OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 5, 2024 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying crisis-trained chaplains to the Oklahoma City region after an ongoing series of violent storms spawned multiple tornadoes. Many homes have been impacted, and tens of thousands were left without power.
“Our prayers are with the people of Oklahoma who have been devastated by this terrible disaster,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “The chaplains will be there for the survivors as they begin the long and difficult process of moving forward in the days to come.”
The BG-RRT is deploying in conjunction with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization which is also headed by Franklin Graham. Together the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who have been affected.
In addition to this deployment in Oklahoma City, BG-RRT chaplains are currently spread throughout the Southeastern United States, ministering to those impacted by the recent hurricanes. Those deployment sites include:
- Tampa, Florida
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Buncombe County (Asheville), North Carolina
- Burnsville, North Carolina
- High Country (Boone) region of North Carolina and Tennessee
- Charlotte County, Florida
- South Central Louisiana
Chaplains are also providing emotional comfort and spiritual care to those who have been impacted by the conflict in war-torn Ukraine.
For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit the BG-RRT press kit or BillyGraham.org/RRT. Updates can also be found at Facebook.com/RRTChaplains.
Media Opportunities
- Interviews with:
- Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT
- Chaplain coordinator in Oklahoma City
- B-Roll and photos (please use with credit to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
- Interview request form
About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into an international network of chaplains in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 800 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org