The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) and Samaritan’s Purse are serving the communities of hard-hit Lake Charles and DeRidder, Louisiana, following Hurricane Laura. Chaplains have also deployed to additional locations in Jennings and DeQuincy, Louisiana.
The hurricane crossed the Louisiana coast as a Category 4 on August 27 with 150 mph winds. At least 14 people in the state and another four in Texas died as a result. In Lake Charles, the powerful storm blew out a slew of windows in this skyscraper.
High winds also toppled this tractor trailer in Lake Charles, which is in the southwest part of the state.
Chaplain Charlie Clark talks with a driver in DeRidder, about 86 miles inland from the Gulf Coast.
Chaplains offer emotional and spiritual care to people who waited out the storm, as well as those who evacuated and returned to find their home damaged or destroyed.
In John 16:33 Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” This is the Good News of the Gospel that the RRT shares.
Crews from multiple states are working long hours to restore power in Louisiana and Texas. In the worst areas, it may take weeks of rebuilding the lines.
Chaplains gather outside the Mobile Ministry Command Center (MMC) in Lake Charles. The MMC serves as a base for planning ministry and as a quiet place to talk and pray with people struggling or who need encouragement.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deploys to both natural and man-made disasters. Are you going through a life crisis and need to talk to someone? Call the Billy Graham Prayer Line
at 888-388-2683 anytime day or night.
