A Tribute to Our National Staff

Samaritan’s Purse relies on the faithful work of over 2,000 national staff worldwide who serve their home countries and communities in Jesus’ Name. These men and women are often the unsung heroes bringing critical relief to hurting people in the midst of poverty, war, and disasters all around the world. They offer their unique skills and gifts as they humbly and joyfully provide life-saving assistance and share the hope of the Gospel.

Kristy Graham, host of On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse sits down with Edward Densham, the senior director of International Projects. Over the years, Edward has seen firsthand the impact our national staff has on our global mission in the wake of disasters. These individuals know the language and culture of our host countries and provide vital, personal connections within communities. When crisis comes or a disaster hits, the national staff have a culturally-specific and personal perspective—the communities impacted are often their own.

“Whenever I visit our field offices and see what some of the national staff are doing, it's humbling—the sacrifices they make and the lengths they're willing to go to make sure things happen.” —Edward

While covering the work of our Cambodia field office, our correspondent, Stephen, had the chance to talk with a national staff member named Sopia, who has poured her life into serving her people through Samaritan's Purse. She talked about how growing up in a vulnerable family has helped her empathize with those she helps.

“It's a special gift that God has given to me. It’s really very hard to explain, but I feel like I am doing the right job.” —Sopia“It's a special gift that God has given to me. It’s really very hard to explain, but I feel like I am doing the right job.” —Sopia

In Ukraine, it was the tireless work of local partners and national staff that enabled us to respond so quickly after war broke out. While on the ground, one of our correspondents, Melissa, was able to speak with a woman named Tanya about how God has equipped her to serve as a translator during one of her country's darkest hours.

“I have this possibility to combine both my love for languages and my love for helping people. And I could at least be somebody's mouth to translate and transition words from one person to another, which brings me joy. And I don't even know how this could happen in the times of war, but it's something that I could never even pray for.” —Tanya

Robinson served for decades in his home-country of Kenya. And after years of working as a national staff member, Robinson was recently promoted to the position of country director in a different country. Kristy and Stephen were able to talk with Robinson about how to develop a mission mindset wherever the Lord leads us.

“When you're in your own country, you understand the language, you understand the culture. And most of the time, you have the opportunity, when you have seen the light, to challenge some of the cultural practices or some of the practices that people see as normal. And that gives you a chance to be able to tell Christ to the community around you.” —Robinson

Please pray for the safety, witness, and perseverance of our national staff as they strive to live and work faithfully in their home countries. Pray for our national staff who are in dangerous areas where it is especially difficult to share the Gospel. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories on the ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.