The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains has staff on the ground in Birmingham, Ala., assessing the damage from the historic tornadoes that took dozens of lives overnight and ministering to those who were affected.

Tornado survivors rescuing their belongings in Birmingham, Ala (Photo: The Birmingham News)

According to a news release, chaplains will address the emotional and spiritual needs of tornado survivors in and around Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. News reports say that there are more than 160 confirmed casualties in Alabama.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed 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.

“The swath of devastation that has ripped through the South and brought so much death and destruction is stunning,” said Preston Parrish, executive vice president of ministry at BGEA. “The overwhelming sense of loss – for those who lost their homes, and especially for those who lost loved ones – will be nearly unbearable for many. We want those suffering to know that Christ cares for them, that we are praying for them, and we will be standing beside them.”

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.

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 or by e-mail at: eogren@bgea.org