After a devastating earthquake hit Burma, also known as Myanmar, Reverend Franklin Graham from Samaritan’s Purse praised the quick collaboration of the Burmese government. He also expressed his confidence in the United States, particularly President Donald J. Trump, providing substantial aid to the affected areas.
“America has always been generous,” Graham told Fox News Digital.
Graham highlighted that President Trump is not opposed to providing aid but emphasizes efficient use of resources to prevent wastage. He acknowledged past instances of mismanagement of funds by the government but believes the current administration will be generous in their support.
In addition, Graham mentioned President Trump’s near-death experience during an assassination attempt, suggesting that he believes it was by the grace of God that the president survived. He urged people to pray for the president’s safety as he faces threats and challenges, emphasizing the importance of continued protection and guidance.
With over 3,500 confirmed deaths and thousands more injured or missing, the humanitarian need is immense. “People are lined up to come in, there’s just no help up there,” Graham said. “This is a very poor, very desperate part of the world… It’s going to take years for them to build back. If they can build back, I don’t know.”
Samaritan’s Purse sent more than 104 tons of critical supplies, including six water filtration systems, hygiene kits, emergency shelter material, and solar lights, aboard a 747-cargo plane from Greenville, South Carolina. They currently have more than 80 Disaster Assistance Response Team members in-country, with more arriving soon.
Earthquake survivors receive treatment at a temporary medical unit set up by Samaritan’s Purse inside a stadium provided by the Burmese government. The relief organization deployed a full-scale Emergency Field Hospital following the March 28 earthquake. (Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse)
The organization’s logistics capacity played a vital role. “We keep all of this in stock,” Graham said. “We have warehouses here in North Carolina… So it’s just a matter of loading the boxes on the plane and going.” He noted that the hospital will need to be resupplied regularly: “About every 10 days we’ll have a plane leaving Greensboro for Myanmar.”
Temperatures in the region are exceeding 110°F with high humidity. The team lives in tents and works in austere conditions. “We provide our own accommodations. We have our own water, we have our electricity, we’re self-contained, but it’s a tough assignment,” Graham said.
Still, the team remains committed. “They’re holding clinics during the day, operating during the night… But our team is motivated. They are excited for the opportunity to serve the people of Myanmar and to do it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Samaritan’s Purse staff and local volunteers unload emergency relief supplies from trucks in Burma. The organization airlifted more than 104 tons of aid to support victims of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake, including medical equipment, water filtration systems, and hygiene kits. (Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse)
Samaritan’s Purse has worked in Burma before, responding to Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and maintaining a country office from 2017 to 2022.
“We need prayer, number one,” said Graham. “And of course, we always need financial help. This is a very long way from home.”
“We want every patient to know that God loves them and they are not alone. Please pray for everyone affected and for our Disaster Assistance Response Team as they serve those who are hurting in Jesus’ Name,” Graham added.
Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian humanitarian organization led by Rev. Franklin Graham, based in Boone, North Carolina. Known for rapid disaster response, it provides emergency medical care, shelter, clean water, and critical supplies in crisis zones around the world.
