On Monday, crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) served in Charlotte, North Carolina, along the streets where the Republican National Convention was held. Here, three crisis-trained chaplains walk, pray and look out for opportunities to talk with locals.
After several days of violent protests in downtown Charlotte, many welcomed the sight of the chaplains. While the chaplains met some hostile groups, they were also invited to join a worship-and-prayer event in Romare Bearden Park.
The chaplains talked with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) in various locations throughout the evening. "We were letting them know, one: God loves them," said Kevin Williams, RRT's emergency response logistics manager, who noted the long hours many officers have been working. "And we’re praying for them constantly through it all."
"What do you guys do?" and "Why are you here?" are common questions the chaplains receive while along the streets. "This opens the door for us to tell people who don't know who we are what we do—which leads right into sharing Jesus' name because everything we do is in Christ," said Kevin Williams (not pictured).
A passerby recognized the Rapid Response Team and talked with Williams, saying he was excited to take RRT's Sharing Hope in Crisis training. "I believe there’s much I need to know to say and not to say to people on the streets during these times," the individual stated.
As the chaplains were heading out, a young couple called out to them, asking for prayer for their families. >> Would you like prayer, too? Call the Billy Graham Prayer Line at 888-388-2683.
