Staff Reports
As Easter dawns with its message of renewal, Samaritan’s Purse, under the leadership of Franklin Graham, is once again on the front lines of disaster relief—proving that faith in action is more than just a slogan. This year, the organization’s teams have been hard at work from the flood-ravaged mountains of western North Carolina to the scorched neighborhoods of Los Angeles, where wildfires have left thousands homeless and grieving. In both regions, Samaritan’s Purse has mobilized an army of volunteers, delivering not only practical aid but also the hope that comes from the Gospel.
In North Carolina, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been nothing short of catastrophic, with entire towns left in ruins by historic flooding and landslides. Samaritan’s Purse responded rapidly, deploying trucks, aircraft, and thousands of volunteers to clear debris, restore power, and help families begin the long road to recovery. Their commitment is not a fleeting gesture; the organization plans to stay for years, rebuilding homes and lives while sharing the message of Christ’s love with those who have lost everything. Stories abound of volunteers lifting burdens for struggling families, offering both physical help and spiritual encouragement.
Meanwhile, in California, the devastation from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires has been met with the same determination. Samaritan’s Purse teams are sifting through ashes, helping families recover precious keepsakes and providing a ministry of presence for those overwhelmed by loss. Residents have described the infernos in terms that echo biblical warnings about hellfire, but Graham’s Easter message, delivered from the heart of these burned-out communities, is one of hope and redemption. He reminds survivors that God has not forgotten them, and that even in the ashes, there is the promise of new life through Jesus Christ.
Franklin Graham’s Easter broadcast, “Easter from the Ashes,” aired nationwide from the ruins of Los Angeles, blending music, testimony, and a clear proclamation of the Gospel. Graham did not shy away from difficult topics, speaking candidly about heaven, hell, and the reality of suffering. He emphasized that Jesus came to save people from eternal separation from God, offering a way out for all who would believe. This bold approach stands in contrast to the watered-down messages too often heard from America’s pulpits, and it resonates deeply with those seeking real answers in times of crisis.
The impact of Samaritan’s Purse is measured not just in homes rebuilt or meals delivered, but in lives transformed. Dozens of disaster survivors have embraced faith in Christ, finding hope where there was only despair. Graham’s leadership—marked by sincerity, conviction, and a refusal to sugarcoat reality—has set a standard for what compassionate, faith-driven service should look like. In a culture quick to bicker and slow to build, Samaritan’s Purse offers a model of what can be accomplished when conviction is paired with action and faith is lived out in service to others.
