Ken Isaacs

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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