Last week’s Hurricane Michael may be old news to some people but it’s very present on the minds of those who lost loved ones or homes.
The raging storm was the most powerful hurricane to hit the U.S. in over 25 years and third-strongest ever at 155 mph.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) has sent crisis-trained chaplains to Albany, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle to provide emotional and spiritual care to those affected.
“For us, it’s not so much about the houses damaged; it’s the hearts,” RRT Director Jack Munday said.
With more than 200 chaplains on standby, the RRT has deployed alongside Samaritan’s Purse. They are serving with listening ears and compassionate hearts, sometimes to people who have lost everything.
The storm has claimed at least 18 lives, and more than a million people were left without power. Florida Gov. Rick Scott said the Category 4 storm that was just shy of a Category 5, is “the worst storm the Florida Panhandle has seen in a century.”
>> See Photos of Chaplains’ Ministry in Florida and Georgia.
Moving up into the Carolinas and Virginia, Michael brought more rain to devastated areas still drying out from Hurricane Florence before heading back out to sea.
The RRT team has been in communication with emergency management in the region and coordinating with other disaster relief organizations. In addition, two of their Mobile Ministry Centers (MMCs) will serve as their base of operations during the deployment. They’ve also been in touch with chaplains who live in the affected areas, checking on their safety and hearing about current conditions.
Just last year, the team deployed to several cities in Florida following Hurricane Irma.
After last month’s Hurricane Florence, they are also serving in Wilmington, New Bern, and Jacksonville, North Carolina, as well as Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, ministering to hurting communities, including some who still have flooded homes and businesses.
Please keep all those affected by recent disasters in your prayers.
Even in the wake of uncertainty and trial, you can trust God. Start a relationship with Him today.
