INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 24, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to central Indiana after repeated rounds of heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding across the region. As floodwaters moved downstream, homes and roads in Hamilton and Marion counties were inundated, prompting evacuations and water rescues and leaving many families facing significant damage.
Crisis-trained chaplains will minister in some of the hardest-hit communities, providing emotional and spiritual care to homeowners, first responders and others affected by the flooding.
“Many families across central Indiana have been overwhelmed by the devastation these floods have left behind,” said Josh Holland, vice president of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Global. “As they begin the difficult process of cleaning up and recovering, our chaplains will be there to listen, pray and remind them that God is near in the midst of hardship. We want them to know there is lasting hope and peace in Jesus Christ.”
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 those impacted by the flooding.
In addition to Indiana, chaplains are ministering in central Ohio, West Virginia and Uvalde, Texas, following severe flooding; Spokane, Washington, after devastating wildfires; and Appleton, Wisconsin, following a tornado. The ministry also continues to offer emotional and spiritual care to families 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 BG-RRT
- Chaplains in Indiana
- 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 960 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
– 30 –
MEDIA CONTACT:
Claisse Opulencia
[email protected]
+1 (704) 401-2717