OKLAHOMA CITY — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying crisis-trained chaplains to the Oklahoma City region after an ongoing series of violent storms spawned multiple tornadoes. Many homes have been impacted, and tens of thousands were left without power. “Our prayers are with the people of Oklahoma who have been devastated by…
CHARLOTTE, NC— Following the historically devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying crisis-trained chaplains to multiple areas across the southeastern United States. A Category 4 storm, Helene slammed into Florida on Thursday night before moving into Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond. As of this time, the BG-RRT deployments…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Following the historically devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying crisis-trained chaplains to multiple areas across the southeastern United States. A Category 4 storm, Helene slammed into Florida on Thursday night before moving into Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond. As of this time, the BG-RRT…
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….
CHARLOTTE, NC — Search For Jesus—the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s online evangelism initiative—has reached a significant milestone, with 20 million indicated decisions for Christ since its launch in 2011. The global ministry, now active in English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and American Sign Language (ASL), uses Bible scripture, compelling video content, and live chat…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) are deploying to Winder, Georgia, approximately 40 minutes northeast of Atlanta, following a mass shooting at Apalachee High School. At this time, news reports indicate that four people have been killed, with several more injured. The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office reported that…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, reached a major milestone today, as Gabriel Salstein of Miami, Florida, became the 2 millionth guest. “When visitors enter the Billy Graham Library, they enter through doors at the foot of a 40-foot-tall glass cross,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Sarasota, Florida, after the area received between 12-20 inches of rain from Hurricane Debby. Coastal storm surge also contributed to flooding and damage to homes. “We know that hurricanes bring strong winds and rain with them, but we often forget that the…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is deploying to Marion, Virginia, after two deputies with the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office were shot following a traffic stop on Friday, Aug. 9. One officer was killed in the line of duty and the other was transported and released from the hospital. “When one officer…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Savannah, Georgia, after the area received between 20-30 inches of rain from Hurricane Debby. Subsequent dam breaches have caused widespread flooding and damage to homes. “Hurricane Debby wreaked havoc on many communities along the East Coast, with some areas seeing historic flooding…
JACKSONVILLE, NC — From personal tragedies like disease, death and financial difficulties to catastrophes on a massive scale such as shootings, fires and floods, many Christians may feel unprepared to offer comfort and hope to those grieving and in despair. On Aug. 10, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT)—a nationwide network of crisis-trained chaplains…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Brazoria County, Texas, after Hurricane Beryl hit the coast of the state as a Category 1 storm. Hurricane Beryl plowed through the Caribbean as a Category 5 – the earliest reported storm of this magnitude – causing destruction on multiple islands before…
DENVER —The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) will train and encourage Hispanic pastors and church leaders at the “Summit de Evangelismo” (Evangelism Summit) in Denver on Aug. 3, 2024. This will be the first Hispanic-focused event hosted by the BGEA in Colorado. The Summit will feature a variety of teachers and speakers who will explore…
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND — Franklin Graham preached in Glasgow tonight where a crowd of 7,560 people filled the OVO Hydro for the God Loves You Tour UK. “Maybe you’re here tonight and you’re wanting to know, who is Jesus?” Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse, told the…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Following record-breaking flooding that devastated parts of Iowa over the weekend, damaging nearly 2,000 properties and prompting widespread evacuations, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is mobilizing to Spencer, Iowa, to provide support to those affected. “The devastation caused by these floods in northwest Iowa is truly heartbreaking. The impact on…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Temple, Texas, after an EF-2 tornado destroyed or severely damaged around 500 homes and businesses on Wednesday, May 22. Temple, located in Central Texas, is between Austin and Waco and is adjacent to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood). “When…
WASHINGTON — For House Speaker Mike Johnson, last Thursday’s ceremony was more than just unveiling another bronze statue at the U.S. Capitol.It was far bigger than the 7-foot statue of Billy Graham pointing to the open Word of God. This statue will be installed in the Crypt—one level below the Rotunda where every public tour…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Bartlesville/Barnsdall, Oklahoma, after multiple tornadoes ripped through a 37-mile area, damaging and destroying hundreds of homes and utilities in Osage County, north of Tulsa, Oklahoma. “We’ve seen an unbelievable outbreak of tornadoes across the Midwest over the last few…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) are deploying to the Houston, Texas, area as excessive flooding has impacted a large swath of the region. The deadly storms dropped several inches of rain, causing rivers to overflow and flood homes, businesses and roadways. “We’ve found that flooding can be…
CHARLOTTE, NC — On Thursday, May 16, a statue of the late Rev. Billy Graham—representing the state of North Carolina—will be unveiled in the U.S. Capitol. The sculpture, created by Charlotte-based artist Chas Fagan, depicts Graham gesturing toward an open Bible in his hand. The seven-foot bronze statue stands on a pedestal engraved with verses…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) are deploying to Sulphur, Oklahoma, after a massive tornado devastated the community of 5,000 on Sunday. According to news reports, more than 20 tornadoes impacted Oklahoma, resulting in approximately 100 reported injuries, four deaths, and untold property damage. “The swath of devastation…
FARMINGTON, PA — From personal tragedies like disease, suicide and financial difficulties to catastrophes on a massive scale such as shootings, fires and floods, many Christians may feel unprepared to offer comfort and hope to those who are grieving and in despair. On May 4, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) – a nationwide…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) are deploying to Hutchinson County in the Texas Panhandle, where the second-largest fire in the state’s history is forcing evacuations. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties, as over 1 million acres have burned in Texas and Oklahoma….
CHARLOTTE, NC — Jean Graham Ford, wife of evangelist Dr. Leighton Ford and younger sister of the late Rev. Billy Graham, died at Carolinas Medical Center Thursday morning, Feb. 29, at the age of 91. Jean spent her childhood in Charlotte on the Graham dairy farm, located a few miles from the current location of…
CHARLOTTE, NC — As the situation intensifies on America’s southern border, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is releasing a new TV program, “Border Crisis: Is There Hope?” The special explores stories of those who have lost hope and are hurting in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. Hear from those on both sides who’ve been…
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….
CHARLOTTE, NC — Each year, thousands of people from across the Carolinas and the Southeast visit the Billy Graham Library to experience Christmas at the Library. The Christ-centered festivities have become an annual Christmas tradition for many, with more than 500,000 visitors experiencing this seasonal celebration since 2008. The 16th annual Christmas at the Library…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to two locations in central Tennessee after tornadoes tore through the area, killing six people and injuring dozens more. Two children are among those killed in the storm that ravaged parts of Tennessee and Kentucky – a storm that spawned at least 22…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is responding to a mass shooting that happened Wednesday night in Lewiston, Maine. Police say at least 18 people are dead and 13 more are wounded. Police report the shooting took place at two locations in Lewiston, which is just north of Portland. “The tragic…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Mexico after Hurricane Otis, a category 5 storm, slammed into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast last week. The hurricane claimed the lives of at least 48 people and resulted in widespread property damage, including more than 200,000 homes. “Our thoughts and prayers are…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Library will host a family-friendly, Biblically-focused Hispanic Heritage Celebration Day on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The day will include indoor and outdoor activities, guided Journey of Faith tours in Spanish, kids’ craft, and discounts in Ruth’s Attic bookstore –…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed to Valdosta, Georgia, after Hurricane Idalia caused massive flooding that has impacted close to 500 homes in the Valdosta area. “We know that Hurricane Idalia not only impacted Florida, but parts of Georgia – including Valdosta, which was one of the hardest hit…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Pasco and Taylor Counties in Florida, after Hurricane Idalia battered the Gulf Coast Wednesday, sustaining up to 125 mph winds before crossing into southern Georgia. “We want to let people know that when the storms of life come, Jesus is our anchor…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Barre, Vermont, an area that experienced catastrophic flooding this past week. Dozens of roads remain closed and thousands of homes and businesses have been badly damaged. This is the same storm system that impacted Highland Falls, New York, where BG-RRT chaplains are…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed to Hampton, Georgia, after a gunman killed four people and wounded two police officers. Chaplains will be attending a community vigil in Hampton tonight and will provide emotional and spiritual support to those who are grieving. “Our hearts break for those who have…
CHARLOTTE, NC — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Highland Falls, New York, an area that experienced catastrophic flooding this past weekend. Roadways were washed out and dozens of water rescues took place after more than a half-foot of rain fell in only a few hours. Highland Falls is just outside…
ASHEVILLE, NC — On July 28-30, The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, will welcome Hispanic Christians for a Spanish-language seminar led by Guatemalan preacher and director of the ministry Legendarios, Chepe Putzu. “For decades, The Cove has welcomed people from around the world to be equipped with God’s Word…
MARKED TREE, ARKANSAS — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Marked Tree, Arkansas, after a line of severe storms tore through the Mid-South. Winds in excess of 100 mph snapped power lines and caused widespread damage to the small city located between Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee. “Our thoughts and prayers…
TULSA, OKLAHOMA — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a severe storm system swept through the area Saturday night. Winds in excess of 100 mph caused widespread damage and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people. “After seeing the amount of devastation that was in Tulsa,…
LVIV, UKRAINE — A team of Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) have already seen 31 people accept Christ in Lviv, Ukraine, as they offer hope and provide comfort and compassion to families who have been forced to flee their homes. The team of crisis-trained chaplains are serving alongside medical personnel with Samaritan’s Purse, a…
LIVERPOOL ENGLAND — As churches continue to look at ways to minister the hope of the Gospel in their communities in the midst of the pandemic the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is hosting a series of evangelism summits across the UK. GNA reporter Peter Wooding went to the Liverpool Summit in the North West of…
BAKERSFIELD, CA – Billy Graham asked his close friend of 10 years, Don Wilton, to be his pastor and what followed was a privileged 25 years of sitting at the feet of one of God’s pillar servants—nurturing a friendship and seeing a personal side of Billy that most people have never known, until now. “My…
WAVERLY / HUMPHREYS COUNTY, TN — Billy Graham chaplains are ministering to flood victims in Middle Tennessee where 20 people lost their lives in recent floodwaters. Resident Shane Gannon shares what it was like in the midst of such a disaster and how the Billy Graham team has impacted his community. Shane Gannon – Homeowner:…
MINNESOTA — Crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) are ministering in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, talking with locals and pointing them to a God who gives hope. Many in the Twin Cities are deeply hurting after 20-year-old Daunte Wright was shot and killed at a traffic stop on April 11. It was…
BOULDER, CO — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed to Boulder, Colorado, following a supermarket shooting that killed 10 people, including a law enforcement officer, Monday March 22. Chaplain coordinator Jack Rassmusson, who lives less than an hour from Boulder, is leading a team of crisis-trained chaplains. They’re offering a listening ear…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Evangelist Will Graham will broadcast a special Good Friday service on Friday afternoon, April 2, at 4 p.m. EDT, live from the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. He will be joined for the outreach by award-winning Christian musical artist Aaron Shust. “The cross is one of the most common symbols of the…
MINNEAPOLIS — The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) is offering the love of Christ after days of protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Demonstrations erupted nationwide, including Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is headquartered. Rapid Response Team Assistant Director Josh Holland explains how we are all called to be ministers of hope and reconciliation.
CHARLOTTE, NC — In 2015, then North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed in to law House Bill 540, which decreed that a statue of evangelist Billy Graham would be commissioned to represent the state in the U.S. Capitol. Today, as plans move forward with the project, those impacted by Graham’s timeless Gospel message are invited…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Teams of crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) are on their way to El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, following a pair of shootings over the weekend. News reports say 20 people have died and 26 others were injured in El Paso. In Dayton, an additional nine people were killed and…
CHARLOTTE, NC — Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team are deploying to Jefferson City, MO, following a destructive EF-3 tornado that impacted an area of approximately three square miles, damaging more than 150 structures. The twister was one of more than a dozen that tore through the state earlier this week. “Chaplains with the Billy…
