Dear Friend,

Earlier this year, headline after headline brought news of unspeakable tragedy across our nation, from shootings in Nashville, Tennessee, and Louisville, Kentucky, to the relentless string of tornadoes that destroyed homes and claimed lives in six states. Friends like you are helping minister in Jesus’ Name to the men, women, and children who have been left grieving, and I thank God for you.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains have deployed to many of these communities to share Jesus Christ’s promise: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV). We praise God that many have responded by surrendering their lives to Him in repentance and faith.

Will you pray for each of these new believers—and all those hearing the Gospel through this ministry? Please also ask God to strengthen our chaplains as they serve Him in these hurting communities. Thank you again for your commitment to this ministry.

May God richly bless you,

Franklin Graham
President & CEO

*Names and photos changed to protect privacy

God Changed His Heart

FLORIDA

Sherwood, Arkansas

Chaplains who were deployed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in response to destructive flooding recently ministered to Ellen,* who decided to receive Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Her husband, Henry,* had no interest in talking to the chaplains during that visit—but over the course of the following week, God worked in his heart. When the chaplains came back to visit, Henry—who is in failing health—asked them to explain what had happened to his wife. It was clear he wanted to experience the same peace that she now had. Our chaplains gladly shared the Gospel with him, and as soon as they finished, Henry openly admitted his need for the Savior. He prayed to surrender his life to the Lord before joyfully telling the chaplains that he and Ellen could now walk with Jesus Christ together.

Peace in the Midst of Grief

ARKANSAS

BILLY GRAHAM CHAPLAINS share Scripture from our “Steps to Peace With God” pamphlet, which led this woman to trust Jesus Christ for her salvation.

During a recent deployment to Wynne, Arkansas, following deadly tornadoes, BG-RRT chaplains met Shelby,* who works for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She was on duty in the midst of destroyed homes when she met a couple of our chaplains. They talked for a while before the conversation turned to spiritual matters. Shelby was grieving after losing her aunt in the storms, but was open to listening to the Gospel and she followed along as they shared “the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1, NASB). With a big smile on her face, she embraced the Good News and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. When Shelby left, she took discipleship resources with her to help strengthen her new relationship with the Lord.

Free Gift of God

ARKANSAS

CHAPLAINS PRAYED with many residents following deadly tornadoes in Arkansas.

Rose* met a couple of chaplains when they visited her Arkansas home, which had been damaged by a tornado. Her roof needed a tarp, but she told the chaplains how thankful she was that the house was standing and that she was alive. When they asked her if she would have gone to Heaven if she died, she replied, “I am a good person and help people when I can. I hope so.” This comment opened the door for our chaplains to talk about the Good News that “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, ESV). Rose joyfully decided to accept that gift and receive Jesus Christ in repentance and faith.

Eternal Security

KENTUCKY

CHAPLAINS MINISTERED outside the Louisville bank where a gunman opened fire, killing five people and wounding eight others.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, after five people lost their lives during a shooting at a downtown bank. Eight others were left wounded by the violence. Dustin* is a former police officer and was serving near the scene when the chaplains arrived. A BG-RRT team member gave him a copy of “Steps to Peace With God,” and he took some time to read through it before he decided to visit our mobile ministry center (MMC). One of our chaplains welcomed Dustin and answered his questions about what he had read. As he gained a deeper understanding of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit worked in his heart and he prayed to surrender his life to the Lord. Our chaplain welcomed Dustin to the family of God and gave him a new Bible. Before he left the MMC, another team member talked to him about a local Bible-teaching church where he can deepen his faith.

Never Too Late for the Lord

OKLAHOMA

After at least eight tornadoes touched down in one night in Shawnee, Oklahoma—claiming lives and destroying homes—BG-RRT chaplains deployed to the community. Two chaplains met Randy,* whose home had been hit. During their conversation, the 70-year-old shared that he was a Navy veteran. One of the chaplains had also been in the Navy, and the two men were able to connect over their years of service. When they began to talk about faith, it became clear that Randy did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He listened as the chaplains shared the Gospel with him using “Steps to Peace With God.” Once he understood the Good News, he was eager to receive Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. We praise God for calling Randy to Himself.