BG-RRT Press Kit
CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 12, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying crisis-trained chaplains to Illinois and Indiana after deadly tornadoes swept through parts of the Midwest, leaving a trail of destruction and threatening many lives. The powerful storm system spawned multiple tornadoes across several states, killing an elderly couple in the Indiana community of Lake Village and injuring others.
Chaplains will deploy to some of the hardest-hit areas, including Kankakee County, Illinois, and Newton County, Indiana, to provide emotional and spiritual care, bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to those affected.
BG-RRT chaplains also deployed to communities in Michigan earlier this week after the same storm system caused widespread damage across the region, killing four people and injuring more than a dozen others.
“Storms like these leave more than physical damage—they leave people grieving and searching for hope,” said Josh Holland, vice president of BG-RRT Global. “Our chaplains are there to walk alongside those who are hurting, offering prayer and sharing the comfort that comes from Jesus Christ. Even in the midst of life’s storms, we want people to know that God is a refuge and shelter for those who turn to Him, and that they are not facing this difficult time alone.”
In addition to Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, chaplains continue to minister to families affected by recent winter storms in Corinth, Oxford, and New Albany, Mississippi, and West Monroe, Louisiana. The 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 coordinator in Indiana and Illinois - 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