Ministry Update: A Conversation w/ Edward Graham

Now halfway through the year, Kristy Graham sits down with her husband, Edward Graham, to look back at God’s faithfulness over the past six months. They discuss how Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Ukraine, our work in the United States, the life-saving surgeries provided through Children’s Heart Project, and the impact to millions of children that we expect to see through another season of Operation Christmas Child.

The conversation starts with Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, Samaritan’s Purse has continued to tailor the response to meet the critical needs at hand.

“War changes and war evolves.” – Edward Graham

Edward shares how hungry families are being fed all over Ukraine, including in areas currently under siege. More than 11,200 metric tons of food have been distributed, largely through the faithful efforts of an extensive church network in Ukraine.

“It’s the church that allows us to respond so quickly and effectively.” – Edward Graham

Kristy asks Edward to share about what he witnessed first-hand during his time in Ukraine. He talks about the many pastors who are risking their lives daily to feed families and help them reach safety. He also describes the key role of aviation in this response. After 23 airlift missions, more than 547 metric tons of relief supplies have been transported into Ukraine and 240 Ukrainian refugees have been flown from Poland to safety in Canada.

Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Next, Kristy asks Edward about the U.S Disaster Relief teams who have deployed 11 times so far this year, responding to tornadoes in Oklahoma, fires in New Mexico, wind storms in Indiana, and to many other domestic disasters. Edward has traveled to many of these sites, including Mayfield, Kentucky, where the work has now transitioned into a rebuild project to restore homes for families who lost everything during last year's December tornado.

Edward also shares about Operation Christmas Child and all the work underway to prepare for the ministry's next season. This project of Samaritan’s Purse is one that is often top of mind during November and December, but the work to reach millions of children with the Good News of Jesus Christ is year-round. Last year, nearly 11 million shoeboxes were distributed worldwide through Operation Christmas Child. Edward talks about the ripple effects of these boxes bringing the Gospel to children around the world and teaching them through The Greatest Journey discipleship program what it means to walk in faith with Jesus Christ.

Finally, Edward shares that for the first time in 25 years, Children’s Heart Project will provide life-saving heart surgery for a parent and her child—a 16-year-old mother and her 16-month-old toddler. The pair will travel from Bolivia to the Grand Cayman for the surgeries this fall.

Please continue to pray for the families who have suffered greatly all over the world. Pray that the church continues to meet the needs and stays committed to sharing the love of Christ.