Pastor Franklin Graham Visits Earthquake-Stricken Venezuela
Pastor Franklin Graham recently made a visit to the Samaritan’s Purse Emergency Field Hospital located in Venezuela. At this facility, dedicated doctors and nurses are conducting essential surgeries while providing spiritual support to earthquake survivors grappling with profound grief.
Accompanied by his daughter, Cissy Graham Lynch, Graham aimed to uplift the relief teams and offer solace to individuals who have endured the heartbreaking loss of family, homes, and nearly all their possessions.
Lynch, who serves as a senior advisor for Samaritan’s Purse, shared how the experience resonated with her, particularly the heartfelt story of a local pastor who, despite losing several congregation members, continues to serve his community. His words, “I am here to serve Christ and win souls,” struck a chord with her during the visit.
“I witnessed the immense suffering and incredible strength of the Venezuelan people,” Lynch expressed. “It’s moving to see someone so dedicated amidst such tragedy.”
Franklin Graham echoed her sentiments, stating that it was vital to bring the light of hope to places overshadowed by despair. “Our incredible teams are delivering medical care, clean water, and shelter, all while offering prayers during this time of immense loss,” he noted.
Impact of the Earthquake
On June 24, Venezuela was shaken by two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, merely seconds apart. These disasters tragically resulted in over 5,000 fatalities and left more than 16,000 individuals injured, with La Guaira being particularly hard hit.
The emergency field hospital has treated upwards of 2,500 patients since its establishment, equipped with two operating rooms, a lab, and a pharmacy. Doctors are performing necessary orthopedic surgeries and managing infections that remained untreated in the aftermath of the disaster.
In the wake of the earthquake, the Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Team mobilized over 170 members to support the hardest-hit regions, such as La Guaira, Playa Grande, and Cala Barreda, while also partnering with local churches in Caracas for aid distribution.
Ongoing Relief Efforts
Samaritan’s Purse utilized six Boeing 767 aircraft to transport nearly 295 tons of emergency supplies to Venezuela, marking its planes as the first non-military flights to arrive post-disaster. They provided assistance to more than 10,200 families, offering essential items such as tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and even Spanish Bibles.
Furthermore, the organization has set up urgent care modules in local health facilities to aid recovery and has plans for more clinics. Their efforts have also included producing over 154,000 liters of clean water through desalination units.
Patients arriving at the field hospital often come with heart-wrenching stories. One father, who injured himself while saving a child from a collapsed building, remarked about his fear during the chaos. “I thought the plane had crashed,” he recalled.
Another survivor, trapped for two days under rubble, expressed his despair but also his gratitude for the compassion shown by medical staff. “The nurse made paper shoes for me. I was very happy,” he shared, feeling uplifted by the prayers he received during his treatment.
As the relief efforts continue, the emotional and spiritual support provided alongside medical care is proving just as vital for many survivors. “The doctors pray with me, and it’s beautiful,” one patient expressed. “No one else does that for me.”
