COHASSET, CA — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Northern California following the extensive impact of the Park Fire in Butte and Tehama counties. The fire, which is now 99% contained, burned approximately 430,000 acres, claiming more than 250 homes.

“So many have lost so much due to this tragic fire. We can see the sheer size and scope of the overall damage, but within that are the individual people and families that are left heartbroken and in turmoil,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains who have been specifically trained in crisis-response will be there during this time of loss and grief, providing comfort and the hope of Jesus.”

The BG-RRT is deploying in conjunction with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization which is also headed by Franklin Graham. Together the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who have been affected.

BG-RRT chaplains are now ministering in three areas across the United States. In addition to Northern California, the organization is meeting emotional and spiritual needs in Brazoria County, Texas, (Hurricane Beryl) and South Central Louisiana (Hurricane Francine).

For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit the BG-RRT press kit or BillyGraham.org/RRT. Updates can also be found at Facebook.com/RRTChaplains.

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 800 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.

Media Opportunities

• Interviews with Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT, and chaplain coordinators in Cohasset, California
• B-Roll and photos of deployments (please use with credit to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
• Interview request form

Media Contact: Erik Ogren, eogren@bgea.org

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