CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 17, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Ohio after torrential rainfall triggered flash flooding across the region. Floodwaters have inundated homes, isolated communities and prompted evacuations and water rescues, leaving many families facing significant loss and uncertainty in the wake of the storms.
Crisis-trained chaplains will minister in the hardest-hit communities in Perry and Muskingum counties, where an estimated 300 homes have been affected by flooding. They will provide emotional and spiritual care to homeowners, first responders and others affected by the crisis.
“As people across Ohio begin picking up the pieces after these devastating floods, our prayer is that they will experience the peace and comfort of God,” said Josh Holland, vice president of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Global. “A team of chaplains will be amongst the hurting communities, coming alongside them to offer a listening ear, prayer and sharing the hope that can only be found 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 Ohio, chaplains are ministering in Spokane, Washington, after devastating wildfires; Appleton, Wisconsin, following a tornado; and West Virginia and southwest Texas after severe flooding. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team 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 Ohio
- 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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