I know that there were hundreds of thousands of people that were left homeless, and we had to do something about it. If Jesus were here on earth, I believe Jesus would be walking through the Ninth Ward reaching out his hand to those that had lost their homes and offering comfort, and making sure that they knew that He was the Son of God—that if they put their faith and trust in Him they can have eternal life.

When Jesus Christ was here on earth He had compassion for those that were hurting, for those that were hungry, for those that were sick—it is no different today. Jesus Christ is here living through us, and I want to make sure that we go to the areas of the world were there is war, famine, earthquakes, fires, and be able to reach out and do it in such a way that these people understand and know that God loves them and cares for them, and that Jesus Christ died for their sins, He rose again—He is alive—and He can come into that person’s heart today and make a change in that person’s life—He can turn that person’s life around … if they are willing to accept Him by faith into their life.

With the passing of your mother just a few months ago, can you reflect on her life and what it meant both to your father, Billy, and all the siblings in your family.

She was the—there are no words to describe my mother. She was the woman who was the force behind Billy Graham. She was the strongest person in my life that I know. A great, great woman—full of life, full of spunk, she wasn’t afraid of anybody, anywhere, anytime. She knew the word of God; she memorized it. She was my greatest support. When she passed away there was a big hole in my heart—and there always will be.

Samaritan’s Purse is a remarkable ministry. Can you share with us what you are hoping for in the next few years with this incredible ministry that has spanned the globe?

We just always want to be available to go into these war and famine areas and take the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and minister to people with their physical needs, but there is a spiritual need in every person’s life. When a state agency or a government agency responds to a disaster they can do a wonderful job, but there is a spiritual dimension they can’t touch, and that is what Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association—when we come into a situation we bring the Gospel, we bring the spiritual element into the relief work we are doing and that is the difference between us and state agencies or some other non-government groups—we bring the Gospel….

Thor Tolo is the host of “Live From Seattle.” His program is heard daily on KGNW-AM 820 in Seattle and at KGNW.com. Contact Thor at thor@kgnw.com.