CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 14, 2010 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains has deployed to Haiti following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the country on Tuesday. An assessment team is now on the ground in Haiti and is working to meet the needs of the victims. News reports indicate that there are possibly more than 100,000 casualties in and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
“Chaplains arrived yesterday in Haiti to assess the level of need and to determine how to best provide emotional and spiritual care in the aftermath of the tragic earthquake that devastated the impoverished country,” said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “Please pray for the victims of the earthquake, especially those who are still searching through the rubble looking for lost loved ones. Pray also for our team as they bring hope and comfort in the midst of this disaster.”
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has deployed in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the international relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, who is also president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Together, the two groups will meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who have been affected by the earthquake.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is a nationwide network of chaplains across 40 states that are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. Since the ministry was launched in 2002, it has deployed following dozens of natural and man-made disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and shootings.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erik Ogren
(704) 577-2109
eogren@bgea.org