Often when crisis hits—whether natural or manmade—people lose things they hold most dear: loved ones, homes and business, and items of sentimental value. At a joint conference for Billy Graham chaplains and Samaritan's Purse volunteers this past week, Will Graham encouraged those who "run towards disasters while everyone else is running away." He also led the Sunday morning service and communion.
Minister, commentator and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee addressed the crowd of over 1,200 volunteers at the Sharing Hope in Jesus' Name conference, held in Orlando, Florida. "People can't live without a sense of hope, and there's really no basis for hope and optimism unless one understands who Jesus Christ is and the impact that He has and the fact that He's the one that can give us eternal life."
The multi-day event included practical, hands-on training for those who willingly go into a disaster area.
"So many of our volunteers who serve on the frontlines those who are hurting in the storms of life, they're coming here to receive more training," Cissie Graham Lynch explained. No one knows when a disaster will strike next—whether it's a hurricane, wildfire or shooting—so the goal is to be prepared at all times.
There's always time for music. A man of many talents, Mike Huckabee joined Dennis Agajanian onstage for a joyful time of worship.
Several in attendance commented on the power of prayer in times of crisis. Eric Hubbard, deputy director of Law Enforcement Ministry for the BG-RRT, led one of many prayers during the conference. Chaplains come alongside communities in their greatest time of need to offer prayer and support, showing compassion on every deployment and pointing others to the One who rescues our souls from despair.
Will Graham and Mike Huckabee also took a moment to pray. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing, inviting Jesus into our daily lives, seeking His direction, expressing our needs and our gratitude as we go about the day. See more photos from the event.
These volunteers are tangible illustrations of Christ's love to others. Here, a group of Samaritan's Purse volunteers practice tarping a roof. As Christ followers, we can serve those around us in the seemingly small things, putting aside our own desires for an even greater purpose. Jesus said: "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39).
Will Graham thanked the crowd for all the ways they express the love of God through volunteering for the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team or Samaritan's Purse. "Anybody can do this," one attendee commented about ministering to people in crisis. "Simple church people can go and make huge impacts around the world." Learn more about becoming a chaplain.
