Ken Isaacs of Samaritan's Purse talks with Wayne Shepherd about his calling to meeting humanitarian needs around the world in the name of Christ. (click for more...)
Ken is Vice-President of Programs and Government Relations at Samaritan's Purse, and the author of Running to the Fire, Helping in Jesus' Name.
Interview Notes:
Former water well driller, went as a volunteer to West Africa (1985).
- Felt called by God to serve internationally.
- Connection with Franklin Graham led to work in Ethiopia with his family under difficult conditions (communist govt., war).
- Experience deepened faith and reliance on God.
- At 73, still actively serving—“Moses never retired.”
- Loves the work, considers it God’s calling.
- Finds purpose and energy in “running to the fire”—meeting needs in crises.
- Samaritan’s Purse Ministry:
- 17–18 international offices, ~4,000 staff.Focus on war zones, famine areas, disaster zones (Israel, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Congo, Niger, Liberia, Colombia, etc.).
- Staff chosen for faith commitment and skills (body of Christ with diverse roles).
- All service explicitly in Jesus’ name—aid is unconditional.
- Philosophy:
- Meeting urgent needs (food, water, shelter, medicine) creates a platform for witness.
- Work must be done with excellence; poor quality undermines witness.
- Reputation sought: compassionate, loving, present in people’s greatest need
- Partnerships:
- Works with local churches and Christian organizations.
- Example: Mission Eurasia in Ukraine; 1,600 churches partnered there.
- Seeks partners passionate about proclaiming Christ.
- Global Needs & Focus:
- Sudan: Severe civil war, famine, displacement (12 million displaced, 150,000 killed).
- Gaza: Food distribution, partnerships with local groups despite conflict.
- Syria: Healthcare, new opportunities with emerging governance.
- Emphasis: most crises are politically driven, not natural disasters.
- Funding & Resources:
- Less than 5% of support from US govt.
- $530B in US private giving vs. $43B government aid (2023).
- Independence from government allows freedom and faith-based work.
- Scriptural Foundation:
- Luke 10 (Good Samaritan) – “Go and do likewise.”
- Matthew 24 – signs of the end times: wars, famines, earthquakes; Isaacs sees Samaritan’s Purse as positioned for these times.
- Encouragement to Listeners:
- Stay generous; pray for leaders worldwide.
- Follow updates at samaritanspurse.org.
- Remember ultimate goal: share Christ’s love through compassionate action.
NEXT WEEK: Winfred Neely
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