On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse

Latest Episodes:

Plane Hijacked in Africa: The Pilot’s Story Part 1 Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

When someone put a gun in his face, a pilot named Jim had a choice—he could either let fear take over or he could trust Jesus with his life. As Jim’s plane was hijacked in Africa, the Lord brought Scriptures back to his mind and reminded him that there is power in the Name of Jesus. Hear from Jim Streit, who was in the air, and from Matt Olson, who was on the ground in North Carolina, about how God came through in a mighty way.

Resources:

Listen to “From Brokenness to Redemption: Never Too Far from God’s Love” to hear a longtime Samaritan’s Purse volunteer, Dennis Robinson’s, powerful testimony.
Hear Part 2 of this story now!

From Brokenness to Redemption: Never Too Far from God’s Love Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

Dennis Robinson has served on more than 75 North American Disaster Relief deployments with Samaritan’s Purse in his 75 years, but all of those have taken place in the past 18 years of his life after many years of being lost. Hear his story of brokenness, redemption, and God’s unfailing love even in the darkest parts of life.

Resources:

Learn more about current opportunities to serve with North American Disaster Relief
Listen to “God Goes Before Us” to hear how our North American Disaster Relief teams are seeing God’s love in the aftermath of a winter storm.

God Goes Before Us Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

After a major winter storm wreaked havoc across the Southeast, hundreds of thousands were left without power and with extensive damage to their homes. From just days after the storm to even now as the ice thaws, our North American Disaster Relief teams have been on the ground helping homeowners in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Hear from those serving and those being helped about what it has been like to see God’s love amid the crisis. And you don’t want to miss an incredible story from a pastor, who saw the Lord at work through a divine appointment.

Resources:

Led By Compassion: Kijabe Hospital Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Come with Kristy Graham to the picturesque hills of Kenya, where Kijabe Hospital is located. As one of Samaritan’s Purse World Medical Mission partner hospitals, Kijabe remains faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hear from Edward Densham—who grew up at Kijabe and has witnessed its growth over the years—as he talks about how God created in him a heart for service and mission work on those very grounds.

Resources:

Learn more about World Medical Mission.
Listen to “Why Should We Hurt When Others Are Hurting?” to hear from Jeremy Zerkle, a staff chaplain with Samaritan’s Purse.

Why Should We Hurt When Others Are Hurting? Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

If you’re reading the news headlines and you find yourself tired or overwhelmed by the pain and suffering in our world, you’re not alone. Many Christians are struggling to figure out how to grieve with compassion for the number of disasters plaguing communities near and far. Kristy Graham sits down with Jeremy Zerkle to talk about why Christians should care when others are hurting.

Resources:

Listen to our episode with Jeremy’s wife about her work as a licensed counselor and how she addresses compassion fatigue, burnout, and suffering in the world through her profession and as a follower of Christ.
Listen to “A Journey Up the Amazon River” to hear the incredible story of bringing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to an isolated ethnic group in Peru.

A Journey Up the Amazon River Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Take a trip with Kristy Graham to the ends of the earth where a team delivers Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to an unreached people group deep in the jungles of Peru. For the first time the Chapra people hear the Gospel in their heart language, opening the door for future generations to learn about Jesus.

Resources:

Learn more about Operation Christmas Child and how you can get involved.
Watch how the Gospel changed an isolated Amazon village forever.
Listen to “Trusting God: A Conversation with Ken Isaacs” to hear how God has enabled Ken to run into the fire throughout his life.

Trusting God: A Conversation with Ken Isaacs Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Hear how God used a well driller with no international experience or college degrees to accomplish His purposes around the world. Ken Isaacs has served with Samaritan’s Purse for decades and today leads our international relief efforts. Kristy recently sat down with him to hear how God continues to direct his steps, enabling him to run to the fire. It may not be an easy path, but God can use you in mighty ways when you are willing to say yes.

Resources:

Ken Isacc’s new book, Running to the Fire is available for purchase here. You can also find it on Audible.
Learn more about the Disaster Assistance Response Team.
Listen to “Beyond the Church Walls: Serving in Your Community” to be challenged in your service for Christ.

Beyond the Church Walls: Serving in Your Community Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

As we begin a new year, join Kristy Graham as she hears testimonies of how churches are taking bold steps to serve their communities in unique ways, that are bringing people to salvation in Jesus Christ. This episode challenges listeners to look for ways to increase their acts of service outside the walls of their church.

Resources:

Learn more about becoming a Lighthouse Church to serve as a home base during a disaster response in your community or even maintaining a Disaster Response Vehicle (DRV) at your church.
Find a local Operation Christmas Child event in your community to get involved in!
Listen to “Near to the Brokenhearted” to hear a testimony from Operation Christmas Child on how the Lord’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

Near to the Brokenhearted Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

At 10 years old, Alyona received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, and the Lord used it mightily to reveal more of His character and His heart. After years of loss, God filled Alyona with hope, healing her broken heart. Now, Alyona’s story is a testimony of how the Lord’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

Resources:

Learn more about Operation Christmas Child.
It’s not too late to build an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift online!
Listen to “A Legacy of Missions” to hear how the Lord instilled a passion for medical missions in a father and son neurosurgeon team.

A Legacy of Missions Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Earlier this year, Kristy went to Tenwek Hospital and met a father and son neurosurgeon team serving with World Medical Mission. Hear from this family—Dr. Charles Branch and his son, Dr. Byron Branch—with three generations of neurosurgeons about their faith and passion for the Gospel.

Resources:

Learn more about World Medical Mission and how you can get involved.
Listen to “Drawing Near to God: Comfort After the Storm,” to hear how Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa.