Former Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence joined Edward Graham with Samaritan's Purse on Saturday, December 18, in Mayfield, Kentucky, the community which sustained the most damage from recent tornadoes.
Late at night on December 10, at least 30 tornadoes touched down across the Central U.S., wiping out entire communities, killing more than 90 people and leaving thousands homeless. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains are in the worst hit area of Mayfield, Kentucky, as well as Dawson Springs, Kentucky. They also spent some time in Bowling Green, about an hour and a half away.
The Pences spent time encouraging and serving the community, including this law enforcement officer.
This man gave his heart to the Lord after chaplains prayed with him at a distribution center where locals can pick up necessities.
In Bowling Green, crisis-trained chaplains sit down with people to hear their stories about the tornadoes and to encourage them that God loves and cares for them. The BG-RRT recently served in Northeast Arkansas, where a tornado hit a nursing home in Monette, killing a 94-year-old war veteran. More than 60 others at the nursing home miraculously survived after they were moved to shelter. See photos from Arkansas.
There's never a convenient time for crisis, but the holidays often amplify a difficult situation.
Chaplains listen and share the compassion of Christ with Jason Lindsey, who lost his Bowling Green home to a tornado.
Gathering at a memorial outside the Graves County Courthouse, its fence line covered with flowers and pictures of those who lost their lives.
Chaplains Ran and Bob Lawson minister to volunteers helping with tornado cleanup in Dawson Springs.
Ministering to a Bowling Green resident that went through the tornado and is seeking comfort.
With Bibles still in the pews, one church's roof was totally destroyed in the powerful storms.
Chaplains praying with residents in front of the BG-RRT's Mobile Ministry Center, which serves as a hub for prayer and conversation during tragedy.
Franklin Graham's son Edward Graham, who is deployed with Samaritan's Purse, comforts a local woman trying to cope with unimaginable stress and exhaustion.
Law enforcement officers have been busy as they respond to the community's needs while also taking care of their own families. A meal and a word from a chaplain can be a great comfort.
In the background, the BG-RRT's Mobile Ministry Center is for such a time as this—being there for one another and gathering in prayer.
The courthouse had much of its roof blown off in the wave of storms so unusual this time of year.
This church sign states some of the many names the Bible gives to Jesus. One of His titles is "Prince of Peace."
In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Prayer can have an enormous impact on someone's life as he or she walks through a crisis. Chaplains offer to listen as people share their experiences and comfort others in their greatest time of need. WATCH: Franklin Graham calls for urgent prayer over the Heartland.
Nothing looks normal in this small town of 10,000 residents. Here, a couple of people search through the rubble.
A resident takes in the aftermath from the second story of a building that sustained immense tornado damage over the weekend.
A church van with its windows blown out is an up-close reminder of a tornado's strength.
It will take years for Mayfield to recover from the storm. Pray for residents as they take it a day at a time—that they will have strength for the days ahead.
Much of First Christian Church splintered in the swarming tornado. Please keep all impacted by this natural disaster in prayer, especially during this holiday season that will look so different for many.
