Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Deploys to Piedmont, Missouri
Third Deployment of 2008 Brings Comfort to Flood Victims
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 1, 2008 -- The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has deployed their crisis-trained chaplains in response to the recent floods across the nation’s midsection. A total of four chaplains are currently working with victims in the area of Piedmont, Missouri.
“Chaplains are already on-site and praying with those who are going through this tragedy in their lives,” said Jack Munday, director of the Rapid Response Team. “Pain and despair increases as the flood waters rise. We want to bring hope and support into this unbearable situation.”
Chaplains have already spoken and prayed with nearly 75 people in this town of 2,000. They are in communication with local law enforcement and area pastors.
As in past disasters of this magnitude, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are working alongside Samaritan’s Purse, a disaster relief organization also headed by Franklin Graham. While Samaritan’s Purse volunteers meet the physical needs of the victims, the chaplains will address the emotional and spiritual needs brought about by the floods.
“Often in these situations, the immediate need is physical: ‘What do I do about my house?’ ‘What about my possessions?’” says Jack Munday. “However, after the immediate physical trauma, the questions start to come: ‘Why did this happen?’ The chaplains will be there to help them as they work through those questions.”
This is the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team’s third deployment of 2008, and its 22nd deployment overall. Earlier this year the chaplains deployed to Tennessee and Arkansas following the deadly tornadoes in the region, and to Northern Illinois University following the Valentines Day shooting of several students.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed following the attacks of September 11, 2001. It has since grown into a nationwide database of more than 2,500 chaplains and ministry volunteers who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations.
For more information on the Rapid Response Team, visit www.billygraham.org/rapidresponse.
