Samaritan’s Purse continues to help suffering families in the wake of deadly storms.
Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham traveled to hard-hit Chattanooga, Tennessee, today to encourage homeowners in the aftermath of recent tornadoes that battered communities in 10 states across the South.
“It looks like a bomb went off. It’s a mess here,” Graham said. “But Samaritan’s Purse has an army of volunteers working in these communities. We are here in Jesus’ Name.”
A severe storm system over Easter weekend spawned more than 100 tornadoes that resulted in more than 30 deaths and about 770 miles of destruction. Samaritan’s Purse quickly deployed disaster relief teams to four different states: Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
Graham met with homeowner Joel Vial, who said the tornado sounded like a train headed straight toward them. They had to take shelter in their basement.
“We didn’t leave the neighborhood for several days. You tried to get out but you couldn’t,” Vial said.
Graham also met with Darlene Ray, who expressed her gratitude for the Samaritan’s Purse volunteers coming to help her. “Thank you for all you’ve done. It’s just amazing.”
In Chattanooga, more than 600 volunteers have logged about 8,600 hours of work. They are removing yard debris, tarping damaged roofs, and salvaging personal belongings that have survived the powerful twister.
We praise God that through the witness of our volunteers and Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains, 13 people in Chattanooga have come to faith in Jesus Christ through this response.
Please continue to pray for homeowners suffering during this time. Pray for Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief volunteers working in multiple states as they demonstrate God’s love and share the hope of the Gospel.