When fighting erupted between the Caucasus nations of Azerbaijan and Armenia in September, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh in search of safety in Armenia. Suddenly living as refugees, they were left without basic necessities. Samaritan’s Purse saw their plight and began a response to help relieve their suffering on Sept. 28.

Over the next several weeks, our DC-8 cargo plane made two trips to the scene, airlifting 53 tons of critical aid, with special thanks to overflight permissions from Turkey. Our staffers gave out blankets, hygiene kits, solar lights, and more to grateful families. At the same time, our teams of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists treated burn victims with severe injuries from a gas explosion. All of this work was bolstered by partnerships with 42 local churches who helped in the distribution of relief supplies.

During this response, more than 35,000 Armenians received:

• 17,000+ Blankets.
• 9,600+ Toys and Games for Children.
• 8,200+ Hygiene Kits.
• 7,500 Solar Lights.
• 5,100+ Backpacks.
• 5,100+ School Kits.
• 5,000+ Bibles.
• 5,000 Gloves.
• 4,900+ Hats.
• 4,900+ Socks.
• 2,800+ Winter Coats.
• 470+ Surgical Procedures for 85 Patients.
• 270+ Physical Therapy Sessions.
• 270+ Cleaning Kits.
• 50 Stoves.
• 40+ Bedding Kits.

Most importantly, while our Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) offered this physical aid, they also pointed the refugees to the only source of eternal hope—Jesus Christ. They did so, in part, by handing out Bibles published in the Armenian language. Even now, weeks after our DART left on Nov. 23, Samaritan’s Purse continues to supply more than 50,000 copies of God’s Word for local congregations to use in outreach.

We thank God for the privilege of representing Christ to displaced Armenians in their time of need.

There will be more international crises like this one. You can help us prepare to respond quickly in Jesus’ Name by giving through our 2023 Christmas Gift Catalog.