Confused by Religion: Man Chooses Jesus After Oakland Warehouse Fire

By   •   February 16, 2017

Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team offered a ministry of presence in the aftermath of the Oakland (California) Warehouse fire that killed 36 people in December 2016.

Thirty-six people in Oakland, California, lost their lives in December when an iconic warehouse building, known locally as the Ghost Ship, went up in flames during a dance party. Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed and, during the next week, comforted and prayed one-on-one with hundreds of people affected by the tragedy. Many made decisions for Christ, including this man:

A man and his wife from another city came to the site to express their deep sorrow and show their respect. Noticing the chaplains and their logo, the man said, “Oh, Billy Graham’s people. What are you guys doing?” A chaplain shared the team’s purpose, which led almost immediately to questions about life, death, and eternity. Soon the man said he was confused by religion and left.

But 15 minutes later he returned with his wife, ready to talk and to listen to the Gospel message. In the end, they both prayed, asking for forgiveness of sin and new life in Jesus Christ. One of the chaplains was familiar with the couple’s home city and made a connection for them with a Bible-believing church there. Please join the team in praying they will grow in their new faith.

Are you struggling to find peace?