Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries, remembers the first year of disaster relief with Samaritan’s Purse when just 50 volunteers deployed. Now, thousands serve across the country each year. Kristy and Luther reflect on God’s faithfulness over the years.
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After years in law enforcement, Luther Harrison, now serving as the vice president of North American Ministries, felt God calling him to the ministry. He started out as an associate at Samaritan’s Purse—taking inventory, clearing snow, and mowing the grass. Kristy Graham asks Luther about his history with the ministry and how he has witnessed our work grow over the years.
Luther was on the ground for our first U.S. Disaster Relief response more than 20 years ago, and now he leads the team that responds across the country when disasters strike. He remembers when just 50 volunteers deployed in one year and contrasts this to the thousands who now serve each year.
Now, North American Ministries maintains a fleet of Disaster Relief Units based in North Carolina, Texas, and California. God has entrusted these resources to Samaritan’s Purse, and in everything we do, we want people to know that we are responding in Jesus’ Name.
Luther shares that the church should be the first responder, which is why Samaritan’s Purse always partners with a local church. He challenges the Church to get outside, serve those in need, and be the hands and feet of Christ.
After more than two decades in disaster relief, Luther says,“It never gets old, getting to see people get help.”
Ephesians 6 is a chapter in the Bible that continues to encourage Luther in his work.
“…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak,” — Ephesians 6:18–20 (ESV)
Kristy closes the episode with specific ways that listeners can pray for the work of North American Ministries. First, pray for our volunteers that faithfully serve. Pray also for the staff and families who deploy at a moment’s notice in response to crises across the country. Finally, pray that Samaritan’s Purse will be good stewards of every gift that is entrusted to us.