The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Southwest Florida to comfort residents that suffered devastation due to Hurricane Ian. Ian came ashore Wednesday afternoon near Cayo Costa, Florida, with winds of 150 mph. The hurricane is expected to cause life-threatening storm surges, catastrophic winds and flooding on the Florida peninsula.
“We know that Hurricane Ian is one of the strongest storms in Florida’s history. As we learn of its magnitude, our hearts are heavy and we are earnestly praying for the people in the path of this hurricane,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “We are sending our crisis-trained chaplains to provide emotional and spiritual support during this time of crisis.”
Two Mobile Ministry Centers – 40-ft. custom trucks that the BG-RRT deploys to disaster and emergency scenes across America, which have their purpose printed on them: “Sharing Hope in Crisis” – will leave this morning for Florida. There they will provide a safe space for chaplains to comfort and help people. A total of 20 chaplains are scheduled to arrive and begin serving in Florida by Monday, and more could be deployed, depending upon the need.
BG-RRT chaplains are now serving in four locations. Besides Florida, chaplains are in two areas of eastern Kentucky. They also continue to serve in Ukraine, offering hope and providing comfort and compassion to families who have been forced to flee their homes.
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.
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.
About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team:
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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 640 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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Media Contact:
Christine Batchelder
cbatchelder@bgea.org