CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 24, 2024 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Ruidoso, New Mexico, to minister to people affected by two devastating and still ongoing wildfires. The Salt Fire has burned over 7,000 acres and the South Fork Fire burned an additional 17,000 acres in the South Fork Region. Combined, these fires have destroyed approximately 1,400 structures, including up to 500 homes, and have tragically claimed two lives.
“We stand with the people of Ruidoso who have suffered such heartbreaking loss from this wildfire,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “The devastation brought by such fires is profound, affecting both lives and properties. In the midst of this tragedy, we want to remind those impacted that God’s presence and comfort are ever-present. Our crisis-trained chaplains will be there to offer emotional and spiritual support, helping the community navigate through this challenging time.”
BG-RRT chaplains will arrive in Ruidoso on Thursday, June 26, alongside physical disaster relief teams from Samaritan’s Purse. Together, the two ministries will work to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in the community who have suffered damage and loss due to these wildfires.
BG-RRT chaplains are currently providing emotional and spiritual support in six additional locations. Along with Ruidoso, chaplains are also in Greenfield, Iowa; Benton County, Arkansas; Tallahassee, Florida; and Southeast Texas, after storms impacted those cities in May. Chaplains are also offering hope and providing emotional comfort and spiritual care to families who have been 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, international director of the BG-RRT
- Chaplain coordinators in Ruidoso, New Mexico
- 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 800 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Taylor Koziarz
(704) 343-1029
tkoziarz@bgea.org