The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains has staff on the ground in Birmingham, Ala., assessing the damage from the historic tornadoes that took dozens of lives and ministering to those who were affected.
“The swath of devastation that has ripped through the South and brought so much death and destruction is stunning,” says Preston Parrish, executive vice president of ministry at Billy Graham Evangelistic Associaiton. “The overwhelming sense of loss — for those who lost their homes, and especially for those who lost loved ones — will be nearly unbearable for many. We want those suffering to know that Christ cares for them, that we are praying for them, and we will be standing beside them.”
Chaplains will address the emotional and spiritual needs of tornado survivors in and around Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. According to news reports, there are more than 160 confirmed casualties in Alabama.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the international Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, who is also president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
