THIBODAUX, La., Sept. 13, 2024 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Thibodaux, Louisiana, after Hurricane Francine hit the area as a Category 2 storm. More than two dozen people had to be rescued in Lafourche Parish as rising flood waters inundated the region.
“People across the Gulf Coast region have been impacted by the heavy storms and flooding from Hurricane Francine. In many cases, they’ve lost their homes and everything they hold dear,” said Josh Holland. “As they navigate the dark and difficult days ahead, we’ll be there to offer emotional and spiritual care in the name of Jesus.”
Crisis-trained chaplains will arrive in Thibodaux on Saturday, Sept. 14, and begin ministering to people who have been impacted by the storm. The BG-RRT deploys to natural disasters 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.
BG-RRT chaplains are now ministering in three locations. Along with Thibodaux, chaplains are also in Brazoria County, Texas (Hurricane Beryl), as well as in war-torn Ukraine—offering hope and providing emotional comfort and spiritual care to families who have been forced to flee their homes.
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, and chaplain coordinators in Thibodaux, La.
- B-Roll and photos of deployments (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.
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Media Contact:
Erik Ogren
eogren@bgea.org