Invited In

Haley Stewart, a nurse at Annoor Sanatorium in Jordan, sits down with Melissa Strickland to share how God called her to the Middle East. They discuss surrendered obedience and the faithfulness of God.

Ron Wilcox, Chief Operating Officer, and his wife Susan join Kristy Graham for a conversation about living intentionally. They share wisdom from their 48 years of marriage and the importance of cultivating a life of prayer.

Mark Lang, Director of Operations and Facilities at Samaritan Lodge Alaska, sits down with Kristy Graham to share more about how God uniquely called him to serve with Samaritan's Purse. This encouraging conversation serves as a reminder that God prepares you for what He has called you to do.

Kaye Martin, a Samaritan's Purse member care manager, shares how her team's role is to serve and support fellow staff members as they work in difficult places around the world. Be encouraged as Kristy Graham and Kaye talk about serving in Jesus' Name and focusing on God instead of the circumstances.

When Samaritan's Purse staff were asked to help in unexpected ways as a result of the pandemic, worker shortages, and supply chain issues, they rose to the challenge and served selflessly. Kristy Graham sits down with Jim Harrelson, vice president of Operation Christmas Child, to reflect on God's faithfulness, and she also hears from staff across the ministry who had the opportunity to serve for several weeks in a new department.

“Samaritan's Purse has built a bridge for the church to reconnect with families that we didn't have before,” said Pastor Brad Morris of First Assembly Mayfield. In Pastor Brad's conversation with Kendra Bandy, one of our podcast team members, he shares how his hometown is turning to God in the months after the tornadoes last December. As he and his church congregation look to Easter, they're seeing hope in the midst of heartache and God's love in the middle of their sorrow.

After recently returning from Ukraine, senior director of communications Melissa Strickland gave a powerful message in Samaritan's Purse staff devotions. She shares stories of God's faithfulness that she witnessed on the ground through the Disaster Assistance Response Team and families they helped in the war-torn area and surrounding countries.

Many of you know Dr. Steve Hagen, who is one of our primary care doctors at the on-site Wake Forest Baptist Health clinic at the Samaritan's Purse headquarters in Boone. Dr. Hagen is providing care and comfort to patients in Lviv, Ukraine, with our Disaster Assistance Response Team. He shares how God called him to serve during conflict, what he's witnessing on the ground, and ways to pray for the Ukrainian people and Samaritan's Purse teams.

“When we go into this warzone, God is with us. Even more than that, God is in us. The resurrection power of Jesus Christ is in us,” shares John Freyler, a regional member care manager. Kristy had the opportunity to sit down with him just hours before he boarded the DC-8 flight with the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in response to the Ukraine crisis. John and Kristy talk about how the Samaritan's Purse member care team seeks to provide emotional and spiritual help to the DART as they serve in Jesus' Name.

Just after attending the annual March for Life, Todd and Kim Chasteen sit down with Kristy Graham to talk about the Samaritan's Purse involvement with pro-life advocacy. The Chasteens share about their personal experience at the March, impact of the Roe v. Wade decision, and God's design for human life. This episode will bring you on the ground to hear the joyful sounds of the March as we continue to pray for the protection of unborn children.

Listen to how the Christmas Eve meal in Kentucky all came together with the help of our food services team! Read harrowing stories from homeowners who lost everything in the deadly tornadoes.

In the final episode of our adoption series, Kristy speaks with Chris Johnston, the assistant director for Donor Ministries. Chris and his wife, Julianna, have been married for 14 years. They have five biological children and four adopted children. Chris reveals how the Lord placed adoption on his heart and how his faith has grown. “This is what God has called us to do,” Chris shares. “He's going to equip us to do it day after day, and still have the strength to do it with patience—even if my heart isn't where it needs to be.”

“I just love sitting back and watching God move,” shares Michelle Waters, who serves as a brand and production manager for Operation Christmas Child. “It has been an incredible joy to see Him work through me and my community.” In the third part of our adoption series, Michelle shares what led her to be a foster parent as a single woman, how God has shifted her heart, and her gratitude towards others in the process.

“I think it was a really deepening experience as we started walking through the process just to say, ‘We don't have what we need right now. But God, we trust that you're going to show up and help us through this next step,'” shared Lynn Windmeyer. Lynn's husband, Tim, has been with the ministry for 19 years and currently serves as an International Senior Advisor at Samaritan's Purse. In this episode of our adoption series, Tim and Lynn share what prompted them to adopt and how they relied on the Lord throughout the process.

“I think the hardest part is saying yes and starting the process,” Kristy Graham shares to kick off our series during Orphan Awareness Month. “Once you start it, God starts softening your heart.” In this first special of our adoption series, Kristy and Edward Graham share their adoptive story: balancing the challenges that came in the process while leaning on God's grace and compassion. The Grahams were thrilled to adopt their son from China after waiting patiently for the Lord's perfect timing.

If you'd like to dig deeper into your Christian faith, please visit the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association‘s website to learn more about God's love for you.

Kristy has the rare opportunity to sit down with Dr. Stephen Foster, a third-generation missionary serving in Angola, Africa. As one of the only medical care providers in the region, Dr. Foster shares powerful stories of how the Lord has used his time in the field to provide hope and healing. Show NotesIf you'd like to learn more about Dr. Stephen Foster and the remarkable work God is doing through him, you can read “Benefits of Steel,” which was written by his nephew, Michael Hoskin. You can also hear more about the life-changing work of his father, Dr. Robert Foster, in the book “Sword and Scalpel,” by Lorry Lutz.

“I think it's incredible and encouraging that the God who is taking care of our staff in the field is the same God who is taking care of our families back home,” shares Bryan Siceloff. Bryan is a producer in the broadcast department, who experiences both the challenges and rewards that come with frequent travel for work. In this episode, Bryan shares with Kristy how he involves his wife and children in his missions, navigates family-life away from home, and deals with the hardships that come while on the ground.

-  Watch Billy Graham's 9/11 Message at the National Cathedral only days following the attacks. -  Call the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) 24-hour Prayer Line at 888-388-2683, if you'd like prayer and support during this somber 9/11 anniversary.Show NotesSeptember 11, 2001, marks the solemn day when the United States experienced the worst terrorist attack on our own soil. On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse is pausing to reflect, honor, and remember those who were lost on 9/11, as well as those that served and gave their lives while protecting our nation's freedom in the wars that followed. Kristy Graham opens the episode with her thoughts and condolences regarding the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. She tells listeners that her hope and prayer through this remembrance is that the United States can once again be united. Kristy then shares her grandfather-in-law Billy Graham's address to the country at the National Cathedral. On September 14, 2001, just three days after the terrorist attacks, he preached a powerful message to a hurting nation—reminding us all that there's hope for the future because of God's promises.  “My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around us, and that as we trust in Him we will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us.” – Billy Graham, 9/11 Message

Kristy Graham sits down with Cindy Rutz, the Vice President of Human Resources, to hear about the God-centered heart behind Samaritan's Purse: its employees. Cindy shares how God faithfully drew her to the ministry—sharing key differences and similarities between working in a Christian and secular workplace.

In the winter of 2019, Samaritan's Purse invited Christian apologist and homicide detective J. Warner Wallace to speak at devotions. His message is still relevant and applicable today as he shares his testimony—bolstering listeners to share, demonstrate, and defend their faith. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”Please visit J. Warner Wallace's website to learn more about his ministry and testimony. The books below are authored by J. Warner Wallace if you'd like a closer look: “Cold Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels” “Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith” “God's Crime Scene: A Cold-Case Detective Examines the Evidence for a Divinely Created Universe”

What does obedient faith look like in your life? For Justin and Cassandra Daggett, serving in the Post-Residency Program with Samaritan's Purse World Medical Mission, it looked like doing medical missions overseas in Kenya—just two years after accepting Christ. In an encouraging conversation from Kijabe, Kenya, the Daggetts speak by Zoom with Kristy Graham. They discuss their testimony, God's prompting to apply to the program, and their family life in Kijabe.

"The Lord's got our back. Being in Colombia was a specific call and desire of our heart, so then it was like an adventure. You get excited to wake up every day and say, 'Lord, I need you,'" said Eric Huxley, the country director for our international field office in Colombia. He and his wife, Dejah, recently sat down with Kristy Graham while visiting the Samaritan's Purse International Headquarters in Boone, North Carolina. The Huxleys shared about their experience navigating the throes of COVID-19 while leaning on a steadfast God. With honesty and perspective, they recall being strengthened by the Lord as their family served Venezuelan refugees in the midst of a difficult year.

“The same God who changed their lives in Alaska is the same God that's going to help them through whatever mountains they're climbing at home,” shares Greg Duvall, the chaplain manager for Operation Heal Our Patriots (OHOP). Greg and his wife Shawna sit down with Kristy after their recent trip to Port Alsworth, Alaska, where they shared God's love with wounded veterans and their spouses. The Duvalls dive deeper into how God has blessed 10 years of the OHOP ministry, ways they've grown in relationship with the alumni, and how they continually pray for His guidance.

“We think of the millions, but in the Lord's eyes, it's one heart, one soul, and one child,” says Jim Harrelson, the Vice President of Operation Christmas Child. He and Kristy Graham talk about how God has raised His people to come together and serve in His Name through the ministry. After nearly 28 years of seeing God's heart through delivering gift-filled shoeboxes, they discuss how Operation Christmas Child has grown while maintaining the same mission of sharing God's love with children in need.

For over 40 years, Dr. Richard Bransford and his wife Millie have served faithfully in the mission field. As long-time partners with Samaritan's Purse, they've been involved for decades with World Medical Mission at Kijabe hospital and helped support the very first Disaster Assistance Response Teams. Their conversation with Kristy covers stories from the field, lessons through years of marriage, and wisdom to trust God where He leads.

This Memorial Day, we’re honoring the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom by sharing a few names that represent many. Kristy shares hope-filled scripture and encourages listeners to pray for each Gold Star family by name. Join Melissa Strickland, a member of the podcast team and Senior Director of Communications, in prayer for families and friends who have lost a loved one in combat.

“For mothers everywhere, I pray that they would know that God is with them, God is good, His plans for them are good, and He is with them,” Bethany Gilley shared with Kristy in this special Mother’s Day episode. Bethany lives in Honduras with her husband Nathan, who is serving with Samaritan’s Purse in the World Medical Mission Post-Residency Program. She and Kristy discuss how she’s learning to engage with the Lord, support her working husband, and cultivate a Godly environment for her four children.

In the coming months, Daniel and Jessica Ruiz are moving their family to Liberia to continue to serve with Samaritan’s Purse. Kristy has the opportunity to hear their story as they share how God has equipped and prepared them for this new role. Listen as the Ruizes recount God’s goodness after serving in multiple capacities over seven years in ministry.

“His heart was for us before there was ever a human being on the planet,” said Greg Duvall. Greg serves as the educational and discipleship manager for Operational Heal Our Patriots. He shares a thoughtful message in staff devotions about Paul’s letter to the Ephesians—reminding us that we should embrace the spiritual blessings we have in Christ.

“Even when things around seem so broken and feel so hopeless, there is a hope we can cling on to, and Easter is the reminder of that hope,” shares Mark Bennett, the country director in South Sudan. This Good Friday, we are reminded of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Join Kristy as she talks with the Samaritan’s Purse team in South Sudan about how they traditionally celebrate the coming of Easter.

“Despite all the difficulties, the challenges, and the terrorism that's very real all around us, it's a season we're reminded to pick our eyes up and look to Jesus,” says Matthew Nowery, the country director in Iraq. In this special Easter episode, Kristy calls the Samaritan’s Purse team in Iraq to hear about how they focus on the cross amidst the turmoil in their country. Their conversation dives deeper into the ways they celebrate Easter through days of shared worship, feasts, prayer, and parades.

“I’ve seen people’s lives changed because of clean water,” Ken Issacs, the vice president for programs and government relations, told Kristy in today’s episode. World Water Day, recognized on March 22, sheds light on the nearly 2.2 billion people without access to safe water. In this engaging episode surrounding water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Ken shares about the devastating impact that lack of clean water has on a community, his background in well-drilling, and initiatives Samaritan’s Purse is implementing to provide clean water around the world.

It’s the final episode of our Valentine’s Day series! Kristy sits down with newlyweds Dave and Erin Holzhauer as they talk about balancing marriage and work. Dave is the Director of International Response while Erin serves as a Clinical Operations Specialist. Their conversation covers seeking God in singleness, laying down expectations, and advice for traveling spouses.

For the second episode of our Valentine’s Day series, Kristy invites David and Beth Thompson to talk about working in the ministry while being married and raising three kids. David serves as the Senior Director for Operation Christmas Child International, while Beth serves as the Medical Program Specialist for cleft lip and palate programming. Their conversation is filled with honesty, humor, and insight for all stages of life.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Kristy sits down with couples across the ministry to hear how God is continually directing their marriages. First up in our series is Luther and Michelle Harrison, who have been married for over 20 years. Luther is the Vice President for North American Ministries and Michelle serves as the Administrative & Special Projects Manager for Communications. We know you’ll enjoy their wisdom, stories, and laughter as they reminisce on their commitment to God and one another.

Steve Nickel, the Vice President for Donor Ministries, began serving at Samaritan’s Purse only four months before the September 11 attacks. Since then, he has witnessed God’s overflowing abundance through the ministry’s faithful donors. Kristy and Steve’s conversation is full of Scripture, encouragement, and wisdom to lean on Christ through difficult seasons.

As we begin a new year, Kristy shares verses from the Bible she’s been reflecting on to find refuge in God’s strength. Listen as she shares Biblical truths from Scripture.

As we step into the new year, Kristy sits down with Erin Gallagher to talk about what it’s like to lean on God after being stripped of earthly possessions. In November 2018, she and her family lost everything in the Camp Fire—California’s most destructive wildfire. Tune in to hear how God renewed her faith, how the community is being restored, and how their church is giving back.

Are you struggling to find hope this Christmas season? Jodie Tosh, who has worked in seven global offices with Samaritan’s Purse, talks with Kristy about putting her trust in God through difficult seasons, including COVID-19. She shares Biblical wisdom in how to keep Jesus as our focus and gives practical advice on creating joy through Christmas traditions.

Kristy shares one of her family’s Thanksgiving traditions—using Scrabble pieces to encourage you to think of what you are grateful for. Enjoy hearing what the staff of Samaritan’s Purse is thankful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

At our Samaritan’s Purse Blowing Rock Training Center, Kristy Graham sits down with Luis Anda, a regional chaplain with Operation Heal Our Patriots. She and Lou talk about what he learned after serving in two different military branches, how he overcomes challenges with God’s help, and Biblical truths to lean on in times of adversity.

Our Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) helps make Samaritan’s Purse medical ministries possible. Kristy Graham speaks with Kelly Sites, a nurse on our DART, to hear how she has deployed to over 17 disaster zones in a decade of serving with Samaritan’s Purse. She shares with Kristy how she became involved with the ministry, how her faith has been challenged, and how she continues to pour into her family while being able to deploy for weeks at a time.

The Samaritan’s Purse family lost a dear sister in Christ and friend in Lina Freyler. In remembrance, Kristy replays thoughts from Susan Wilcox from a previous Invited In episode and shares a past devotion from John Freyler about abiding in Christ by running the race set before us.

Kristy calls Tom O’Brien, a regional program manager for U.S. Disaster Relief, while he’s at an active worksite in Santa Cruz, CA. Tom spent most of his career serving with the California fire department. Now he is working on the other side of the wildfires, leading volunteer teams to serve homeowners who lost everything in the flames. Tom tells the stories of how God is working daily through volunteers while giving his perspective into the major wildfires blazing the west coast.

In the midst of responding to Hurricane Laura, Chandler Saylors, an assistant program manager for U.S. Disaster Relief, talks with Kristy over the phone. Kristy asks Chandler about God’s calling on her life, then dives deeper into how Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Louisiana.

“Though there are so many unknowns, we have hope in an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God who will ground us,” said Cathy Njoya. Cathy serves as the director of strategic partnerships with donor ministries. She shares a powerful message in staff devotions about Elisha’s faith in 2 Kings 6—reminding us that if we put our hope in God, He will sustain us.

Are you in search of God’s Truth through current tensions brought by COVID-19? Kristy Graham sits down with Rachael Mills, the director of brand development for Operation Christmas Child, to talk about God’s provision for parents during this season. Their Scripture-filled conversation dives deep into finding peace amidst turmoil, seeking Holy wisdom, and recognizing our need for the Father in every moment.

Have you ever wondered what it takes for Samaritan’s Purse to launch a new affiliate office? Hear from Chris Weeks, Samaritan’s Purse employee of over 20 years, who is now the Executive Director for Samaritan’s Purse South Korea. Kristy Graham asks him about the logistics of launching the new location, moving forward in the midst of the coronavirus, and God’s faithfulness to open doors for the team.

What’s it like to grow up as a “ministry kid”? Tune in to this week’s episode featuring Elliott Willis, an assistant program manager for US disaster relief and son of Bryan Willis. Kristy and Elliott dive deeper into God’s calling on his life, service in US disaster relief, and growing up in the ministry.

Kristy Graham sits down with Bryan Willis, the Vice President of Special Events to hear his insight after serving nearly 38 years. They talk about the early days at Samaritan’s Purse, how the ministry has grown, and God’s hand of blessing over each department.