CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 31, 2023 The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Pasco and Taylor Counties in Florida, after Hurricane Idalia battered the Gulf Coast Wednesday, sustaining up to 125 mph winds before crossing into southern Georgia.
“We want to let people know that when the storms of life come, Jesus is our anchor and strength,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “Even through life’s greatest difficulties, God loves us and can use these trials to bring us closer to Him.”
The team of crisis-trained chaplains is working in conjunction with disaster relief organization Samaritan’s Purse to help meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted by the severe storms. This deployment could expand to other areas as needs are assessed.
BG-RRT chaplains are now serving in five locations. Besides Pasco and Taylor Counties, Florida, chaplains are bringing hope to those in Spokane, Washington, and Maui, Hawaii, after wildfires swept through the area. They are also ministering 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 Taylor and Pasco County, Florida
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 760 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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Media Contact:
Christine Batchelder
cbatchelder@bgea.org