CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 19, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Charleston, Illinois, after an EF-2 tornado tore through the area on June 17. The powerful storm damaged homes, toppled trees and power lines and left many families facing the difficult road to recovery.
Crisis-trained chaplains will serve in the Coles County area, offering emotional and spiritual support to homeowners and families affected by the storm.
“In the aftermath of a tornado, many people are left overwhelmed by loss, uncertainty and the challenges that come with rebuilding,” said Josh Holland, vice president of BG-RRT Global. “As this hurting community begins to pick up the pieces, our chaplains will be there to listen, pray and offer the hope and comfort that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Chaplains will arrive in Charleston, Illinois, on June 20 to minister to communities affected by the storm damage and loss. 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 Illinois, BG-RRT 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 Charleston
- 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.
– 30 –
MEDIA CONTACT:
Claisse Opulencia
copulencia@bgea.org
+1 (704) 401-2717