Behind the Headlines (with Kristy Graham from Samaritan's Purse)

Jesse:
What's up everybody, this is Jesse, producer for GoMad. We are really excited about today's guest, Christy Graham from Samaritan's Purse. Christy is the host of the podcast, On the Ground, with Samaritan's Purse.

Definitely check out her work after the episode. Link in the description. We had Christy on the podcast way back in season one.

Also link to that episode in the description. On today's show, she updates Doug and Brad about the current state of things in Ukraine and Israel, what Samaritan's Purse is doing to help, and what you and I can do as ambassadors for Christ, no matter where we live Okay, let's go mad.

Brad:
Welcome everyone back to Go Mad with Doug and Brad, and I have good news for everyone today. What? You will not be hearing as much from us.

Uh that for anyone. Do you hear the applause? Which strangely, if someone's tuning in and doesn't want to hear from us, I don't know why they're tuning in anyway.

But we're we're excited. We've got a uh special guest with us today. We're gonna get to in just a minute.

Someone that has been on with us before, but I don't know if you've ever noticed, Doug, but we kind of have some short attention spans. Squirrel! Wait, uh, I'm sorry, what were you saying?

Very short attention spans in today's world. We have there's a Friday news dump. They talk about this all the time, and there's a reason that politicians and other places that's where like the

Doug:
the water skiing cats are are shot and everything on the news.

Brad:
It's where people say, here's the bad news before the weekend hits, here's the bad news because we want you to forget about it by Monday. And that's what happens a lot to us as followers of Christ, Stephen, as ambassadors, that we have this short attention span where these world events are happening. And all of a sudden the next thing happens.

Or as we've mentioned, an election comes up. And there's all this focus on that and what the political issues are. And we start to forget about people.

We start to forget about the individuals that are being impacted by different events worldwide. One of the key places we see that, well, two of them are Ukraine and Israel. If you just heard those words and you're like, wait, we're still talking about that?

Yes, stay with us because we need to still be talking about the cameras may have

Doug:
Disappeared, or there may not be as many cameras, but the people who are dealing with the reality of this conflict have not disappeared.

Brad:
They're more and more and more absolutely right. That's on point there because there is still a lot of need, a lot that is happening. overseas in Ukraine and Israel and the Middle East as a whole.

And that's what our guests are going to talk with us about today, but I it's hard because Samaritans Purse is an organization that is doing things all over. I mean they are pouring into ministry couples, they're pouring into veterans. I love reading about the veterans events that they do and and would love to talk about that sometime.

There's obviously Operation Christmas Child, but we're zoning in a little bit today on talking about some Ukraine and Israel things that are important for ambassadors of Christ to know about.

Doug:
Yeah. You know, the Samaritans Purse, one of the reasons that it's one of the organizations that I know Brad and I both share with our kids. is because I I don't know a better example of being Jesus hands and feet, of obeying when uh when you see the person who is suffering, who needs clothes, who needs food. Uh one of the first scriptures we learned when our kids were young was whatever you do for the person that's in need, you're doing for Jesus. So uh supporting, praying for, giving to places like Samaritan's Purse I can't think of a better way to um use your resources.

Brad:
Yeah, so today we're moving past politics to the people. Forget the politics.

Doug:
We're talking people. Yep So we're about to introduce Christy Graham, who is the uh host of the On the Ground podcast. for uh for Samaritan's Purse where where you get a little more in-depth idea of all the amazing things that are happening through Samaritan's Purse.

Listen to this real quick. Uh since we're erupted on February 4th, 2022. So Margen's Purse has met so many urgent medical needs.

Early on, they operated in an emergency field hospital hospital. uh to help the millions displaced by the conflict. They're providing medical training on an ongoing basis, provided food, water, medical care, shelter materials, wood stoves.

Ambulances to more than over um ten million suffering people, all while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Um there in the last two years, get this, we all are aware of the the Operation Christmas Child. In the last two years more than six hundred thousand children in Ukraine have received a gift-filled shoebox Imagine imagine I mean, you're not even able to be a kid when when you're in a war torn place.

This reminds them how valuable they are. And in fact, the plan is to bring four hundred thousand more. of these shoeboxes uh for boys and girls in this war-torn nation.

Um and I did the math in my head and that is one million

Brad:
I don't know if I trust math Doug does in his head. So I there is so much that Samaritan's Purse is doing. And so we want to bring in Christy Graham. Christy, thank you for being back with us.

Kristy:
Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure.

Doug:
Many of us see these little snippets of news about the Ukraine, um, the Israel Middle East conflict, but You've seen what the realities are for families as you've talked about this on your podcast with so many that are on the ground there. And uh families that have survived the war so far, but they have a much different day-to-day reality than most of us have. Can you help us paint a little picture of what life is like right now in Ukraine for those affected by this war?

Kristy:
Yeah, it has been difficult because yeah, we've been there from the beginning. We have so many church partners that we have been working with and and as time goes on, it seems things are getting worse, you know, and it's still winter, it's bitter cold there and you know, in Ukraine, actually one of our translators, she was here recently and she said, you know, we're not we've been through this before. Many people have had to relocate in the past.

You know, there's been conflict for many years. Uh, so almost everybody at some point has been affected and so they they have relocated. But yeah, she said it's hard because The cameras have moved on, the funding has moved on, and yet the needs are even greater than they have been.

Um so life is hard. Um they're still in such turmoil and conflict, and our church partners I think Uh, they're tired, but again, they see it as an opportunity to be a light and a witness. And again, people are coming in their doors that maybe never would have otherwise.

So there are so many needs. Um But again, we're thankful that we get to we are still there. We have a country office in Ukraine.

And so we are still, you know, flexing and moving what needs to be done. Um uh as they continue to have needs. But yeah, ta it's it's not any better, it's actually worse.

Doug:
No. I I'm assuming there's a direct correlation between How much is in the news and gifts and and resources provided for an organization like Samaritan Spurs? Is that is that the case?

Kristy:
Yes, I would say so. And and we actually Samaran Spurs has helped sponsor some Ukrainian uh students to come to college. And so they we've been We are very close with them.

They're gonna a couple are gonna intern here this summer. And so they are telling us too from their families. I mean, it's hard for them to be here.

They feel guilty because things are so hard back there. Um And and yeah, we move on. Nobody knows, nobody not that we don't care, but I think we do.

We we get distracted by all the other needs that are popping up and and we don't realize that, yes. Funding is lacking. People don't have what they need.

People are hungry and cold. So we are thankful to still be there. Uh we've drilled wells.

We still are, you know, giving out food and and helping in tangible ways. But again, the gospel is going forward. And as you mentioned, you know, the shoeboxes that we've given over the years, you know, there we are seeing discipleship continue.

Um, they actually gave uh a girl that received a shoebox as a child, a Ukrainian girl. She got to go back recently and give a shoebox to a little girl and you know, share. I remember, you know, as an orphan, this box changed my life, you know.

And so again, it's he gets to see that's how she felt. She was she was a kid for the first time. And and we've heard stories, even one little girl, she got a flashlight and she said, I'm so grateful 'cause now when I go in the bomb shelters, I'll have light.

So the right boxes are going to the right kids and God is using them to penetrate heart hearts for the gospel.

Brad:
Wow. Christy, I I wasn't expecting to have a uh welling up of emotion so early in the episode. Uh in You said you'd wait till the end.

I know. Usually but I uh Doug and I both have served in full-time ministry for a lot of years. We both served um on a Native American reservation for a lot of years, and we know In a small part, uh nothing like what they're experiencing in in Ukraine right now, but we know what it's like to be out there and for people to not really know what you're going through.

So when you say that it's harder and that your ministry partners, when you talk about them and that they are still going, that they are still pushing on in so many key areas, it's gotta be such a lonely place for them. It's got to be so hard, especially when the cameras do go and they feel just even more maybe abandoned. And yet Samaritan's purse is still there standing with them saying We've got your back.

We are here to support and encourage you. What are ways specifically to Ukraine right now that the body of Christ, that ambassadors of Christ around the world can say, We still stand with you. I we've talked about the financial support, and that's really important to be able to keep things going.

But are there any other things? I don't know if it's hey, writing a note to someone or I I I I don't I don't know what the answer is, but do you have any thoughts for ambassadors and how they can reach out to people?

Kristy:
Yeah, I that's a good question, because I as you're talking, I'm like, I I yeah, I want to give you more tangible things. I mean, you can always send letters to Samar and Spirit. We have a country office there who have church partners, you know, that they are directly working with and Um so yeah, if you want to send encouragement, send it to Samaritan's Burse.

And um, but yeah, prayer, unfortunately, it's yeah, when I meet somebody that physically is there. Um, it emboldens me. And so I'll I'll share again my the translator that was here.

She said she started as a translator kind of you know, far far away. You know, and her parents even said, Don't go near the red zone. Don't, you know, stay away from danger.

And she was so scared, but as she kept saying yes to God and kept going out, she ended up in the red zone On many occasions, you know, in the middle of really difficult situations. And so I guess I'll say pray for our brothers and sisters as they are, I think, stretching themselves and God is calling them to do more and more. But I think, and as you said, you got Teary, that's why they do what they do.

The Lord, they watch the gospel be shared. In fact, one of our partners said the other day, she said, thank you, God, for using me as an instrument. You know, they they truly, our staff and our church partners, they love what they do.

They see themselves as an instrument, you know, a bridge builder, some say, um, in these difficult times. So yes, pray. But yeah, I I'm I don't know that this is okay, but I'd say send letters of encouragement how you're praying specifically.

And we can get them to people. And like I said, we have even Ukrainian um students here nearby that have family and friends back home. So we can definitely get encouragement to them.

Brad:
I love that. That's great. That's a the praying, the giving. And if you want to send a note of encouragement to be able to do that, and at the very least, you guys can pass along the word that, hey, people are praying. People are still with you.

Doug:
The I uh and I would tune in to the On the Ground podcast because when the cameras uh on the news stations aren't there These relief workers, these people whose hearts are committed to Jesus and showing his love, they're still there and there are amazing stories to hear.

Brad:
And we have that link in the podcast description. So please uh make sure you do check out. on the ground podcast. They tell share some amazing stories.

Doug:
So Christy, my wife is Navajo and she grew up on the Navajo Reservation in extra r very real poverty and the kind of poverty that that most Americans aren't even aware of happen in our country. And she received a care package from a Christian relief organization. She says it was the first time she was ever introduced to Jesus.

and that she had a different idea than what all the rumors were about what Christians were. First time she had a real idea. So I've seen and heard firsthand what that kind of loving gift can do.

So I wanted to ask you as far as the podcast goes, is there one story Um, one individual that stands out to you specifically as just something amazing that is happened in Ukraine, in Israel. Is there one story that stands out to you? That is such an unfair question.

Holy cow. I mean Christie's like, there's eight thousand of them. That's It's not fair.

Kristy:
It's not fair because there are so many that are coming to my mind right now. And as you say that, because yeah, we've heard people that have nothing, a gift is everything. You know, it's like So I I I immediately thought of shoeboxes, but actually what came to mind was um one of our partners in Israel.

Uh they're doing door to door, you know, d delivering food um to people because a lot of people have the jobs have, you know, been stopped and this is again Ukraine's problem. You know, a lot of people aren't able to work anymore and so there's less money, less food, you know, they're not able to get But one of the kids, as the the pastor was talking to the parents, you know, they said, Why are these Christians here? You know, I've heard that they they are an our enemy, you know, why are they here helping and serving us?

And I just so that story just keeps ha just getting me. And our our pastor said, that's why we feel again, I said, they're bridge builders. You know, they said, right now in this turmoil and this difficult time we get to be the light of the gospel and and and allow people that maybe had never experienced Christians or only heard one thing when you meet one um that truly is loving and serving and going to make a difference, you know, the light of Jesus pierces their heart.

And so I I think we're seeing time and time again in and another story is one of our translators in a red zone area. They went to help uh I think deliver medicine. And they went to a home and um the wife had died and they weren't able to come out because they were um they were surrounded and so he just was in the home with her and he was sick and severe so they had to rush him to the hospital and she just held him.

Um, he hadn't been, you know, touched somebody or been near somebody in so long and you just think some people are suffering in silence. And so our teams and the and the church are going to people like that. And and like you said, when you when you're in extreme poverty or you're lacking so much, a gift, a touch, and and they show them.

God, El Roy, who sees, you know, the they are tangible examples of we see you. We're gonna help meet a need, but we're gonna help meet The spiritual need that you really need.

Brad:
It's a common theme you're seeing through these different stories that people feel seen. We uh in our leadership program here that we have for native young people We go through the names of God, and El Roy is one that has stuck out to many of them because it is the God who sees and He is there with you. And when we as the hands and feet of Jesus can be an embodiment of that hope.

I look at this quote here. We're so grateful to Samaritan's purse, they gave us hope. Now we feel like we're alive.

Doug:
Well I mean, right there.

Brad:
And and and that's what you're bringing that hope to people in Ukraine. You're bringing that hope to people in Israel as well. And we know that Samaritan's Purse is partnering peep with people in Gaza and Israel, but let's talk about Israel for a minute here. There are people who my social media feed still is have has things that pop up with people on both sides of the issue with with the political viewpoints but on social media

Doug:
People get argumentative? Occasionally.

Brad:
I'm gonna have to check this out. And the reality is that we want to move beyond those politics again to the people. Can you talk to us about what Samaritan's Purse is seeing on the ground in Israel sense the attack on October seventh.

We all all eyes were there. All eyes see that and anyone that the comparisons that people made to It was basically Israel's 9-11. All of a sudden those things for us who live through that here, we we get a little bit of what they might be feeling.

But can you talk to us a little bit about what Samaritan's purse is seeing with the people there?

Kristy:
Mm-hmm. Yeah, um as I mentioned, you know, it's it's hard on both sides. Uh we know that.

Um and so Samarin's Purse went in immediately with a team, but we're working with over 86 churches and then many other ministry partners, so over a hundred partners. And and as I said, we're seeing suffering. You know, everyone's been impacted in some way.

And Israel, you know, that area is so small and so everybody is impacted. Um, everyone has served at some time, so everybody, um, you know, the adults, um, they have I guess they have seen suffering uh for, you know, their whole time. So It's hard, but as I said, the ministry partners are encouraged because as people are broken, and one actually said this, people are broken.

But people are open. You know, in their brokenness and their their lack and their needs, they're open to the gospel. And and you know, there's so many religions right there.

Um and they they kind of live uh harmon you know, simultaneously, but when you can actually serve and go and go to them, um, you know, these Christian partners, we are seeing time and time again where people just are shocked. Why would you help me? Um, but it is, it's it's difficult.

And so we um w we're helping in any way we they need, but the biggest need is is medical, you know, the many of their ambulances were destroyed on October seventh and they They didn't have many. So Samaritan's Purse has we've already given fourteen. We're building, I think, eight more, and some of them are armored.

Wow. Um and so They just, yeah, were destroyed and then couldn't help people. So we've sent medical trauma kits and and things to help with the medical food.

Um again, there are just so many needs coming out of this. Um But I think the biggest need is is love, you know, and and truly having that ministry of presence. And so that's what our ministry partners, whatever aspect they're they're doing, whether it's medical, you know, food People are open.

Doug:
Wow. So Christy, I recently started to check out some of this documentary, uh, the Samaritan's Purse documentary. It's called One Morning at Dawn and It's about what uh people are facing in Ukraine, but so many of the stories uh could be uh the same, whether it's Ukraine or uh in Israel or Gaza people just suffering and being displaced and how it just destroys a family immediately There was um uh m one moment in the trailer where a man uh speaking Ukrainian, he Just gets a little emotional and he says, Jesus is here, uh, in reference to Samaritan's purse being there and being the hands and feet. of Christ. Can you tell us a little bit about this documentary and and what the idea was behind it as far as why you guys felt like it was important to produce something like that?

Kristy:
Well, I think, you know, again, you can read a statistic, you can see, you know, okay, we're giving uh, I don't know, I'm uh distributing eighteen hundred food boxes or you know, you can say it in statistics, but when you show them through video, uh raw footage of like you said, not policies, not politics, but people. You know, I think and I love our broadcast department. They're phenomenal.

And I think they just wanted to highlight uh and and humanize, you know, these needs. And that's why I'm so thankful you're bringing awareness because it's so easy to watch a quick newsfeed or or read something. But when you're really touched, it's it's when you see it in action.

And so these videos kind of take you there, um, you know, as much as you can. Um, and so they just wanted to highlight the needs. the people and the work that we're that we're able to do through these tr church partners.

So yeah, I encourage people to watch it. I know for me, I love showing my kids broadcast videos or, you know, because If they can never go, they can at least see the people that are going.

Doug:
There was one uh gal at the beginning who just came on the camera and just said We just want to go home. We just want to go home. Um, I would definitely encourage if you're hearing this podcast, go watch this documentary. You will be glad you did. Jesus is all through it

Brad:
Now Chrissy, let me uh circle back to the ambulances because I'm gonna be honest. I love this story and I keep going back to it and I I think it is because of what you were sharing that To be the hands and feet of Jesus means that we're not just there saying whatever words or sending even funds or whatever else, but we are this practical embodiment of We are here with you and we're helping just show you that we love you. Um talk to me about the ambulances and the naming of the ambulances, if you would.

Kristy:
Yeah. Um and I love that you said that because anytime we go, we don't want to be a hindrance. You know, we want to help the people and and help what they need.

So ambulance is kind of a crazy, why would you do that? But Meguende Vida Dome needed ambulances and we have worked with them in the past. We have a relationship and that was their need.

And eleven of their medics were killed on October seventh. Um, you know, many more have been since, but their loss was personal. And so we wanted to personalize it.

And so we did. We put a name on every ambulance. You know, and one of the parents said, now as that ambulance goes out, it's like my daughter's going with her.

You know, she it's like a a living memorial, you know, that goes into the fire. And and so every ambulance has a verse, you know, it says serving in Jesus' name. It has uh a name of one of the fallen uh medics.

And so it does. It it you'll never replace that, you know, their loved one, but now they have a memory that is lasting. Um and so it was special.

And when Franklin Franklin went to Israel to dedicate these ambulances and you know, many people came, government officials, lots of people and a lot of the families came and he was able to talk with each of them. ask about their loved one and then, you know, they would proudly show, here's their name. And so again, it's just you can never replace them, but that memory and that tribute I think means so much to the family and the friends because they're they're brothers and sisters and so it was a really special part.

Brad:
Christy, I have one more question for you, but I before we wrap up, apart from Ukraine and Israel, I Can you just share with us for two minutes here about Samaritans purses? Uh their ministry to veterans. I I I just it's I'm so drawn to that that I would just love to and again people can find out more through the On the Ground podcast and checking out Samaritan's Purse directly. But talk to us about their heart for veterans and a little of what they're doing there

Kristy:
Thank you. I'm glad you asked. So it's Operation Heal Our Patriots.

Um it's been around since 2012. We send couples to Alaska Um but I actually just got back. We they do a reunion um as they become alumni and so they gather.

We just got back from Denver where I think seven hundred couples came together and and You know, and Franklin when we started this program, it was after actually my husband was in the military and one of his best friend was blinded. You know, and we saw the impact, even in strong believers with strong family, just what it did to their fam their marriage. And The impacts of war, they don't go away.

You know, they are they're gonna be there their whole life. And some are physical wounds, some are invisible wounds. Uh but We just had a heart for these marriages.

And and many don't know the Lord or they don't come from a Christian family. And so when your life is rocked You don't have people to go to. So Operation Halo Patriots is just a wonderful uh family.

We have chaplains, regional chaplains throughout the country. So as they come It's not over in Alaska. And that's the thing.

You know, there's so many great ministries out there that do trips for veterans or but not many do it with their spouse. For one. And not many love the spouse just as much as, you know, the veteran.

A lot of times the veteran gets all the but the caretaker, you know, they They um they need love too. So it it loves both of them. But then we walk with them through life.

And so we want them to get involved in the local church and plug in and find local community, but We know as you get out of the military and you move somewhere far, there's nothing like that military community and camaraderie. So this provides a family and honestly that family the reunion truly is like a family reunion. You know, we're watching And many come to know Christ.

They they get discipled and now they're key leaders. And so they are um, you know, now leading. And so it's just a A wonderful ministry, but we're watching God do above and beyond what I think we even started in the beginning.

He is doing so much more with it.

Doug:
Thank you for doing that. Thank you. Thank you. We uh really would love to hear a couple of ways, specific ways to pray for Samaritans Purse right now, and then maybe take a moment uh to pray together here before we sign off.

Kristy:
Okay. Well, um, yeah, you can pray. Yeah, we are still in Ukraine.

We have a country office and teams that are doing so much. So pray for them, pray for the church. Um, but in Israel too and uh in Gaza, you know, we are trying to work on both sides and and love uh as it's needed.

So But yeah, just pray, I think, for discernment as our teams and as the church partners continue to see ways to love in action. And yeah, just I think like you said, I love how you always say, go make a difference. What can we do?

And sometimes we can feel like we're not doing anything, but but prayer is powerful.

Doug:
Oh man.

Kristy:
Um And then when someone comes to mind, even I'll just tell you, you know, there's people like Vera, a translator, that are that are right there right now. Pray for Strength, pray for, you know, um presence um as they cause every day is different. They don't know what they're gonna encounter. So supernatural, you know, that God will Jesus will be our intercessor as we're praying.

Brad:
So can I pray for that? Yeah, let's thank you. Heavenly Father, we just come before you.

Uh thank you for this time with Christy. Thank you for being able to hear more of what Samaritan's Purse is doing. We've been encouraged.

to see the presence they have in these places. We we talk about Ukraine and Israel and Gaza and we talk about the veterans, but we know that they're responding to Just uh tragedies around the country and around the globe, places that are impacted by natural disasters. And we pray that you would continue to guide their steps.

We ask that you would provide financially for their ministry, for every need that you are calling them to meet. We pray, Lord, for these places that uh continue to have such conflict continue to have such uh tragedy between Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Lord, that you would just give their teams discernment, that you would give them wisdom. I think of Isaiah saying, you will hear a voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it.

Yes. Would they hear your voice clearly and would they walk in the way that you set before them, Lord? We ask for your hand of protection on all of their partners.

We ask for your hand for your strengthening of their spirits, of their minds, bodies, heart, soul, Lord, that they would be able to stand firm. where you have placed them, would they find joy even in the midst of all that is happening? We ask Lord that you would continue to give Christy and the on the ground podcast just a great reach to be able to tell the stories.

And show God's people what you are up to. Lord, we pray that you would call more ambassadors of Christ to be part of what's going on in whatever way they can would Mm anyone listening not think all I can do is pray. Would they pray?

Yes. The power that is there, would they stop and pray? And will we not forget people who are too often quickly forgotten.

Would you keep bringing them to our minds and our hearts, Lord, so that we can cover them? Lord, we just give all this to you and pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Doug:
Christy, thank you so much for being with us again today. This is the second time. Wow, a guest has agreed to come back.

Brad:
Yeah, we uh we're pretty impressed. Wow, really? A repeat yes. And hopefully you'll come back and be with us again uh because as you know right here we're all about helping people go mad