Crisis-trained Chaplains Ministering to Florida Residents After Hurricane Irma

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains pray with a woman in South Texas who is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Chaplains deployed while the hurricane was still churning and will stay in Texas as long as they’re needed. They have also been deployed to the Caribbean and the U.S. in response to Hurricane Irma.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are in Florida following widespread destruction left by Hurricane Irma.

Last weekend, the deadly hurricane battered the low-lying Florida Keys, then made landfall along the state’s southwest coast. Hundreds of miles of downed trees, flooded streets and yards, power outages and blown away homes have been left in its path.

“In response to Hurricane Irma, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains who live in Florida are ministering to others in the midst of their storm and being deployed into shelters,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT). “The RRT is also deploying chaplains from outside of the affected areas to locations in southwest Florida.”

More chaplains will deploy this weekend.

>> Help send Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains into disaster zones to share God’s love in times of crisis.

“The destructive power of Hurricane Irma, especially on the immediate heels of Hurricane Harvey, reminds us of how fragile our lives really are,” Munday said. “I ask you to join us in praying for all of those who are in the path of this storm, many of whom will spend months or years—perhaps even the rest of their lives—trying to work through the physical and emotional suffering they will endure.

“We’ll be there to offer the hope and comfort of Jesus Christ as they begin to find their ‘new normal.’”

In addition to efforts in the southeast, ministry will continue in Texas where more than 100 chaplains are currently ministering to residents affected by Hurricane Harvey.

With significant ministry resources already committed in Texas, a RRT Mobile Ministry Center based out of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Canadian office also made the trip to Florida. Chaplains are working alongside disaster relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, which is already sending emergency supplies to the Caribbean.

Please continue to pray for all those affected by the back-to-back deadly storms and widespread loss, as well as for Rapid Response Team chaplains offering emotional and spiritual care to those in need.