PHOTOS: Chaplains Minister in Texas After Harvey

By TJ Petrino   •   September 4, 2017

Chaplain comforts crying woman
Thank you for your ongoing prayers for the people of Texas as well as the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) as they continue to minister across the state. The RRT arrived in Texas while Hurricane Harvey was still churning and will be there as long as they're needed. Help send crisis-trained chaplains to share hope in the midst of tragedy.
In addition to the Texas deployment, chaplains are also ministering in Florida in response to Hurricane Irma.
Crisis-trained chaplains spent time at Dayspring Church in Santa Fe, Texas. The church is being used as a distribution center.
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” —Matthew 18:20
Chaplains shares steps to peace with God.
A chaplain walks through steps to peace with God.
An RRT chaplain prays with a woman offering free haircuts at a convention center in Houston. Help send crisis-trained chaplains to share hope in the midst of tragedy.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has said damage from Hurricane Harvey could cost up to $180 billion. Chaplains are on the ground ministering in five areas of southeastern Texas.
Chaplains also prayed with residents in Dickinson, Texas, not far from Santa Fe.
Rapid Response Team chaplains often serve alongside Samaritan's Purse volunteers, who work tirelessly to help with cleanup and repair efforts. The orange line in this photo shows how high water rose in this home.
A chaplain chats with a homeowner sitting outside her home as Samaritan's Purse volunteers work inside.
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains spent Labor Day ministering to Houston residents in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
Rapid Response Team chaplain Kevin Williams briefs the team serving in Houston. Crisis-trained chaplains with the RRT have been on the ground at several sites across Texas since Harvey hit.
Chaplains visited the George R. Brown Convention Center, which has been used as a shelter and distribution center in Houston. Rapid Response Team chaplains are there to help answer the tough questions people may have and share the hope of Christ with those in need.
Smiles and hugs may be small gestures, but for those in the middle of a crisis, it can mean the world.
Many of the chaplains are former law enforcement officers, giving them a unique perspective on what first responders face when serving their city after a crisis.
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the the U.S. and damage after Harvey is extensive. The work of law enforcement officers in the city and nearby areas is key to recovery efforts.
"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous." —1 Peter 3:8
Chaplains huddle up to pray with the Houston Police Department.
Pausing to pray.
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are meeting the people where they are. Please continue to pray for Texas as well as RRT efforts and similar work to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.