Franklin Graham Update | May

Dear Friend,

As the Middle East continues to reel from conflict, more than 1 million people have evacuated southern Lebanon to seek safety in the capital of Beirut and surrounding areas. Some are living in schools and community centers. Others are staying with relatives. Some are sleeping on the streets, just trying to survive. They have nowhere else to go. A recent ceasefire offers hope for them to return home, but the situation is still tense. Pray for this uneasy peace to hold.

Samaritan's Purse has airlifted over 150 tons of emergency relief for these families forced to leave their homes and jobs behind. Over three flights, we brought in tents, solar lights, blankets, kitchen kits with stainless steel pots and pans, and hygiene kits with toothbrushes, razors, soap, and more. We also flew in enough supplies for local clinics and hospitals to help thousands of people over the next couple months.

We are working together with longtime Christian partners to quickly get these supplies into the hands of desperate people. In partnership with local churches, we've given out 31 tons of food and have been able to supply them with wheelchairs and diapers, too, as special needs arise. Many of the church volunteers are young people eager to minister to their fellow countrymen. It's great to see God's people stepping up in times of crisis.

The Lord has opened doors for us to help hurting people in Jesus' Name in Lebanon during their time of need. The love of Christ compels us to act. Jesus said, "I was hungry and you gave Me food…I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me" (Matthew 25:35-36).

While our work is focused on Beirut, we're also working across Lebanon in the Biblical cities of Byblos, Tyre, and Sidon. It was skilled craftsmen from Byblos who helped build Solomon's Temple. Jesus visited Tyre and Sidon—healing the demon-possessed daughter of a Gentile woman—and now 2,000 years later His followers continue to proclaim the same message of repentance and faith.

I thank God for how He's working in Lebanon and the Middle East even in the midst of suffering. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3).

Meeting Our Neighbors' Needs

Samaritan's Purse recently started a new initiative to meet the medical needs of U.S. communities where many struggle to access and afford treatment, especially dental and vision care. Partnering with a local church, our team recently held a two-day Community Medical Outreach event in Burnsville, a community in western North Carolina hit hard by Hurricane Helene in 2024. I have visited this town many times, and we continue to help rebuild and replace homes that were ruined by the historic flooding.

Marcos was one of those we helped. He had suffered with poor vision for years but could never afford a visit to the eye doctor. He was extremely grateful to receive a free pair of glasses, made onsite for him that same day by our team in Burnsville. My son Edward, COO of Samaritan's Purse, had the privilege of presenting him his new eyewear, and Marcos responded with a wide, thankful smile as the glasses fit just right on his face.

Almost 300 people received care, free of charge, from our team of doctors, dentists, and eye specialists. Dr. Felix Martin del Campo, a dentist and Samaritan's Purse board member, was among those who volunteered their time to help with this outreach. "Everyone who is seen here has had someone share the Gospel with them. That is why we're here," he said.

We are planning to hold similar outreaches this year in Pikeville, Kentucky; Wheeling, West Virginia; and Valdosta, Georgia. You can find out more at samaritanspurse.org/cmo. Please pray that many in need will come out to receive free care, given in Jesus' Name.

Thank you for supporting the ministry of Samaritan's Purse. "I thank my God…because of your partnership in the Gospel" (Philippians 1:3-5, ESV). May God richly bless you.

Sincerely,
Franklin Graham