Franklin Graham's Initiatives Amid Government Shutdown and Global Crises

In response to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse, announced a program to provide free lunches to federal employees affected by the shutdown. Starting November 3, 2025, meals are being served at five locations across North Carolina, including the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte and the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville. This initiative aims to support federal workers who have not received paychecks during the shutdown, emphasizing the organizations' commitment to showing care and support during difficult times.

Billy Graham Assoc. Providing Free Meals to Federal Workers During Shutdown at 5 SitesFranklin Graham Announces Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse Will Serve Lunches to Federal Staff Impacted by Government Shutdown‘Lord, Here’s My Hand With All I Have’Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes field hospital and disaster response team after Jamaica suffers worst ever hurricaneSamaritan's Purse Provides Relief Aid to Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa - Milton Quintanilla

Franklin Graham expressed his desire for the government to reopen, stating, “I’m not a politician, but if I were, I would get the government reopened immediately. But until this is taken care of, we want to provide lunch every day—seven days a week—to those workers who have been impacted.” He highlighted the importance of these efforts by reminding affected workers that they are valued and loved by God.

Billy Graham Assoc. Providing Free Meals to Federal Workers During Shutdown at 5 Sites

In addition to the lunch program, Samaritan’s Purse has mobilized its Disaster Assistance Response Team to assist communities in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, 2025. This hurricane, classified as a Category 5 storm, caused widespread devastation, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Samaritan’s Purse has deployed an Emergency Field Hospital to Black River, Jamaica, to provide critical medical care and support to those affected.

Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes field hospital and disaster response team after Jamaica suffers worst ever hurricaneSamaritan's Purse Provides Relief Aid to Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa - Milton QuintanillaFranklin Graham Announces Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse Will Serve Lunches to Federal Staff Impacted by Government ShutdownBilly Graham Assoc. Providing Free Meals to Federal Workers During Shutdown at 5 Sites

The hurricane has left many communities in Jamaica without food, power, and basic necessities. Samaritan’s Purse is actively airlifting supplies, including community water systems capable of serving 10,000 people per day, hygiene kits, and shelter materials. Franklin Graham stated, “We want these people to know that God loves them and we care about what they’re going through.” The organization is coordinating with over 200 church partners in Jamaica to ensure effective distribution of aid.

Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes field hospital and disaster response team after Jamaica suffers worst ever hurricaneSamaritan's Purse Provides Relief Aid to Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa - Milton QuintanillaBilly Graham Assoc. Providing Free Meals to Federal Workers During Shutdown at 5 SitesFranklin Graham Announces Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse Will Serve Lunches to Federal Staff Impacted by Government Shutdown

While Franklin Graham's initiatives have garnered support, there are dissenting voices regarding the broader implications of U.S. involvement in international crises. For instance, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" for religious freedom violations, which Graham publicly supported. However, Nigerian officials have rejected these claims, arguing that the U.S. cannot unilaterally intervene based on outdated reports. This highlights the complexities surrounding international humanitarian efforts and the varying perspectives on religious persecution.

• “We want them to know they are valued—God loves them, and we care about them.” — Franklin Graham, President of BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse

Franklin Graham Announces Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse Will Serve Lunches to Federal Staff Impacted by Government Shutdown

• “Hurricane Melissa has pummelled Jamaica and left tens of thousands of families in urgent need of help.” — Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse

Samaritan's Purse Provides Relief Aid to Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa - Milton Quintanilla

• “I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me.” — President Donald Trump

Franklin Graham's initiatives through the BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse reflect a commitment to providing immediate relief to those affected by both domestic and international crises. While these efforts are met with gratitude from many, they also raise questions about the complexities of humanitarian aid and the political dynamics involved in addressing global issues.

Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes field hospital and disaster response team after Jamaica suffers worst ever hurricane