Crisis-Trained Chaplains Responding After Deadly NYC Truck Attack

By   •   October 31, 2017

Chaplains are ministering in Manhattan after a truck rammed through a busy bicycle path near the World Trade Center memorial and struck several people Tuesday.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are in New York City after a deadly terror attack left residents in shock and horror as they ended the workday Tuesday afternoon.

Police and witnesses say a man deliberately drove a rented truck onto the city’s busiest bicycle path, killing at least eight and injuring many others. The suspect was shot after emerging from the vehicle and is in custody.

The Rapid Response Team (RRT) started assembling an experienced group of crisis-trained chaplains within hours of what New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is calling a “cowardly act of terror.”

Chaplains arrived on-site Wednesday morning and asked for prayer as they seek to offer hope in what’s been described as a very dark and difficult situation.

Woman in Minnie Mouse ears pushing stroller. Man behind her carrying little girl dressed as Minnie Mouse.
Families carry their children away from the scene of Tuesday’s attack. This little girl was dressed up for Halloween.

Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team talked about what chaplains have encountered in the past after a sudden tragedy.

“When we see terror attacks and the murder of innocent people, the pain, fear and sorrow are deep,” he said.

“Mourners will work through many different emotions over the coming days as they seek answers to very difficult questions. Our chaplains will stand alongside them to listen and offer the hope and comfort of Jesus in these very dark days.”

Tuesday’s event was the deadliest attack on New York City since 9-11.

The RRT is an international ministry of crisis-trained chaplains ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to natural and man-made disasters. Since its inception in the wake of 9/11, hundreds of chaplains have had the honor of praying with hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, all in the name of Jesus.

How You Can Pray

  • Pray for first responders, hospital staff and all those dealing with the aftermath of such a sudden tragedy.
  • Pray for New York City residents who may be facing fear, anxiety or worry after today’s attack.
  • Pray for Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains as they minister to those in need—that hearts will be touched by their display of Christ’s love.
  • Pray for local churches as they identify ways to minister to their hurting communities and be a light in dark times.

Find peace with God in chaotic times.