Franklin Graham and 41 Gifts of Hope

Christmas is just a month away. In this episode, we’re focusing on the many ways you can bless others during the holiday season.

For over 20 years, Samaritan’s Purse has been identifying the greatest needs around the world to compile a catalog of gifts. This year’s Christmas Catalog has 41 gifts of hope. From clean water to rescuing children in crisis or building a church — every single gift provides physical relief with the purpose of sharing God’s love.

On The Ground With Samaritan’s Purse host Kristy Graham talks with Franklin Graham and the directors of Samaritan’s Purse international country offices to explore the diverse needs around the world.

First, Kristy sits down for a casual conversation with Franklin Graham. Franklin, president of Samaritan’s Purse, shares some of his favorite items as he flips through the 2022 Christmas Catalog. He’s seen the effects of the gifts throughout the world, including the healing brought through the gift of mending a child’s heart with Children’s Heart Project. Franklin explains just how meaningful it is for these children to have access to life-saving surgeries.

Matt Nowery, country director of Iraq, adds how he’s seen these heart surgeries impacting families in the Middle East.

“Iraq lacks the necessary equipment to conduct these lifesaving surgeries. Through our Children’s Heart Project, we’re able to identify those who require immediate medical intervention and provide them with the necessary surgery.” — Matt Nowery

Smaller gifts also give needed hope. Franklin shares how soft toys bring comfort to children living in bomb shelters in Ukraine. Simple provisions like a warm blanket show the care of Jesus.

Ryan Lane, country director of Ukraine, elaborates on the greatest needs in the red-zone areas. Blankets are a matter of survival for hundreds of people whose electricity is shut off because of the war. Winterization kits, food, and blankets provide an opportunity to tangibly love people and exemplify the love of Jesus.

“We’re not just there to provide aid. We’re there to provide aid with the love of Christ in mind and in act.” —Ryan Lane

Next, Kristy and Franklin dig into some of the other gifts in this year’s Christmas Catalog, including supporting missionary doctors and sponsoring military couples to attend marriage enrichment courses through the ministry of Operation Heal Our Patriots. Kristy encourages listeners to pray through the Christmas Catalog and the needs represented there.

Finally, Barry Jessen, country director of Cambodia, shares about how the gifts are used in Cambodia. He highlights several of the greatest needs there, including anti-human trafficking initiatives, and clean water and filtration projects. In Cambodia alone, donations toward the clean water initiatives have helped build and distribute more than 2,000 household water filters this year. This touches the lives of nearly 10,000 people there.

Barry explains how without clean water, people are easily trapped in a cycle of poverty.

“The dry seasons here are so crushing. People end up drinking dirty water and getting sick. Kids can’t get to school, parents can’t work…Wells give you reliable access to clean water all year, and it is clear and pure and it changes a community’s life.” —Barry Jessen

Kristy closes with encouragement from Scripture, pointing out that it is God who ultimately saves the world. These earthly gifts are tangible expressions of a love that won’t fade away with time.

“The power of the Gospel allows our partners to shine and offer hope through these physical gifts.” —Kristy Graham

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” —2 Corinthians 4:6