Invited In

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 at

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.