CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 30, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Wisconsin after an EF-3 tornado tore through the Fox Valley region on July 27. The powerful storm left a trail of destruction, damaging homes, uprooting trees, downing power lines and leaving thousands without electricity.
Crisis-trained chaplains will serve in the hardest-hit communities of Appleton and Menasha, where they will offer emotional and spiritual support to homeowners, families and others affected by the storm.
“The tornado that swept through multiple communities in Wisconsin changed lives in a matter of minutes, leaving people facing overwhelming loss,” said Josh Holland, vice president of BG-RRT Global. “As recovery begins, our chaplains will walk alongside those who are hurting, offering a listening ear, prayer, and pointing them to the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
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 those impacted by the crisis.
BG-RRT chaplains are ministering in multiple locations around the world. In addition to Wisconsin, chaplains are also serving in:
- Ukraine (conflict)
- Spain (wildfires)
- Mount Clare, West Virginia (flooding)
- Southwest Texas (flooding)
- Venezuela (earthquakes)
- Pueblo, Colorado (flooding)
- Gulfport, Mississippi (flooding)
- Avoyelles, Louisiana (flooding)
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
- Chaplains in Wisconsin
- 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 960 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