Legacy of Faithfulness: North American Ministries

In the 20+ years Samaritan’s Purse has been responding to disasters in the U.S., Luther Harrison has been a visionary leader. Host Kristy Graham chats with Luther to hear about how North American Ministries has grown over the years and about the importance of serving our neighbors domestically.

A key part of North American Ministries is preparation in order to respond at a moment’s notice. Adapting to unforeseen weather and repeated disasters requires a team of thousands of volunteers, staff, and donors.

“We’re very nomadic. When the storm happens, we go.” —Luther Harrison

Luther shares how amazing it is to see past disaster victims that Samaritan’s Purse has served join our response teams and give back. These volunteers have the unique ability to talk to the storm survivors and truly empathize with them. Several volunteers state what motivates them to serve these hurting families.

“It’s not just a case of clearing out the debris, but helping them build a new home to live in. We’ve got an excellent group of trained staff here who know what they’re doing— they know how to teach us volunteers what we’re doing, but more than that they love the Lord. They love serving. And that’s why we’re here with our church.” — U.S. Disaster Relief volunteer, serving in western Kentucky

The U.S. Disaster Relief ministry has grown from a small carport in North Carolina, to equipment and staff in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; Coppell, Texas; and Fullerton, California.

Partnership with the local church has been crucial in this growth over the past 20 years. Luther explains the role of the church in a disaster response. Samaritan’s Purse always presents homeowners with Bibles and the hope of the Gospel, yet it is the local church that will be ministering to these communities long after Samaritan’s Purse volunteers leave. As Luther explains, “God is the ultimate guide of getting the right people to the right person.”

Kristy and Luther end by sharing a few ways to pray for North American Ministries, Samaritan’s Purse, and volunteers and families devastated by disasters. There is always a need, and always a way to respond in Jesus’ Name.