BG-RRT Press Kit
WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash., Dec. 16, 2025 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Whatcom County, Washington, in response to historic flooding that has caused widespread damage across the region. Days of torrential rain pushed rivers to record levels, washing out bridges and critical infrastructure and forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents—leaving families displaced during the Christmas season.
A team of crisis-trained chaplains will be ministering in Whatcom County, where flooding has impacted hundreds of homes. BG-RRT chaplains will be offering emotional and spiritual care to residents navigating loss and uncertainty in the aftermath of the disaster.
“Our hearts go out to the communities in western Washington affected by this historic flooding, especially as many families approach Christmas without the comfort of home,” said Josh Holland, vice president of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Global. “During a time that is usually marked by joy and celebration, many are instead facing loss and uncertainty. Our chaplains will stand alongside them, offering prayer, and pointing them to Jesus Christ who brings hope, comfort, and restoration in times of trouble.”
The BG-RRT is deploying in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization also headed by Franklin Graham. Together the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who have been affected.
In addition to Whatcom County, BG-RRT is serving in Sydney, Australia, following a tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach. The ministry also continues to provide 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 the BG-RRT Global
• Chaplain coordinator in Whatcom 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 900 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org
Claisse Opulencia
copulencia@bgea.org