Following a large storm system that formed multiple tornadoes, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed to offer emotional and spiritual care in damaged Tuscaloosa and Dallas County, Alabama. A local resident clutched her newly gifted Bible after talking with Billy Graham chaplains about faith and having her damaged home repaired by Samaritan's Purse volunteers.
One of the main roles of chaplains during deployments is talking with homeowners who are facing shock and grief over loss. They partner alongside Samaritan's Purse volunteers who are working to clean up houses.
A resident recounts his experience living through the tornadoes.
One Alabama homeowner (not pictured) said she ran to her car to flee the tornadoes in her area. However, in the rush, she left her keys in her home—and the front door had already locked behind her. Having nowhere else to go, she clung to a small tree stump as the tornado crossed her property. "I hold onto the fact that I’m still alive," she said. “I set out to safety, the devil tried to screw that up, but our big, mighty God intervened.” >> You can trust God through anything. Know Him today.
God has been working as chaplains visit with residents. During one encounter, a chaplain met a Christian woman, her daughter and son-in-law. The woman previously faced big losses in her family, and the damage to her home was another blow. But, she credited her faith for getting through it all. By the end of the conversation, the woman's daughter and son-in-law prayed to receive Christ.
"I could hear that train they always say you hear," one person shared. "I was scared."
Every Billy Graham chaplain has received crisis training and is equipped to handle the tough reality of natural disasters. Here, chaplain Charlie Clark takes in the devastating views.
Please continue to pray for the people of Tuscaloosa and Dallas County, Alabama, who were hit hard by the tornado outbreak.
