CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 5, 2023 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed to Valdosta, Georgia, after Hurricane Idalia caused massive flooding that has impacted close to 500 homes in the Valdosta area.
“We know that Hurricane Idalia not only impacted Florida, but parts of Georgia – including Valdosta, which was one of the hardest hit areas,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “We are sending our crisis-trained chaplains to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ – to comfort, listen and pray with people, as they recover from this storm.”
The team of crisis-trained chaplains is working in conjunction with disaster relief organization Samaritan’s Purse to help meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted by these severe storms.
BG-RRT chaplains are now providing emotional and spiritual support in six locations:
- Valdosta, Georgia (Hurricane Idalia)
- Taylor County, Florida (Hurricane Idalia)
- Pasco County, Florida (Hurricane Idalia)
- Maui, Hawaii (wildfires)
- Spokane, Washington (wildfires)
- Ukraine (conflict)
Media Opportunities
Interviews with:
- Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT
- Chaplain coordinators in Valdosta, Georgia
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.
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Media Contact:
Christine Batchelder
cbatchelder@bgea.org