Mayfield, Ky.–On Christmas Eve, Minister Franklin Graham, Bluegrass Legend Ricky Skaggs and Samaritan’s Purse staff members served up a heapin’ helpin’ of roast turkey, baked ham, and all the trimmings in Mayfield for area tornado victims. Mayfield and Graves County took a direct hit from the deadly EF-4 tornado two weeks ago.
Graham also prayed with Graves County Sheriff Jon Hayden, Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan and other local officials and Skaggs performed a free concert for everyone. Skaggs is a Kentucky native.
Skaggs performed upbeat Christmas music for the 1,500 in attendance.
Mayfield also has been visited by President Joe Biden, former Vice President Mike Pence, and Congressman David Kustoff in recent days.
“It seems strange to say ‘Merry Christmas’ here when there’s so much destruction,” Franklin said. “But I mean it when I say it. I hope you all have a merry Christmas and that this community comes together to heal and build back even better than before.”
Samaritan’s Purse has mobilized thousands of volunteers to help in Jesus’ Name following the tornadoes. The teams have been working with homeowners in Kentucky and Arkansas, assisting them by salvaging personal belongings, cutting up fallen trees, clearing debris, and patching damaged roofs. Ongoing work continues in Mayfield and Dawson Springs, Kentucky.
Dozens of crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team are working alongside Samaritan’s Purse to provide emotional support and share the love of Jesus Christ with families impacted by the severe storms.
Photo: Franklin Graham and Ricky Skaggs serve meals Christmas Eve. Samaritans Purse photo.
Franklin Graham prays with Mayor Kathy O’Nan, Sheriff Hayden and other officials. (Graves Co. Sheriff’s Office photo).