Strong winds spread flames through the Attica region of Greece last week, causing the country’s deadliest wildfires in years.
Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) are in the area, offering emotional and spiritual care to those hurting.
Nearly 100 people have been reported dead with many more injured. Officials expect the death toll to rise as more bodies are uncovered in the destruction.
Hundreds fled their homes on foot or by car while others tried to escape the blaze by swimming out to sea. Some of the deceased were found in a field along the charred seaside village of Mati, less than 20 miles east of Athens. The resort town is said to be one of the hardest hit areas of the blaze.
The RRT is partnering with BGEA’s U.K. office in sending crisis-trained chaplains to the devastated areas.
“This will be a tremendous help for the already stretched churches in Athens,” said Hans Mannegran, BGEA director of European affairs. This is the RRT’s first deployment outside of North America in 2018.
While BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse already have a presence in Greece and relationships with multiple church leaders, chaplains are coming to “help equip churches for longterm ministry,” said RRT International Director Jack Munday. He added that the RRT desires to follow Jesus’ example.
“When Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion. That’s our model for our method of ministry,” Munday explained.
Munday said chaplains are there to help people process the traumatic event. Often, events such as this lead to spiritual or “God” questions that many people have after nearly facing death.
“Pray the Holy Spirit will take their conversations to the cross,” Munday said.
Even in the midst of tragedy, God is there. He is for you, never against you. Know Him today.
