Rapid Response Team chaplains from Canada arrive in Paris

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association specialists to offer comfort after terrorist tragedies

CALGARY, Nov. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - The first three members—all of them Canadians—of a multinational team of French-speaking, crisis-trained Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) chaplains have arrived in Paris. They will provide emotional and spiritual support to heart-broken Parisians after ISIS terrorists killed 129 people and injured 352 others there last Friday night.

"We're here to provide comfort and support in the Name of Jesus during one of the most tragic periods in France's modern history," said Laurent Trabadello of Calgary, who is leading the RRT team in Paris.

More RRT chaplains from Canada, the U.S., and United Kingdom will be arriving in the French city soon. They will be serving in partnership with a local church and other local Christian organizations.

The chaplains are responding to the worst violence France has experienced in more than 70 years. Armed ISIS terrorists attacked six sites on Friday night in the heart of Paris, including a concert hall where more than 80 people died, plus a national soccer stadium, and two restaurants.

BGEA President Franklin Graham, who directed that RRT chaplains be deployed to Paris, has asked Christians worldwide to "join me in praying for the French people—all those injured and the loved ones of the victims of these barbaric attacks."

"We are grateful for Canadian donors and their ongoing support of our RRT chaplain ministry," said BGEA Canada executive director Fred Weiss. "That support has enabled our chaplains to provide emotional and spiritual support in response to more than 30 crises and tragedies in Canada and the U.S. in the past 10 years. In each situation, the chaplains offer the compassion and hope of Christ."

Donations Needed: To support BGEA's RRT ministry, or learn more about it, call 1-800-293-3717 or go to BillyGraham.ca, click on the "What We Do" tab, and click on "Rapid Response Team".

About BGEAC
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, established in 1953, partners with churches and Christian communities across Canada and worldwide to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Through relevant language and methods, we share the saving message of Jesus to people of all ages and cultures. Learn more at BillyGraham.ca.

SOURCE Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada

News Media inquiries: Jeff Adams, Communications Director, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, 1-800-293-3717 (office) / 403-615-8747 (mobile) / [email protected]