Latest news with #Samaritan'sPurse
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
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." Zelensky Sheds Details On Meeting With Vance, Rubio In Rome After Russia Peace Talks Stall 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." Read On The Fox News App 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. On Third Anniversary Of Ukraine Invasion, European Leaders Show Support, Express Unease 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 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. 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."Original article source: Franklin Graham meets with Zelenskyy in Berlin, offers prayer as Russia-Ukraine war escalates
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Samaritan's Purse aids north STL families post-tornado
ST. LOUIS – North St. Louis families are struggling to recover one week after a deadly tornado tore through the St. Louis area. Disaster relief group Samaritan's Purse is offering emergency repairs and much-needed hope to those impacted. 'We're a Christian organization that helps with poverty, helps people in disasters (and) wartime,' said Jodie Yoder. One of those families is the Griffin family. Their roof was ripped off in the storm, leaving their home exposed to the elements. Today, they're getting emergency repairs—and emotional support. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'I needed assistance,' said Charles Griffin. 'And so I gave them the information that's needed in order for them to start on the property. And they did. And now they're getting it done. So this was a blessing in disguise.' The organization is committed to staying in St. Louis for as long as it takes to meet the community's need. 'It's catastrophic. There's lots of damage, lots of homes that are totally destroyed, roofs that are ripped off and, you know, sadly, loss of life here. So we want to be here to support the community and to just love on them, let them know that Jesus loves them, that we love them, and that they aren't forgotten,' Yoder said. If you or someone you know needs help, Samaritan's Purse has set up a mobile response unit in north St. Louis. Call 833-747-1234 to speak with a Samaritan's Purse Representative Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kentucky communities begin disaster relief, emotional support after tornado
LONDON, Ky. (WATE) — Disaster relief and clean up continued Monday in Laurel County, Kentucky after a tornado touched down in the area late Friday night. At one of the distribution centers for disaster relief in London, residents volunteered to help sort and hand out supplies to those in need. Among them was Angela Sergent, who said they had felt an overwhelming amount of support. 'The whole town honestly, not just churches, but people just everywhere really showed up and it's been humbling,' she said. Beshear confirms at least 19 dead after Kentucky storms Being from the area, Sergent said while she was one of the lucky ones, her community has been devastated by this tornado. 'Our neighbors are just, they're suffering,' she said. 'You go by and you see people picking up their life in a garbage bag. You know that this is really just unbelievable. I mean I really don't even have the words.' At the Calvary London Baptist Church, senior pastor Jamie Maxey said they have deployed over 100 volunteers. 'We've had just here alone calls from probably 6 or 8 different states of people that want to come in looking for places to park campers and things like that,' he said. Laurel County sheriff gives list of locations providing resources for tornado victims Maxey said members of his church have died and been displaced. They are working to help people with both their physical and spiritual needs, partnering with the international relief team Samaritan's Purse. 'The devastation from just the mental part of that has been very difficult and hard,' said Maxey. 'So what we're trying to do is just minister to them and get them the immediate needs that they have, we're just trying to help them get their footing underneath them right now and kind of get them started on the next step of their life.' While they are trying to help people into that next step, Sergent said the community will continue to need support. Did weather service staffing cuts impact tornado warnings for Kentuckians? Beshear weighs in 'We're trying to focus on the needs as of right now and then the needs as it goes on, because this is going to be an ongoing deal,' she said. 'It's not just meeting the need today. They're going to have needs continually throughout this whole process.' Currently, she said they are in need of tarps as they expect to get more rain this week. However, she also added they are still assessing the needs in the community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Volunteers come to rescue of Camp Barnabas after April storm
Camp Barnabas is known as a place that has shown love to people with special needs for more than 30 years, but after an April storm, it was the camp's turn to be loved. 'I know what we mean to other people, but it's been cool to be on the receiving end of that love,' said Abby Smith, marketing director at Camp Barnabas. 'It's been great for our staff to feel the purpose of our mission.' Located near Purdy, the Christian summer camp has been welcoming campers since 1994. Campers are individuals ages 7 and up with a variety of diagnoses — developmental and physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, autism spectrum disorder, cancer, hemophilia, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, amputated limbs, atypically formed limbs, visual impairment, hearing impairment, spina bifida and more. Campers never age out of Camp Barnabas. It hosts campers 50 to 60 years old who have been coming for decades. There are nine weeks of camp, each tailored toward a specific age group and diagnosis. Smith said staff members want to provide an incredible week for campers, but the camp also provides an important respite for families and caregivers. On April 29, the 120-acre camp was struck by straight-line winds of 80 to 90 mph from a storm traveling through Newton and Barry counties. A few people were at the camp, but there were no injuries. Smith said there was extensive tree damage, with around 70 trees downed, and three of their camper cabins were damaged by falling trees. Bernadette Losh, Camp Barnabas CEO, was just arriving at the camp that morning. She said she tried to punch in the code to the front gate and then retreated to her car to ride out the storm. Once the storm passed, she got a first look at the damage. Staff members were facing crunch time anyway as they prepared for summer camp, and the cleanup on top of that seemed like too much. 'The more we looked around camp and saw damage, I did think for a moment we wouldn't be able to get all of this done in time for our campers,' Losh said. 'But we had volunteers arriving almost immediately, people started coming just within hours after the storm. That really gave me hope and a reminder that God is bigger.' Initial concern extended to campers and their families as well. On social media immediately after the storm, campers expressed their worry the camp wouldn't open. Calls and messages followed. Losh said nothing was going to stop them from fulfilling the promise to their campers to open for the summer. They had a brief moment of defeat, and then staff went into rally mode. The response included around 400 volunteers and 40 groups, including Samaritan's Purse, Missouri Disaster Relief, churches and businesses. Arvest Bank brought a grill to feed volunteers. After their initial worry, campers took to social media and started encouraging helpers, cheering them on as they moved trees and expressing thanks. 'It was so cool to see the camper response on social media,' Smith said. 'We were excited to tell them we were going to open on time, and the volunteers have shown up.' Camp Barnabas is opening as scheduled June 1. Tree debris has been cleared and put into a 9-foot-high pile at the back of the camp. The cabins are the last of the repairs to be done and those roofs will be repaired this week. 'There was a day when I looked out from the office and there was literally a line of trucks with trailers here,' Losh said. 'I just stood there crying because where did they come from and how did they just take off work? If it wasn't for the people who gave their time and energy, we wouldn't be ready for campers.' The support and volunteer response from the area remind them of the importance of their mission, Smith said. The camp office has been inundated with calls of support and prayer. A camper even called and sang 'Amazing Grace' to the staff. For Losh, the recovery effort was all about the campers. She said many campers have countdowns to the first day of camp that they update on social media. They post 10 days until camp, sometimes even 365 days until camp. 'To watch that number tick down, they've been waiting for a year,' Losh said. 'Camp is so important to them. When they pull in and they're hanging out the car window waving to us and their cars are painted, that's why we're here.'
