CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) will deploy to Claremont, North Carolina, after severe storms swept through the area on Tuesday. The National Weather Service reported that an EF-1 tornado tore through the area, where one person was killed, several others were injured and dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Claremont,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “We want to encourage residents that Jesus is the Savior in the midst of storms. He is our source of hope in times of trouble. He will give us the strength we need. We are sending our crisis-trained chaplains to pray with, comfort, listen and share God’s love with those who have been impacted by this storm.”

BG-RRT chaplains are now providing emotional and spiritual support in four locations:

• Claremont, North Carolina (tornado)
• Clarksville, Tennessee (tornado)
• Acapulco, Mexico (hurricane)
• Ukraine (conflict)

About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into an international network of chaplains in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 760 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.

Media Opportunities:

Interviews with:

• Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT
• Chaplain coordinator in Claremont, North Carolina

B-Roll and photos (please use with credit to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)

Interview request form

Media Contact: Christine Batchelder, cbatchelder@bgea.org

Read more on Non Profit / Faith Based Organizations, and Disaster Relief on Missions Box.