Crisis-trained chaplains are ministering in Johnson County, Kentucky, after floods devastated the area, killing four people and washing away homes.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team sent a half-dozen chaplains and a Mobile Ministry Center to Johnson County, about two hours southeast of Lexington, in eastern Kentucky. They’re serving alongside sister ministry Samaritan’s Purse.
“People there are in need, big time,” said Kelly Burke, manager of emergency response and logistics for the Rapid Response Team.
“It’s a very rural and very connected community where everybody knows everybody. So people will probably know everyone who’s been impacted, and they’ll be carrying their own grief and trauma.”
It’s estimated that 150 homes have been damaged or destroyed, with hundreds more affected by power outages and other flood-related issues.
“Our goal as a Rapid Response Team is to come alongside the people who have been impacted by this flooding and offer spiritual and emotional care and the hope of God’s presence even in the midst of the storm,” Burke said.
“To let them know they’re not forgotten and they’re not alone.”
