Show Notes
Kristy Graham, host of On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, sits down with Michael W. Smith to hear more about his involvement with the ministry. He is one of Christian music’s most beloved musicians, and he’s been connected to Samaritan’s Purse for nearly two decades.
Recently, Smith led worship at Operation Christmas Child’s Global Connect Conference. He has traveled the world with Samaritan’s Purse—handing out shoebox gifts, serving people after disasters, and leading worship.
In this conversation, listeners will get a chance to know Smith more personally as they discuss his most memorable moment handing out Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, his service with U.S. Disaster Relief, and the importance of memorizing Scripture.
“I’ve traveled the world with Franklin [Graham], and I’ve handed out a lot of shoeboxes, and it never gets old. The whole thing has changed my life.” – Michael W. Smith
He shares that it’s hard to put into words the impact that millions of shoebox gifts have made on children over the years, and it’s something we won’t fully be able to comprehend this side of heaven.
“I tell my kids, you know that you can be missionaries in your own living room as you pack [shoeboxes] and as you pray. And you’re sending this out to the ends of the earth.” – Kristy Graham
Smith also shares personally about his struggle with depression and how Scripture has shaped him. His pastor challenged him to memorize Scripture, and even though this does not come naturally to him, he has disciplined himself to study and memorize entire chapters of the Bible.
He also shares the history of the song Way Maker, and how God used it to change his family’s life. It was released at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it became an anthem for many Christians during a time of much uncertainty.
“People literally hung onto that song for dear life, and I think it’s saved a lot of people from being desperate. And it’s just a reminder—I don’t feel like I preach anything new honestly—I’m just reminding people of what the Gospel says, of what the Book says, and I believe He is a Way Maker.” – Michael W. Smith
The episode closes with ways to pray for Smith as he continues to minister to people around the globe.
Michael W. Smith, a multi-platinum artist and a household name in Christian music, joins Kristy Graham to share more about how he has partnered with Samaritan’s Purse over nearly two decades of ministry. Before leading worship at the organization’s Global Connect Conference, he shares his anticipation for the celebratory event and how God has worked over the years.
Resources
- Volunteer with North American Ministries
- Volunteer with Operation Christmas Child
- Hear the excitement of Operation Christmas Child volunteers as they prepared to celebrate the 200 millionth shoebox with Michael W. Smith
- Listen to Mission of Hope: Delivering the 200 Millionth Shoebox to Ukraine
- Learn more about Michael W. Smith and listen to his song, Way Maker