The Heart of a Country Director

Samaritan’s Purse has 15 country offices around the world, and within these offices, country directors play a critical role in leading and carrying out the mission of the ministry. Kristy Graham, host of On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, spoke with Edward Densham, the senior director of international projects, who serves alongside country directors. Having been a country director himself, Edward understands what it is like to be called to this key role.

Country directors ensure that the passion for the Gospel and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ are at the forefront of everything the country office does. Edward emphasized that serving in this role must be a calling from the Lord. Not only is it a great responsibility and challenge to lead, but country directors sometimes face times of danger and uncertainty. Edward shared a story of how the Niger country director, Robinson Masongo, chose to stay with his people when he was encouraged to evacuate.

“He said, ‘I was called to serve these people and I'm not running away when it’s a time with their greatest need.’ I was like, gosh, that right there is the heart of a country director. You have to be called to do it.”—Edward Densham

Edward talked about the faithfulness and diligence of Alex Kuria, who has served as country director in his home country of Kenya for 26 years. During a recent visit to international headquarters, Alex sat down with Kristy to discuss the important work taking place in Kenya and how he remains rooted in the Lord.

“It's a real privilege because I'm serving in my nation, I'm serving the people of my home country, but at the same time representing Samaritan's Purse, bringing hope to them, bringing encouragement to them.”—Alex Kuria

Barry Jessen, the country director for Cambodia, has helped to prevent trafficking, provide clean water, empower business owners, and bolster the church. Barry never pictured himself in this role, but he considers it a deep privilege to serve and work alongside his dedicated frontline staff. Barry told a story about a couple whose lives were completely transformed by God.

“The best part was that over a two-week period, all the yelling stopped, all the violence stopped, the alcohol stopped, the marriage is on track, because Jesus changes lives.”—Barry Jessen

Country directors truly become a part of the community in that country. While Edward Densham was a country director in Sudan, this was displayed to him in a way he never expected. One day, he had to flee and seek shelter from a bombing and the response of the women he came across deeply influenced him.

“I thought I was making sacrifices to come and help them. And I realized, no, they're making sacrifices for me. They're trying to help me. They're trying to protect me. And I think that has impacted me and the rest of my life.”—Edward Densham

Please pray for the country directors you heard from today and all of our other country directors who are carrying an immense amount of responsibility as they lead daily. Pray that the Lord would give them wisdom, guidance, and that the Gospel would remain the focus in their country offices. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.