Comfort in Times of Crisis

For Maria, it brought Christ’s hope in the aftermath of a car-ramming attack.

With your Christmas gifts, you can comfort individuals and families struggling through crises or disasters by partnering with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.

One-Time Gift Monthly Gift

Sharing Hope in Crisis

100+ Deployments

Since 2005, there have been over 100 chaplain deployments.

Nearly 40 Natural Disasters

There have been nearly 40 natural disaster deployments involving floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

More than 60 chaplains

The largest deployment in the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team’s history in Canada was more than 60 chaplains during the June 2013 floods.

Maria’s Story

Maria* was looking for hope in the aftermath of a deadly car-ramming attack in Vancouver, British Columbia. The attack happened suddenly during the Filipino Lapu Lapu festival. Eleven people were killed, including a child, and dozens more injured.

As a single mother, Maria was struggling to understand how this could have happened. She had moved to Canada 13 years ago and had no family aside from her teenage daughter. Maria had a Catholic background but had not been to church since moving.

When she met one of our Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains, it opened the door for a much-needed conversation. With the recent attack, Maria was questioning how she or her daughter would ever cope on their own if something happened to either of them.

Our chaplain took the opportunity to tell Maria about Jesus, and the hope and strength we always have in Him.

Continue reading Maria's story below.

*Names and photos changed for privacy.

About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association established the Rapid Response Team ministry after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City. The ministry was brought to Canada in 2004. In the 21 years since, Christians from across Canada have been trained and deployed to minister to the emotional and spiritual needs of people in crisis. Chaplains have responded to a wide range of situations, including hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and man-made disasters. Through spiritual care, emotional support, and practical assistance, chaplains offer comfort and hope to help individuals navigate the emotional aftermath of traumatic events.

Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

As Maria spoke with our chaplain, they shared about the hope and assurances that come from knowing God. The chaplain also shared a story from the Bible about Mary and Martha and encouraged Maria to likewise take the time to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him.

Eager to learn more about Jesus, Maria accepted the chaplain’s offer to walk through our “Steps to Peace With God” booklet. When they finished, Maria decided to pray and receive Jesus in repentance and faith. After, she expressed how different she felt.

“That’s the peace from Jesus that passes all understanding,” our chaplain explained. They embraced and cried together, and Maria was encouraged to connect with a local church.

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, NKJV).

This Christmas …

Help share the hope of Christ with Canadians in crisis through the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.

Your gift of $25 helps equip a trained chaplain to offer hope to suffering people.

Your gift of $150 equips a chaplain for one day.

Your gift of $1,050 equips a chaplain to remain on-site and minister for up to a week at a time.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Select a suggested amount below or customize your donation.