In areas flooded with depression and hopelessness, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) chaplains are sharing the love of Christ and bringing smiles to sad faces.
In crises, relief agencies are so burdened meeting physical needs that it's difficult to provide enough emotional and spiritual support for people. Our Rapid Response program fills this void, deploying into crises to simply listen to and pray with victims, relief workers, and first responders.
RRT was developed by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in the United States during the aftermath of the World Trade Centre terrorism tragedy on September 11, 2001. At the time, some church groups and other ministries were ready to assist people in crises, but didn't know what to say or how to help people with their emotional or spiritual needs. BGEA formed and trained its first RRT teams, and has continued to train hundreds more since then.
BGEA of Canada began training and deploying RRT volunteers in 2007. RRT members have been deployed to several Canadian communities, ranging from Moncton, NB, to Chilliwack, B.C. - usually to deal with the after-effects of severe floods. BGEAC has a nationwide database of trained volunteers who are ready to deploy at a moment's notice in response to natural and man-made disasters.
In the field, RRT works alongside Samaritan's Purse and other relief agencies, such as the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. RRT members sit with people to see how they are holding up. If they are open to it, RRT volunteers pray with them - showing God's love and being a listening ear.
RRT training prepares Christians to not only deploy to crises, but to respond to challenges in their own lives or in the lives of people close to them. Christian groups and individuals are welcome to sign up for RRT training and make themselves available to respond to crises. More volunteers are always needed and deployment is always voluntary. Visit the Rapid Response main page to find out more about the next training sessions or to financially support BGEACs efforts in disaster zones.