Earlier this year, New South Wales experienced some of the worst flooding in decades. March saw the most rain ever recorded, with flood heights setting new records in some regions across the state. Over 18,000 people had to evacuate as the waters quickly rose.
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) crisis-trained chaplains deployed alongside Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief teams to offer emotional and spiritual support to homeowners who lost everything. Over seven weeks, 19 chaplains responded and prayed with 163 people, they distributed 18 Bibles and two people made decisions to follow Christ.
John and Julie, two BG-RRT chaplains, were able to meet with Robert* and Sarah* in Port Macquarie, whose home was destroyed in the floods. They both had a tough upbringing with much pain and hardships, and losing their home was the final straw. The chaplains were able to listen to their story and have the opportunity to share “Steps to Peace with God”. They explained that Jesus had taken all our sins in his own body on the cross and when a person repents and asks for forgiveness, they are set free from their pain and guilt, because Jesus himself takes all of that.
Sarah told the chaplains that she believed in God, however Robert hadn’t had the opportunity to know God. The chaplains were able to pray with Robert and he prayed a prayer of repentance and decided to follow Jesus. John and Julie were able to give them a Bible and will connect them with a local church. John shares, “It’s a privilege to talk, share and pray with people”.
We thank God for every chaplain and the opportunity they have to speak with people from all different walks of life. Please continue to pray for Robert and Sarah, and every encounter that the Chaplains had on this deployment, that all may know they are loved and have hope in Jesus.
Chaplains speak with people, make hurting people feel seen and heard, and offer encouragement and prayer. If you are interested in learning more, please click below.
Learn More*Name changed for privacy
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