CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 29, 2023 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to the Spokane, Washington, area, where fast-moving wildfires have burned more than 20,000 acres and destroyed nearly 300 homes. Governor Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency.
“The devastation from these wildfires we are seeing in Spokane, Washington, is heartbreaking,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “We are sending our crisis-trained chaplains to listen, comfort and pray with residents who are hurting.”
BG-RRT chaplains are now providing emotional and spiritual support in three locations. Besides Spokane, Washington, chaplains are bringing hope to those on Maui after catastrophic wildfires swept through the area. They are also ministering 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
Interview with: Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT
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 760 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Christine Batchelder
cbatchelder@bgea.org