CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 18, 2021 – A recent storm system dumped as much as 13 inches of rain in Pelham, Alabama, and at least four people died as a result of the floodwaters. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying crisis-trained chaplains to the area to provide emotional and spiritual support alongside Samaritan’s Purse.
Nearly 100 people were rescued from homes and vehicles as the rain left the community under water. As a result of the flooding, Pelham and surrounding communities are reporting more than $500,000 in damage.
“The destruction caused by this flooding is significant and our prayers go out to all of those who were impacted, especially those who lost loved ones,” said Josh Holland, assistant director of the BG-RRT. “Our crisis-trained chaplains will be there to listen as people share their stories, and to share God’s love and hope that is found through Jesus Christ.”
This is the 10th deployment this year as a result of flooding and BG-RRT chaplains were in Pelham earlier in the year after a tornado hit the town in March.
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:
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 550 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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Media Contact:
Blake Freeland
Senior Public Relations and Social Media Specialist
bfreeland@bgea.org
