In the Bible story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37, Jesus described how the Samaritan rescued a hurting man whom others had passed by. Jesus then told His hearers, “Go and do likewise.” And that’s what we do. When gushing flood waters swallowed significant parts of Australia’s east coast in mid-March, Samaritan’s Purse Australian Disaster Relief volunteers selflessly deployed with relief supplies and caring hearts to the hardest-hit communities in New South Wales.
Following the example of the Good Samaritan, our teams went to work. “We’ve been removing contents and mucking out flooded homes,” shared Ebony, a volunteer from Queensland. “We’re stripping out walls, removing debris and sanitising each home to remove any mould.” This was Ebony’s second deployment with Samaritan’s Purse, after she first volunteered at the bushfire response in Bairnsdale.
“What brought me back was the heart of Samaritan’s Purse, which is supporting the community, rallying together and doing it all in Christ’s Name,” she said. “I wanted to volunteer with an organisation that was Christ-centred, and went above and beyond with their quality of work, leaving no detail missed – that’s why I chose Samaritan’s Purse.”
“I wanted to volunteer with an organisation that was Christ-centred, and went above and beyond with their quality of work, leaving no detail missed – that’s why I chose Samaritan’s Purse.”
Ebony Stiles, Queensland volunteer
Our volunteers are quick to run towards disasters, such as the flood, and meet the immediate needs of people affected but like the Samaritan, they don’t stop there. In addition to meeting emergency needs, Samaritan’s Purse helps these victims recover and get back on their feet.
“We wouldn’t have even known where to start. We were numb and overwhelmed but trying to hold it in for our kids,” said Kristy, a North Haven resident who wokeup in the early hours of the morning to black water coming through her floorboards.
“When Samaritan’s Purse came, it was nice to know that we weren’t alone and there was a bit of help around. And you’re all volunteers! You didn’t have to help, yet you did and we can’t say thank you enough. You have enabled us to move forward.”
For many of our volunteers, sacrificing their time and choosing to help is a personal, intentional decision. Kerry, one of our volunteers from New South Wales, has also served with our Operation Christmas Child project and Disaster Assistance Response Team.
“I love serving with Samaritan’s Purse, I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again,” Kerry shared. “Jesus has loved me so much and in my times of need, I experienced the difference it made to have people around me, caring and comforting me. This is my way of paying it forward. I am loving Jesus back by serving others in a tangible way, and being his hands and feet.”
For volunteer Kevin, the motivation to serve alongside like-minded people spurred him on. “Together, as part of the Samaritan’s Purse family, great things get done, people see hope, communities move forward, and I get the privilege of being a part of that.”
Thank you to every one of our volunteers who serve with the Samaritan’s Purse Australian Disaster Relief. We are grateful for you as you help in Jesus’ Name and bring Him glory through your service.
When disasters strike, Samaritan’s Purse responds quickly to bring relief to people in need. Your gift today can help us provide a lifeline to a family that has lost everything, to help them get back on their feet.
