Depending on Christ: Part 1

Join Kristy Graham, host of On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, as she talks with Kendell Kauffeldt, director of field leadership and development at Samaritan’s Purse. Kendall grew up as a missionary kid in Southern Africa, and God eventually called him back overseas with his wife, Bev. He served as country director of Liberia for 14 years where he learned how to rely on the Lord like never before. First, Kendell shares about his upbringing in the mission field and how that shaped him into who he is today. Kendell left Africa in 1988 when he graduated from high school, and he had no intention of going back. Then Kendell met Bev and, over the years, the Lord slowly softened Kendell’s heart to go back overseas.

“There was a clear sense in my heart that [God] said ‘You can’t fix poverty. You can’t fix conflict and tribalism and corruption. Leave those to me. All I want you to do is go and give one person a glass of water. Go and love one person.’” – Kendell Kauffeldt

Kendell and Bev decided they wanted to serve with Samaritan’s Purse because of the focused mission: helping in Jesus’ Name. The couple applied in 2004, and they were sent to Liberia where Kendell served as the country director in the wake of civil crisis.

“Anything that we did in Liberia under my leadership was not because of my education or my experience. It was truly just God and His grace.” – Kendell Kauffeldt

Over time, Kendell and his team got to work on many different livelihood projects in Liberia. Momentum built, and they were able to hire new staff who were also missional about the Gospel. Before he knew it, the country office staff in Liberia grew from two people to over 300 team members.

Kendell did not know what was ahead, but he knew that the Lord was directing his steps. He was preparing Kendell for the Ebola outbreak that would hit in 2014.

Listen to part two of this conversation now at samaritanspurse.org/listen where Kendell talks about the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, and how God is continuing to grow his faith in his new role.

Please pray for our country offices all around the world that are being the hands of feet of Jesus in crisis. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories on the ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.