Gospel Hope for the World

Dear Friend,

Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of convening the European Congress on Evangelism with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Berlin, Germany. We brought over 1,000 church and ministry leaders from 55 countries and territories across Europe to focus on proclamation evangelism. Our theme was Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel ..." I was so thankful to see these leaders encouraged, challenged, and reignited with passion for sharing the truth of the Gospel in a world that seems to be growing darker and more secular every day.

While in Berlin, I also had the privilege of meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who was at the same hotel I was in. He expressed his deep appreciation for the help Samaritan's Purse has provided to the people of Ukraine. I prayed for him, for Russian President Putin, and for President Trump, asking God to give them a path to peace. The situation is very difficult, but Samaritan's Purse continues to work with churches in Ukraine to provide food, clean water, agricultural materials, firewood, and more to those suffering. Continue to lift up the leadership of these countries, as well as President Trump, that God would open a door acceptable to both sides that would bring this conflict to an end.

Then it was on to Israel. There we dedicated the 20th ambulance of 42 committed by Samaritan's Purse to Magen David Adom (MDA), the emergency service provider for Israel. We have already replaced the 14 ambulances destroyed in the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023, and have now delivered six additional armoured vehicles, which are essentially bulletproof hospitals on wheels. Each ambulance features a Bible verse on the door.

The dedication ceremony took place outside the Tower of David—an ancient fortress within Jerusalem's city walls. Eli Bin, director general of MDA, said, "It's not just by chance that the ambulance sits at the wall. It represents defence, kindness, protection to anyone who needs it." The Bible tells us that "the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

I am grateful to Greg Laurie and his ministry, Harvest.church, for providing the funds for this particular ambulance. He joined me in the Holy Land for the dedication ceremony. We were also honoured to have U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee there.

I met Karina Engel, who was abducted with her two daughters from her kibbutz in the 2023 attacks. Her husband, Ronen, a member of MDA, was killed defending their home; his body remains in Gaza. Karina only discovered his death after her release. The former hostage recounted her family's 52-day ordeal and also spoke of how comforting it is to know that one of the Samaritan's Purse ambulances given last year is stationed near her home and honours her late husband's memory.

The day after the dedication, my son Edward visited Arab al-Aramshe, a community in northern Israel near where the newest armoured ambulance will be stationed. This village sits on Israel's border with Lebanon and was hit by a deadly Hezbollah missile strike. Edward told community leaders that we will do all we can to help the area grow back stronger and safer—"not just because we love you, but because God loves you." He assured them they are not forgotten.

We are so grateful for your prayers and your partnership with this ministry. May God bless you.

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham

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