Depending on Christ: Part 2

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. In the second part of this conversation, Kendell shares about what it was like when Ebola hit in 2014. The first weeks of the outbreak were tense and scary. Many organizations left as the disease spread to the capital city of Monrovia, but Samaritan’s Purse stayed. Instead of leaving the country, more staff and volunteers answered the call and came to fight Ebola with Samaritan’s Purse.

“[Ebola] just spread. It was a perfect storm.” – Kendell Kauffeldt“[Ebola] just spread. It was a perfect storm.” – Kendell Kauffeldt

Kendell reflects on the fear he and his staff felt as they took on the daunting task of containing and treating Ebola. Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol both contracted Ebola while serving, which eventually led to the development of a vaccine. He talks about how their stories are a testament of the Lord’s faithfulness.

“God was faithful. When I look at the big picture, that’s what I see.” – Kendell Kauffeldt

When the fear felt overwhelming, Kendell leaned on the truth of the Bible and the encouragement from his staff. He still looks back amazed at how staff members selflessly laid down their lives while treating those with Ebola.

Today, Kendell is the director of field leadership development at International Headquarters. Through this role, he equips and provides mentorship for Samaritan’s Purse leaders living overseas. He continues to tell the story of all that God has done to encourage others in their faith.

Please pray for Kendell as he gives guidance to leaders at Samaritan’s Purse. And pray for our staff as they lead during difficult times. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories on the ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.