The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed a small team of crisis-trained chaplains to minister alongside disaster response team members at Samaritan’s Purse’s 36-bed emergency field hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti.

As of today, the death toll from Aug. 14’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake stands at more than 2,200, with another 340 people missing and some 12,000 injured. Les Cayes, a small city on Haiti’s southwest coast, was one of the hardest-hit communities.

“The incredible destruction and loss of life caused by this earthquake is tragic,” said Josh Holland, BG-RRT’s assistant director. “So many people are overwhelmed and hurting right now, and our crisis-trained chaplains [have deployed] to Haiti to share the hope and peace that is found through Jesus Christ.

“Even in these darkest of times, we want people to know that God loves them and has not forgotten them.”

This is not the first time RRT chaplains have deployed to Haiti. Following the 7.0 earthquake that struck country in 2010, the BG-RRT sent a total of 123 chaplains to serve the area over the course of nearly two years.

Franklin Graham urged his social media followers to “pray for our teams … and pray especially for this country in the wake of another devastating disaster.”

The BG-RRT are also in the process of deploying to Middle Tennessee following the deadly flooding on Aug. 21. 

To date, at least 21 people are confirmed dead, and more than 40 people are reported missing.

“As we see the devastation and learn of the many lives lost due to flooding in Tennessee, our hearts are broken for those who have had great loss,” said Jack Munday, BG-RRT international director. “Our crisis-trained chaplains are there in the midst of this tragedy to provide emotional and spiritual care as the area grieves and begins the recovery process.”

Photo: Courtesy of Samaritan's Purse