CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 3, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed to multiple international disasters, including Japan following a devastating earthquake and Spain after historic wildfires, while continuing ministry in Venezuela in the aftermath of deadly earthquakes.
Crisis-trained chaplains from across the globe are on the ground in Kumamoto, Japan, after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck July 28, killing at least 25 people, injuring many more and forcing thousands of residents to seek emergency shelter. Chaplains have also deployed to the Madrid region of Spain, where historic wildfires have scorched more than 190,000 acres, displaced approximately 25,000 people in the area and prompted the country’s first-ever national wildfire emergency.
In addition, BG-RRT chaplains continue serving in Venezuela’s La Guaira region following devastating earthquakes that struck in late June, killing more than 5,500 people and leaving thousands more injured. BG-RRT also continues to minister to families forced to flee their homes in war-torn Ukraine.
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating earthquake in Japan, as well as those facing the destruction caused by the wildfires in Spain and the ongoing recovery from the earthquakes in Venezuela,” said Josh Holland, vice president of the BG-RRT Global. “In the wake of these disasters, many people are searching for hope and comfort. Our crisis-trained chaplains will be there to listen, pray and remind those who are hurting that they are not forgotten, pointing them to the lasting hope found in Jesus Christ.”
Serving alongside the local church, chaplains are on the ground, offering emotional and spiritual care to families, first responders and others affected by these disasters.
BG-RRT chaplains are also serving in the following locations across the United States:
- Eastern Wisconsin (tornado)
- Mount Clare, West Virginia (flooding)
- Southwest Texas (flooding)
- Gulfport, Mississippi (flooding)
Earlier this year, Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared the hope of Jesus Christ with thousands during an evangelistic outreach in Madrid. As one of the ministries of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, BG-RRT is continuing to serve in Spain by offering emotional and spiritual support in response to the wildfire crisis.
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 Japan, Spain and Venezuela
- 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.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Claisse Opulencia
copulencia@bgea.org
+1 (704) 401-2717