BOONE, N.C., Dec. 28, 2015\u2014<\/strong>Immediately following the outbreak of deadly and destructive tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi, international Christian relief organization Samaritan\u2019s Purse sent experts to assess the situation. Now, heavy equipment and three disaster relief unit—tractor-trailers loaded with relief supplies that serve as mobile command centers—are on the way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \u201cThese storms have devastated hundreds of families in Texas and Mississippi,\u201d<\/em> dijo Franklin Graham, presidente de Samaritan\u2019s Purse. \u201cOur hearts go out to those whose lives have been turned upside down this Christmas season. We are praying for the victims, and want to come alongside to help and share God\u2019s love with them in their time of need.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n In Mississippi, the disaster relief unit—packed with relief supplies including heavy-duty tarps, generators and chainsaws—will base at Ashland Baptist Church in Ashland. Currently, Samaritan\u2019s Purse is working to determine where the additional two disaster relief units will base in the Greater Dallas area.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Utilizing its extensive network of volunteers, the North Carolina-based organization will work to save personal belongings and tarp damaged roofs. Teams will use skid-steer loaders, chainsaws and other equipment to clear debris and remove fallen trees. All of the efforts will be focused on bringing comfort and hope to those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by the storms.<\/p>\r\n\r\n A team of chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association\u2019s Rapid Response Team is also deploying alongside Samaritan\u2019s Purse. These chaplains work to share the love of Christ, providing spiritual and emotional care to victims and families.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Samaritan\u2019s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization led by Franklin Graham. Since 1998, Samaritan\u2019s Purse has helped more than 29,000 families in 35 U.S. states following floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. Earlier this year the organization helped people after floods in Texas, Kentucky and Florida; wildfires in California; tornadoes in Oklahoma; and ice storms in Tennessee.<\/p>\r\n\r\n For information on volunteering or to donate to Samaritan\u2019s Purse relief efforts, visit www.spvolunteernetwork.org<\/a> o www.samaritanspurse.org<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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