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(Galatians 4:16)

Samaritan's Purse airlifts $8M in emergency aid to No. Korea in wake of massive flooding

Samaritan's Purse has airlifted 90 tons of emergency supplies to North Korea for victims of recent flooding.The chartered jet arrived in North Korea late last week loaded with $8,000,000 worth of emergency supplies such as medicines, medical supplies, antibiotics, plastic sheeting, temporary shelter materials, water filtration equipment, hand tools and other equipment.The recent flooding is one of the country's most severe natural disasters, killing hundreds and leaving tens of thousands homeless. Barry Hall, director of program support with Samaritan's Purse, says although there are political tensions and differences between the United States and North Korea, the need is great."I think it was that tremendous need that had the North Korean government actually ask for help," Hall explains. "That actual request is monumental in itself, [added to] the fact that they're allowing the aid to come from the United States." Hall notes that the U.S. government donated $50,000 toward the medicines delivered last week. "It was a cooperative effort," he says.The Samaritan's Purse spokesman says it was vital to get the supplies to North Korea, despite governmental bureaucracy. "We are trusting that the need is great enough in North Korea and the organizations we are working with, the Korean organizations there, will be faithful to distribute this aid in a way to get into the people's hands that need it," he explains.Hall points out that The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's longstanding relations with North Korea helped make the trip possible. Dr. Graham visited North Korea twice in the early 1990s and his late wife, Ruth Graham, attended high school in Pyongyang in the 1930s when her parents were missionaries in China.Samaritan's Purse has been involved in various aid projects in the country in recent years, including ongoing work to provide tuberculosis care and other medical missions. Also, millions of gift-filled shoeboxes have been delivered to underprivileged children across the globe through the annual Operation Christmas Child.

As in the days of Noah...