Brothers Edward and Will Graham, representing Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, visited flood-devastated areas to encourage hurting residents.
Edward Graham visited eastern Kentucky Wednesday where Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are helping homeowners in Jesus’ Name following deadly flooding in late July.
The brothers visited homes throughout the area and heard stories of last week’s devastating flood.
Edward, vice president of operations at Samaritan’s Purse, was joined by brother Will Graham, vice president and associate evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They spent the day ministering to homeowners in both Breathitt and Floyd counties where almost a foot of rain pummeled the region on July 28. They also dropped by local churches to support pastors during this difficult time.
The group surveyed damaged areas, meeting with residents, including some who’d lost both property and loved ones in the flood.
“I can’t imagine what you all have gone through. We’re praying for you,” Edward said. “I’m so sorry for your loss. We’re here so please let us know if we can help.”
Samaritan’s Purse volunteer teams have been working in the area since yesterday helping homeowners to mud out their homes, remove debris, and otherwise clean up properties. Edward expressed sincere gratitude for our relief teams serving in an area where hundreds of homes were damaged, displacing thousands of people.
The trip was an opportunity to encourage and pray for many homeowners and residents.
“I tell people you have no idea how much the volunteers are doing, being with people during the most difficult time in their lives,'” Edward told volunteers.
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are also on the ground offering support and counsel. Representatives of both organizations seek opportunities to share the life-changing message of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with those who are hurting.
Edward met with volunteers serving through the flooded communities and with homeowners.
“You’re in good hands,” Will Graham reminded homeowners as he prayed with them. “Not just our hands, but the Lord’s hands.”
Luther Harrison, vice president of North American Ministries with Samaritan’s Purse, recalled our previous response in the region when volunteer teams deployed after flooding early last year. This was followed by a long-term rebuild effort that just recently concluded.
“Everywhere we go there are people hurting. We want to come along and meet people’s needs,” Harrison said. “This is heartbreaking to see. We were here before. We just left two weeks ago and now to see that it’s worse. This is a Christian commitment. We’re back to help these people to get back dried out and to go forward again.”
Please pray for the many hurting families who have experienced so much loss and for our volunteers who continue to serve in Jesus’ Name.
Samaritan’s Purse is also responding to flooding in St. Louis County, Missouri, where recent rains damaged hundreds of homes.
Volunteers are hard at work helping struggling families in eastern Kentucky.
