In a moment where heartbreak meets hope, U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham dedicated the 20th armored ambulance from Samaritan’s Purse to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service. The ceremony in Jerusalem included hostages’ families, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, and Pastor Greg Laurie, whose church helped fund the bulletproof ICU on wheels. The event marked a powerful symbol of faith and solidarity during ongoing terror threats. Samaritan’s Purse has pledged 42 ambulances total and continues to serve both Israel and Gaza with emergency aid, embodying its global Good Samaritan mission to help the helpless in times of crisis.
Samaritan’s Purse: Born to Serve the Broken
Founded in 1970 by Dr. Bob Pierce and led today by Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational Christian relief organization committed to helping the suffering in Jesus’ Name. From disaster relief in the U.S. to emergency field hospitals in war zones, the group is often first in and last out. Their mission is simple: “Helping in Jesus’ Name.” Whether responding to tornadoes in Oklahoma or hurricanes in Florida, they bring water, shelter, and spiritual hope. 
Their latest work in Israel represents the organization’s global ethic: when terror strikes, Christians should stand with those in pain.
Armored Ambulances: Mobile Hospitals in the Line of Fire
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Fourteen MDA ambulances were destroyed, and drivers were murdered. In response, Samaritan’s Purse is gifting 42 armored ambulances—bulletproof, mobile intensive care units. These differ from regular ambulances in that they have steel plating, bulletproof glass, and ICU-level care. They are designed to rescue patients from active combat zones, making them a literal lifeline under fire.
Magen David Adom: Israel’s Red Star of Hope
Founded in 1930 and recognized by the Israeli government, Magen David Adom (MDA) 
serves as Israel’s official emergency medical, disaster, and blood bank service. It is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that operates under the principles of saving lives regardless of ethnicity, religion, or politics. MDA is funded by the Israeli government, global Jewish communities, and Christian allies like Samaritan’s Purse.
Their mission: “To provide a rapid and professional emergency medical response for all people.”
Why Greg Laurie and Harvest Church Support Israel
Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Church in California and Hawaii has long taught biblical prophecy 
and support for Israel. With his wife Cathe and their congregation, they helped fund the newest ambulance. They echo Psalm 122:6, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Pastor Laurie chose Jeremiah 29:11 to be printed on the ambulance: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you…to give you a future and a hope.”
Their support isn’t political—it’s biblical and humanitarian.
Honoring the Hostages and Their Families
Franklin Graham and his family, including son Edward and daughter Cissie, met with families of those killed or kidnapped by Hamas. One mother, Karina Engel, shared how her husband’s name is now memorialized on a Samaritan’s Purse ambulance near their home. It became part of her healing journey. Franklin Graham wore a yellow hostage pin, symbolizing remembrance and unending prayer.
Takeaway: Become the Good Samaritan Today
Gilad Erdan, global president of Magen David Adom and former Israeli ambassador to the UN, declared:
“Like a Good Samaritan, you came to Israel’s aid in its time of greatest need.”
This statement encapsulates the Christian call to action. The mission is not just for institutions—it’s for you. 
Samaritan’s Purse invites everyone to donate, volunteer, and become personally involved in relief work, whether abroad or in your own neighborhood.
Be a better human. Give hope. Help the helpless. Become the Good Samaritan the world needs.
🕊️ “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with a parable. Today, He might say: “Look at the ambulance, and go and do likewise.”