CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 17, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to south-central Colorado after the Aspen Acres Fire scorched nearly 100,000 acres and destroyed more than 250 homes in Pueblo County, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. As residents begin returning to devastated communities across the region, many are facing the difficult reality of rebuilding after one of Colorado’s largest wildfires to date.
Crisis-trained chaplains will minister throughout the areas affected by the Aspen Acres Fire, offering emotional and spiritual care to individuals and families facing loss and uncertainty.
“Our hearts break for the families who have lost their homes and for the many others returning to communities forever changed by these devastating wildfires,” said Josh Holland, vice president of the BG-RRT Global. “As the long road to recovery begins, our chaplains will be there to listen, pray and walk alongside those who are hurting, reminding them that the hope found in Jesus Christ remains steadfast even in the midst of 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 Colorado, chaplains are ministering in Venezuela following earthquakes; southern Mississippi and Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, following severe flooding, and in Charleston, Illinois, following a tornado. 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 BG-RRT
- Chaplain coordinators in Pueblo County
- 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