CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 22, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, after historic rainfall caused catastrophic flooding across central Louisiana. More than 20 inches of rain fell in some areas, flooding at least 200 houses and forcing many residents from their homes.
Crisis-trained chaplains will serve throughout Avoyelles Parish, offering emotional and spiritual support to homeowners and families affected by the flooding.
“When families are forced to leave their homes and face loss and uncertainty, the emotional toll can be overwhelming,” said Josh Holland, vice president of BG-RRT Global. “The floodwaters may recede, but many residents will continue to face difficult days as they recover from this crisis. Our chaplains are there to walk alongside them, offering encouragement, prayer and the steadfast hope that is found in Jesus Christ.”
Chaplains will arrive in Avoyelles Parish on June 22 to minister to communities affected by the flooding. The BG-RRT deploys to natural disasters in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization also led by Franklin Graham. Together, the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of impacted homeowners.
In addition to Avoyelles Parish, chaplains are ministering in Coles County, Illinois, after a tornado. BG-RRT also continues to offer emotional 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, vice president of the BG-RRT Global
- Chaplain coordinators in Avoyelles Parish
- 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 940 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Claisse Opulencia
copulencia@bgea.org
+1 (704) 401-2717