The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) has deployed to southern Mississippi after a tornado ripped through the area early Saturday, killing four people in a three-county area. At least 50 people were treated for injuries according to news reports.
On Monday, six RRT Chaplains are arriving in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to provide emotional and spiritual care to residents. The RRT is also sending a Mobile Ministry Center (MMC), which will provide a welcoming respite for residents to visit and pray with chaplains.
Jack Munday, RRT’s international director, says he can’t imagine how difficult it must be for the people there.
“We’ll let them know that God loves them and that there’s hope in the midst of suffering,” he said. “We know that He is faithful and as difficult as it may be, God will help them get through this devastating time.”
Although the storm is gone, the aftermath remains. Residents have been affected by widespread power outages and downed power lines, after the tornado surged across three counties.
The severe weather also left behind tragic consequences in Georgia on Sunday, where at least 14 people died and about two dozen were injured in early morning tornadoes.
Munday asked for people’s prayers for everyone affected, noting the residents of Hattiesburg have gone through difficult times in the past. The city was heavily damaged after a tornado tore through the area in 2013.
“People in that community are resilient,” he said. “We thank the Lord for the [local churches], and it’s our intention to also support them.”
The Rapid Response Team deployed to southwest Georgia earlier this month after powerful storms caused widespread damage and killed one person.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team 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.
Please keep all affected by the storm in your prayers.
