BREATHITT COUNTY, KY — Edward Graham visited eastern Kentucky Wednesday where Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are helping homeowners in Jesus’ Name following deadly flooding in late July.

Edward, vice president of operations at Samaritan’s Purse, was joined by brother Will Graham, vice president and associate evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They spent the day ministering to homeowners in both Breathitt and Floyd counties where almost a foot of rain pummeled the region on July 28. They also dropped by local churches to support pastors during this difficult time.

The group surveyed damaged areas, meeting with residents, including some who’d lost both property and loved ones in the flood.

Toy Fugate – Homeowner:

It had rained for like, two or three days. The water was over the road. It was over the bridges. The flood came up so fast that a lot of people didn’t have time to get out.

Edward Graham – Vice President of Operations Samaritan’s Purse:

I’m in eastern Kentucky right now where there’s just been unprecedented flooding from the recent storms. Samaritan’s Purse deploys during a time of crisis to love and serve others. We’re responding right now to muck out homes, shovel out the dirt, remove debris, and get the mold out so we can quickly get homeowners back in, but we can’t do it without you. We need volunteers.

Toy Fugate:

There’s so many people here that need help. They need faith. My foundation right now is my faith in God and my Lord Jesus Christ.

Edward Graham:

I met many homeowners today that have lost everything. They’ve lost loved ones, and this community is grieving. Samaritan’s Purse wants to meet their immediate needs, just like the story of the Good Samaritan; and we want this community to know that Jesus loves them. Even during all this turmoil, all this destruction, Jesus has not forsaken them, and He loves them.

Toy Fugate:

I can feel it in my heart, telling me that everything is going to be OK.

Edward Graham:

Pray for eastern Kentucky right now, but pray especially for those families that have lost loved ones. There have been so many deaths in this part of the state. I ask that you go to Samaritan’s Purse’s web page, and you can figure out how you can get involved and come up here and volunteer. Thank you.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Kaitlyn Lahm, news@samaritan.org

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