CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 12, 2024 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed crisis-trained chaplains to Wilkesboro, North Carolina, following the impact of an EF-1 tornado that swept through the area on Thursday, April 11. The storm, which brought winds reaching 105-110 miles per hour, devastated dozens of homes.
“Spring is a peak time for tornadoes to occur in North Carolina, and yet they always catch us off-guard,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “Wilkesboro is in our backyard. Those affected are our neighbors. We are honored to be able to serve them and show them the love of Christ through this difficult time. Our chaplains will be in Wilkesboro to provide emotional and spiritual support in the community.”
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 three locations. In addition to Wilkesboro, chaplains have deployed to Slidell, Louisiana, where another tornado touched down earlier in the week. 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 Wilkesboro, North 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.
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Media Contact:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org