroundings by wearing camouflage, knitting socks for soldiers, and making trench candles to support Ukrainians serving on the frontlines. “Home is where we are,” Nadia said. “Perhaps we will never return to the place we once called home.” Ultimate Refuge in Jesus Christ Nadia’s faith in Jesus Christ has always been important to her, but after being forced from her home, it became an even more critical foundation. Today, she faithfully attends church and studies God’s Word, finding His peace that passes understanding. “I have dedicated my life to God,” Nadia said. “Now all my time belongs to Him. At church I experience love, acceptance, and God's presence. Everything is in His hands. When people panic because of danger, I remember Psalm 91 and remind myself, ‘God is with us.’” "I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'”—Psalm 91:2 She sees this truth in her current circumstances through the faithful care of the Mobile Medical Unit. “The staff are so warm and respectful. That isn't something you find everywhere,” Nadia said. “When you've lost almost everything, even a harsh word can wound you deeply. But here it's different. They don't just help heal my body—they restore my dignity. They make me feel like a person worthy of respect again.” Health and Hope Mykhailo* suffered a stroke before the war began. A retired military pilot, he was determined to continue his life of service to his community, especially when fighting intensified in 2022. He organized food deliveries for his village and secured a generator for the town water pump after their electricity went out. His acts of kindness made it possible for the local water source to become a place where families could connect with each other, as well as charge their cell phones as war intensified around them. But in 2024, Mykhailo experienced a second stroke that required hospitalization and months of rehabilitation. When he finally returned home, his village medical clinic was in ruins. It had been hit by shelling and was no longer operational. The nearest hospital was over 12 miles away, now only accessible by limited public transportation via a badly damaged road. For a stroke survivor requiring ongoing care, the situation proved exceedingly difficult. But all that changed when the Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Unit began coming to his village. On the first day they arrived, Mykhailo was seen by our staff, receiving an electrocardiogram and various laboratory tests. Doctors and nurses reviewed his condition, prescribed treatment, and provided necessary medication. “What impressed me most was that they had all the medicines I needed right there,” Mykhailo said. “These are medications I have to take every day.” In a subsequent visit, the team also treated his high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. “My overall health has improved,” he said. “My blood pressure is stable, my blood sugar is normal, and the medications—along with the respect and kindness I received—have truly made a difference.” Our team also gave Mykhailo exercises to improve his coordination and reduce his stress after the stroke. As he did these regularly, he noticed steady improvement in his balance and mobility. “The staff treat every patient with kindness and respect,” Mykhailo said. “They provide the medicines we need, which is also a tremendous financial relief. And because they come regularly, we know we can count on them and plan our medical care." Gratitude for God’s Protection During one visit, Mykhailo received his own copy of the New Testament in Ukrainian. He never considered himself religious in the past, but the hardships of recent years have strengthened his awareness of God’s care in his life. “I can see how God has protected me and my family through the shelling,” he said. “And I believe the arrival of the Mobile Medical Unit is also one of the ways He is caring for us. “I want to sincerely thank everyone who makes this ministry possible. It has become an invaluable blessing for our village.” Please pray for Nadia, Mykhailo, and the thousands of other patients who have been seen by Samaritan’s Purse Mobile Medical Units in Ukraine. Ask that this care delivered in Jesus’ Name would heal and restore, and that peace would come soon to the war-torn nation. *Name changed for security ]]> https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/venezuela-quake-response/ Samaritan’s Purse Is Working in Venezuela After Quakes https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/958747976/0/samaritanspurse~Samaritan%e2%80%99s-Purse-Is-Working-in-Venezuela-After-Quakes/ Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:18:13 +0000 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/?post_type=sp-articles&p=273178
      
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