Latest news with #FranklinGraham
Fox News
3 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Franklin Graham meets with Zelenskyy in Berlin, offers prayer as Russia-Ukraine war escalates
Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, met Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. During their meeting, Graham offered prayers for Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump, seeking divine guidance for a path to peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. "Today I had the privilege to meet with President Zelenskyy and have prayer with him," Graham shared on social media. "I prayed for President Putin, I prayed for him [Zelenskyy], and I prayed for President Trump — that God would give them wisdom and that God would give them a path forward for peace." The meeting coincided with the European Congress on Evangelism, where Graham addressed over 1,000 Christian leaders from 55 countries. He emphasized the complexities of the war, stating, "These are very difficult, and I believe only God can solve this." Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by Samaritan's Purse, including support for Ukrainian children, displaced individuals and medical institutions. "We are very grateful for the strong support from the American people, the White House and President Trump," Zelenskyy said. "Thank you for your prayers and for helping people." The meeting took place against a backdrop of intensified Russian military action in Ukraine. Recent reports indicate escalating Russian air and ground assaults, with increased use of drones by both sides. Germany has announced plans to assist Ukraine in producing long-range missiles, marking a significant deepening of support for Ukraine's defense industry. Zelenskyy has proposed a trilateral summit involving Trump and Putin to negotiate an end to the hostilities. Graham's visit coincided with the European Congress on Evangelism being held in Berlin for the first time in 25 years. From Ukraine to the U.K. and Sweden to Spain, over 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from across Europe have come to the city where Billy Graham once preached to declare that they are "unashamed of the Gospel," echoing the words of Romans 1:16. "There hasn't been a gathering of this kind since the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's congress in Amsterdam in 2000," Graham said. "What a moment for Europe, and what a time to boldly proclaim Christ." The congress marks a return to the roots of BGEA's global evangelistic mission. In 1966, Billy Graham held the first World Congress on Evangelism in Berlin, declaring the city a platform to reach the world with the message of salvation. More than 20 speakers from 13 nations are contributing to the 2025 congress, with worship led by Grammy winner Michael W. Smith, Charity Gayle and top Christian artists from across Europe. The event is being translated in 10 HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Marc Van de Wouwer, a Belgian evangelist and retired federal investigator, reflected on his experience at the 2000 Amsterdam congress. "At the time, there were very few evangelists in Belgium," he said. "That event reignited my passion, and now I'm coming back to help invest in the next generation."
Malaysian Reserve
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Malaysian Reserve
SAMARITAN'S PURSE DEPLOYS TO HELP FAMILIES AFTER DEADLY TORNADOES RIP THROUGH CENTRAL U.S.
BOONE, N.C., May 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Samaritan's Purse has deployed disaster response teams to Laurel County, Kentucky, and St. Louis, Missouri, after a powerful storm system unleashed deadly tornadoes across the central United States Friday night. The storms carved a path of destruction—flattening homes, damaging businesses, and tragically taking at least 21 lives. In St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer estimated that up to 5,000 homes may have been affected. Less than 24 hours after the storms hit, Samaritan's Purse disaster response specialists were on the way to hard-hit areas. Two Disaster Relief Units—tractor-trailers stocked with tools and emergency equipment—are now en route and expected to arrive today. 'Yesterday, many families across America woke up to a trail of death and destruction after Friday night's severe tornado outbreak,' said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. 'I know these will be difficult days for many and my heart breaks for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Please join me in praying for them and for our Samaritan's Purse teams who are responding in Jesus' Name.' Tomorrow, an army of Samaritan's Purse volunteers from across the country will begin serving families by tarping roofs, clearing debris, and helping recover treasured belongings—all while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ. This tragic storm marks the organization's 15th deployment to Kentucky and 11th to Missouri to serve hurting families. The international Christian relief organization is closely monitoring weather forecasts as additional severe weather threatens the region. For the latest updates or to get involved, visit MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES Interview Edward Graham, Chief Operating Officer for Samaritan's Purse Interview Jason Kimak, Senior Director of North American Ministries for Samaritan's Purse On-the-ground interviews from Missouri and Kentucky are available upon request High-quality photos and b-roll available soon MEDIA REQUEST FORM Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse responds to physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations–especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
SAMARITAN'S PURSE DEPLOYS TO HELP FAMILIES AFTER DEADLY TORNADOES RIP THROUGH CENTRAL U.S.
BOONE, N.C., May 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Samaritan's Purse has deployed disaster response teams to Laurel County, Kentucky, and St. Louis, Missouri, after a powerful storm system unleashed deadly tornadoes across the central United States Friday night. The storms carved a path of destruction—flattening homes, damaging businesses, and tragically taking at least 21 lives. In St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer estimated that up to 5,000 homes may have been affected. Less than 24 hours after the storms hit, Samaritan's Purse disaster response specialists were on the way to hard-hit areas. Two Disaster Relief Units—tractor-trailers stocked with tools and emergency equipment—are now en route and expected to arrive today. "Yesterday, many families across America woke up to a trail of death and destruction after Friday night's severe tornado outbreak," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "I know these will be difficult days for many and my heart breaks for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Please join me in praying for them and for our Samaritan's Purse teams who are responding in Jesus' Name." Tomorrow, an army of Samaritan's Purse volunteers from across the country will begin serving families by tarping roofs, clearing debris, and helping recover treasured belongings—all while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ. This tragic storm marks the organization's 15th deployment to Kentucky and 11th to Missouri to serve hurting families. The international Christian relief organization is closely monitoring weather forecasts as additional severe weather threatens the region. For the latest updates or to get involved, visit MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES Interview Edward Graham, Chief Operating Officer for Samaritan's Purse Interview Jason Kimak, Senior Director of North American Ministries for Samaritan's Purse On-the-ground interviews from Missouri and Kentucky are available upon request High-quality photos and b-roll available soon MEDIA REQUEST FORM Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse responds to physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations–especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Samaritan's Purse Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
SAMARITAN'S PURSE DEPLOYS TO HELP FAMILIES AFTER DEADLY TORNADOES RIP THROUGH CENTRAL U.S.
BOONE, N.C., May 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Samaritan's Purse has deployed disaster response teams to Laurel County, Kentucky, and St. Louis, Missouri, after a powerful storm system unleashed deadly tornadoes across the central United States Friday night. The storms carved a path of destruction—flattening homes, damaging businesses, and tragically taking at least 21 lives. In St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer estimated that up to 5,000 homes may have been affected. Less than 24 hours after the storms hit, Samaritan's Purse disaster response specialists were on the way to hard-hit areas. Two Disaster Relief Units—tractor-trailers stocked with tools and emergency equipment—are now en route and expected to arrive today. 'Yesterday, many families across America woke up to a trail of death and destruction after Friday night's severe tornado outbreak,' said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. 'I know these will be difficult days for many and my heart breaks for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Please join me in praying for them and for our Samaritan's Purse teams who are responding in Jesus' Name.' Tomorrow, an army of Samaritan's Purse volunteers from across the country will begin serving families by tarping roofs, clearing debris, and helping recover treasured belongings—all while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ. This tragic storm marks the organization's 15th deployment to Kentucky and 11th to Missouri to serve hurting families. The international Christian relief organization is closely monitoring weather forecasts as additional severe weather threatens the region. For the latest updates or to get involved, visit MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES MEDIA REQUEST FORM Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse responds to physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations–especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Samaritan's Purse
Fox News
17-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
EXCLUSIVE: Franklin Graham dedicates homes to Hurricane Helene survivors: 'God hasn't forgotten them'
In the mountains of western North Carolina Friday, two families that lost nearly everything to Hurricane Helene stepped into brand-new homes donated by Samaritan's Purse. In an exclusive look provided to Fox News Digital, Rev. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse, dedicated the first mobile homes completed as part of a massive rebuilding effort aimed at restoring hope to families devastated by the storm. "We're grateful that they have a new home," Graham said. "But, more importantly, we want these families to know that God loves them, and He hasn't forgotten them." Graham, who grew up just down the road from Swannanoa, called it a "full-circle moment" while standing near the same stretch of land where floodwaters swept through mobile home communities last fall. "To see these families move back into a real home again ... we just thank God," he said. At the first dedication, a young mother stood on the threshold of her new home, clutching her baby and wiping away tears. Her family had been living in a cramped camper ever since their trailer was destroyed by floodwaters. Just days earlier, she had welcomed a newborn into the world. "God has provided shelter for me," she said softly. "He helped us get closer as a family. It's been such a long journey, but I kept clinging to faith and patience." She thought Samaritan's Purse might help rebuild her old trailer. What she got was something far beyond what she expected: a completely new, fully furnished home. "I didn't think they were going to bring us a new trailer," she said, her voice cracking. "But this was way better. I feel really emotional. It's hard to lose a house and all the stuff you worked hard for. But seeing this one, it brings me excitement. I'm ready for me and my family to go in and finally have our place back." Earlier that morning, another mother and her three children stepped inside their new home for the first time. Their previous mobile home had been crushed by a falling tree during the hurricane, leaving them displaced and uncertain about the future. Both homes were built with reinforced walls, weather-resistant features and a firm foundation designed to last for years. Each one came furnished and move-in ready. Every family received not only the keys to their new home but also a Bible, a gesture Graham said reflects the heart of the mission. "These are homes built by God's people, in Jesus' name," he said. "We want these families to know He hasn't turned His back on them. He loves them." Samaritan's Purse is building dozens of new homes across the region and delivering upgraded mobile units to survivors. The homes weigh 7,000 pounds more than standard models and are reinforced from top to bottom — roof, windows, walls and floors. "These homes are the first two of many," Graham said. "And we are ready to provide hundreds more if needed." Before the rebuilding began, nearly 35,000 Samaritan's Purse volunteers poured into western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. They cut down trees, cleared debris, tarped roofs and mucked out flooded homes. The ministry also conducted the largest civilian airlift in U.S. history, delivering more than 700,000 pounds of aid on 358 flights. In addition to housing, the organization has replaced hundreds of vehicles and helped thousands of families with grocery assistance and basic needs. But it's the personal moments — the quiet prayers, the tears of relief, the joy of children stepping into a bedroom again — that define the mission. "We thank everyone who gave," Graham said. "Thousands and thousands contributed. But, most of all, we thank God. Because He's the one who makes all of this possible."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP To apply for help or to volunteer, visit
