CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 24, 2024 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed crisis-trained chaplains to Rock Hill, South Carolina, after a downburst—producing hail as large as three inches—damaged more than 100 homes in the area on Saturday, April 20.
“The storm that affected Rock Hill caught many people off-guard. The winds and hail of this magnitude are normally associated with a tornado, and their damaging effects can be seen throughout the area,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “Rock Hill is about 20 miles south of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters in Charlotte, and we are honored to be able to serve this hurting community. Our crisis-trained chaplains will be in Rock Hill to provide emotional and spiritual support to the community and to show them the hope of Christ in the midst of this storm.”
BG-RRT is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to help meet the needs of those impacted by the storm.
BG-RRT chaplains are now providing emotional and spiritual support in two locations. In addition to Rock Hill, chaplains are deployed to Slidell, Louisiana, where a tornado caused widespread damage earlier this month. Chaplains are also offering hope and providing emotional comfort and spiritual care to families who have been forced to flee their homes 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 coordinators in Rock Hill, South Carolina
- 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.
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org