CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 28, 2024 – Following record-breaking flooding that devastated parts of Iowa over the weekend, damaging nearly 2,000 properties and prompting widespread evacuations, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is mobilizing to Spencer, Iowa, to provide support to those affected.
“The devastation caused by these floods in northwest Iowa is truly heartbreaking. The impact on lives and homes is profound, and the coming days will undoubtedly be challenging,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “We want the people of Iowa to know that God’s love and comfort are steadfast. Our crisis-trained chaplains will be there as long as needed, offering emotional and spiritual support, standing alongside the community as the water levels recede and rebuilding begins.”
BG-RRT chaplains will arrive in Spencer on Sunday, June 30, to minister to those in the community who suffered damage and loss due to the flooding. The BG-RRT deploys to natural disasters in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization also headed by Franklin Graham. Together the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who have been affected.
BG-RRT chaplains are now ministering in eight locations. Along with Spencer, chaplains are also in:
- Ruidoso, New Mexico (wildfires)
- Claremore, Oklahoma (tornado)
- Benton County, Arkansas (tornado)
- Temple, Texas (tornado)
- Tallahassee, Florida (tornado)
- Southeast Texas (flooding)
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 Spencer, Iowa
- 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