Crisis-Trained Chaplains Ministering in Mississippi After Deadly Storms

By   •   January 12, 2020

An 11-year-old Mississippi resident gathers items from a relative's home after a tree fell on it during Saturday's storm. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are in the area to offer emotional and spiritual care. (Adam Robison/The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal via AP)

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) chaplains deployed to DeSoto County, Mississippi, after a deadly storm system moved across the South and Midwest over the weekend. The fast-moving storm has been blamed for at least 12 deaths and left a path of destruction affecting thousands of homes and businesses.

Crisis-trained chaplains are providing emotional and spiritual care alongside Samaritan’s Purse. The RRT also has its Mobile Ministry Center, a well-equipped vehicle often used during deployments as a safe haven for residents, first responders and others to come talk to chaplains about the disaster they’re facing.

“Our prayers are especially with these families during this tragic time,” said RRT Assistant Director Josh Holland.

The Mobile Ministry Center serves as a place of refuge for the community and chaplains to gather after crises.

The National Weather services confirmed two tornadoes touched down in the Mid South on Saturday, including one in Tate County, Mississippi, that moved into DeSoto County. Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency as a result.

The storm system also produced heavy rain and wind across Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Please join the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in praying for all affected by this severe weather, as well as for chaplains in the area to assist and share the hope and love of Jesus Christ.

A homeowner shows the storm’s damage to Billy Graham chaplains.