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 reports of tornadoes on Saturday. The disaster occurred just one day shy of the two year anniversary of the deadly Mayfield, Kentucky, tornado that struck on Dec. 10, 2021.

“We can’t even begin to imagine what a terrifying situation this must have been for people. We are praying for all those impacted by this storm,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “We are sending our crisis-trained chaplains to comfort, pray and share God’s love with those who have been impacted by this disaster.”

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

• Clarksville, Tennessee (tornado)
• Hendersonville, Tennessee (tornado)
• Maui, Hawaii (wildfires)
• 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 coordinators in central Tennessee

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

Interview request form

Media Contact: Christine Batchelder, cbatchelder@bgea.org

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