CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 11, 2025 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed crisis-trained chaplains to the Dominican Republic following the roof collapse at a popular nightclub in the capital city of Santo Domingo. At least 221 people were killed and more than 200 were injured.
“The loss of life that we have seen in this incident is devastating,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “Many people will ask the question, ‘Why?’ No matter how dark and hopeless the situation may seem, we can find hope and light through Jesus Christ. That is the message the chaplains are sharing with the families and survivors today.”
The BG-RRT is now ministering in six locations both domestically and internationally. In addition to Santo Domingo, the ministry is offering hope and providing emotional comfort and spiritual care in:
- McNairy County, Tennessee (tornado)
- Poplar Bluff, Missouri (tornadoes)
- Stillwater, Oklahoma (wildfires)
- Los Angeles, California area (Palisades and Eaton wildfires)
- Ukraine (ongoing conflict)
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
- 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 870 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org