Chaplains Continue to Minister to Emotional and Spiritual Needs in Granbury, Texas

Contact: Erik Ogren, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, 704-401-2117, eogren@bgea.org

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 20, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team are being deployed to Moore, Okla., the suburb of Oklahoma City that sustained a direct hit from a massive two-mile wide tornado earlier today. Dozens of people were killed and many more are wounded or missing in the wake of the tornado.

"Our hearts are breaking for all of those in the path of this horrific tornado. Words can't do justice to the pain that is being experienced in and around Moore," said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. "Please pray continuously for all of those who lost loved ones, and for those who may still be trapped amidst the rubble."

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is deploying in coordination with Samaritan's Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, who is also president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Together the two ministries will seek to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted by the storm.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are also actively ministering in Granbury, Texas, following a deadly tornado there last week. Earlier in 2013, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployed to Petal, Miss., and Shuqualak, Miss., following tornadoes. The team also deployed to West, Texas, following the fertilizer plant explosion in April.

About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team: The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is a nationwide network of Christian chaplains across 48 states that are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. Since the ministry was launched in 2002, it has responded to more than 155 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. For videos, photos and news articles from recent Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployments, visit www.billygraham.org/crisisresponse. Ministry updates and photo galleries are posted at www.facebook.com/BGRapidResponseTeam.