Rapid Response Team Ministering to Hurricane-Ravaged Communities
By Lizzy Long
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
While Hurricane Zeta brought additional damage to storm-battered states in the South, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) has offered emotional and spiritual care to devastated regions along the Gulf Coast for months.
Billy Graham chaplains are serving in Louisiana and Alabama amid the Atlantic’s most active hurricane season since 2005.
On Wednesday, Zeta made landfall in southern Louisiana as a Category 2 storm with 110 mph winds—just one mile shy of a Category 3—and showed no mercy on residents already reeling from a hectic hurricane season. Rushing inland, the system weakened to a tropical storm while causing millions to lose power on its flight to the mid-Atlantic.
At least six people died due to Zeta, which brought strong winds, tornadoes, and heavy rain across the South. Houses and businesses received structural damage and blown-out windows, and trees fell on top of homes and cars.
“Not only is [Louisiana] water-logged, but there have been untold millions of dollars in damage to people’s homes and businesses,” Franklin Graham posted on Facebook. “Pray for Louisiana’s Governor John Bel Edwards, first responders, emergency management, and the people of this hurting state and surrounding areas.”
According to the governor, nearly 3,600 evacuees remain displaced after hurricanes Laura and Delta, which hit earlier this year. The Rapid Response Team is ministering in four locations across Louisiana: Lake Charles, DeQuincy, DeRidder, and Jennings. After Hurricane Sally, the team was also deployed in Foley, Alabama, another state where Zeta wreaked havoc.
Partnering with Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry that helps with the cleanup process, the Rapid Response Team is checking on residents and offering a listening ear. During the hurricane season, they’ve seen many place their faith in Someone beyond what this world has to offer—Christ.
As communities rebuild in the days ahead, they’ll continue to serve those recovering from this year’s hurricanes.
Please be in prayer for everyone affected by these storms.
