Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Deploys to Northern New Jersey in Response to Devastating Floods

Charlotte, N.C., March 16, 2011 – New Jersey issued a state of emergency last week as weather forecasters predicted heavy rain. The worst fears were realized as the storm combined with snowmelt to swell lakes and rivers, spilling into hundreds of homes.

Crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team have deployed today into Wayne, N.J. and the surrounding areas to bring hope and comfort to the homeowners and families reeling from the storm.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is deploying in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the international Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, who is also president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“Flooding is such a painful disaster. Just because the water dries doesn’t mean the possessions can be saved, and that’s emotionally hard for many to accept as they’re carrying their memories to the curb,” said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “Our chaplains will come alongside the local churches in the area to address the emotional and spiritual trauma that accompanies a disaster such as this.”

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is a nationwide network of chaplains across 40 states that are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. Since the ministry was launched in 2002, it has deployed following more than 100 natural and man-made disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and shootings. For more information on the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, visit www.billygraham.org/rrt or www.facebook.com/BGRapidResponseTeam.

NOTE: Those wishing to help support the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team’s deployment in New Jersey may use their cell phone to text “RRT” to 85944 to make a $10 donation.

About BGEA
BGEA proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international evangelism ministries, including: large-scale Festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; Dare to Be a Daniel, a youth evangelism training project; My Hope World Evangelism Through Television; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, offering the hope of Jesus Christ in the midst of tragedy; and many others. Visit www.billygraham.org. Get BGEA news updates on Twitter at Twitter.com/BGEAMediaPR.

Media Contact:
Erik Ogren
(704) 577-2109
eogren@bgea.org