The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) is offering emotional and spiritual care to communities in Oklahoma, Ohio, Michigan and Texas following heavy storm damage. While residents in Oklahoma and Michigan have encountered recent floods, Ohio has faced numerous twisters. In addition, residents in Texas are still recovering from Hurricane Harvey, and chaplains are in the area to support those in the rebuilding process.
Multiple tornadoes swept through Ohio on May 27, leaving behind massive devastation. In response, Billy Graham chaplains deployed alongside Samaritan's Purse to Dayton, where they've had the opportunity to pray with over 1,600 people.
In the midst of great loss, chaplains offer a listening ear and share the hope of Christ. >> Do you trust God in hard circumstances? Start a relationship with Him today.
With four new deployments in the past three weeks, many in the network of 2,000-plus crisis-trained chaplains have been called in to help. Here, husband and wife chaplain team Abby and Wayne Spencer of Montross, Virginia, talk to a woman affected by a twister in Dayton, Ohio.
Numerous areas of Oklahoma and Arkansas have been flooded by heavy rains and the overflowing Arkansas River. Billy Graham chaplains responded to both Tulsa and Muskogee, Oklahoma, after water crept into over 1,000 homes. In Muskogee, chaplains have been encouraged by people constantly coming up to the Mobile Ministry Center, their vehicle that says “Serving in Jesus' Name.” “It’s as if Jesus showed up and people immediately began coming to Him," one chaplain shared, referring to it being like those in Jesus' day who immediately followed Him, regardless of where He was.
While Samaritan's Purse volunteers are clearing debris or mudding out houses, Billy Graham chaplains spend time getting to know homeowners. After renovations are complete, homeowners are given a Bible that's signed by the two ministries. Here, chaplains shared a word of encouragement, hoping God's Word will be the foundation of the home.
