Opening Doors in Israel and Gaza

God has continually opened the right doors for Samaritan's Purse to work in the tense, war-torn region of Israel and Gaza. Our partners on the ground work tirelessly to minister to those people who are hurting, those desperately in need of true hope. Kristy Graham talked with Bev Kauffeldt and John Silkman, who are leading this response.

Bev Kauffeldt shared how miraculous it is that Samaritan’s Purse is able to work in Gaza. Two local partners are leading the effort, providing people with hygiene kits, tents, water, and more. Every day, these partners put their lives on the line to bring aid to the most vulnerable. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the immense suffering in Gaza, but Bev reminds us that God is in full control.

“God has opened up doors for us to be in Gaza through our partners. And again, that to me is a miracle.”—Bev Kauffeldt

During a recent visit to Israel, Bev was invited to a local church, and she met a woman who took the time to pray for her. Despite all the chaos and uncertainty in her own country, this woman put herself aside and listened to the Holy Spirit.

“This is a pastor's wife who has to take her kids into a bomb shelter because of attacks from Hezbollah. And for her in the midst of all of that, to be so in tune with the Spirit, I was just like, these people have such a rich, rich faith.”—Bev Kauffeldt

John Silkman, the country coordinator in Israel, gave Kristy an update on the work taking place, including ambulance centers, resilience therapy centers, an equine therapy center, and a women’s health center. Samaritan’s Purse works with 82 partners across the country, and they are building bridges in their communities.

Kristy asked John how he has witnessed God answer prayers and open the right doors at the right time. The Lord’s timing is perfect, so John and the team continue to seek opportunities to minister to those who are hurting. This requires persistence as well as patience.

“We continue to press on doors to see if they're opening or they're closed. If they're closed, we move on to something else. But it doesn't mean we forget that. We continue to watch it and, if the opportunity and the conditions are right, we'll go back to it.”—John Silkman

John and his family are living in a conflict zone—this is where faith comes in. The Silkmans are challenged as they walk in obedience. They lean on the truth that God, in His sovereign timing, will take care of them, even when there is not a clear path ahead.

Please pray for Samaritan’s Purse work in Israel and Gaza. Pray for Bev, John, and our partners on the ground in this region. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.