The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) has deployed to Queensland, Australia, after devastating floodwaters rushed through over 2,000 homes.
The team of crisis-trained chaplains is providing emotional and spiritual care to the people of Townsville, a coastal community in northeast Queensland.
The flood was caused by an intense monsoonal weather system that began on Jan. 28 and sat on the city for more than a week, dumping 70-plus inches of rain in the northeast area. This unusual downpour is being called a “one in 100-year event” and led to the overflow of the Ross River Dam, resulting in additional flash flooding in the city’s lower suburbs. Officials have warned crocodiles and snakes have been displaced by these waters and are now in human environments.
With thousands forced to evacuate their homes and some even climbing onto their roofs for safety, the RRT is offering comfort and a ministry of presence to those who have endured much in the last several days and now face the process of recovery.
“Cleanup has begun,” crisis-trained chaplain Stewart Beveridge said. He was the first chaplain to reach Townsville, Australia’s largest garrison town. He has since been joined by additional chaplains, and disaster relief ministry Samaritan’s Purse is heading to the area to help.
As some chaplains serve in Queensland, other teams are traveling with Franklin Graham as part of his six-city tour of Australia. The Graham Tour kicked off in Perth on Feb. 9 and will stop in Darwin, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney before it ends on Feb. 24.
Whether they’re ministering to flood victims or praying with individuals who respond to the Gospel message on the Graham Tour, the chaplains’ ultimate goal is to share the love and hope of Christ.
“We treat each other as one big family who is passionate about Jesus and are committed to serving in any community where disaster has overwhelmed them,” Beveridge said.
International RRT Director Jack Munday is calling on all to pray for Townsville during this time: “Following the unprecedented flood, our hearts are with the several thousand families who have experienced great loss. Please join us as we pray for them and their communities. We know the road ahead for many will be long and could be very difficult. But we also know there’s a God who loves them, and has promised to be an ever-present help in their time of trouble.”
In addition, Beveridge specifically asked others to pray that those who talk with chaplains “will hear the truth the Holy Spirit brings them through practical actions and compassionate words.”
Although there are church locations all across Townsville, he’s hoping more people will choose to turn to the Lord during this hardship.
“God is for them,” Beveridge said. “He has not abandoned them at this time. God is compassionate and kind and good even in the midst of crisis.”
Please pray for those in the city of Townsville as they continue to recover.
