We recently returned from a 20-day trip serving as Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) Rapid Response Team Chaplain Coordinators. Along with our teams of chaplains, we were privileged to minister to dozens of home owners in the Punta Gorda area on the western coast of Florida.
The results of Hurricane Ian on homes, businesses and infrastructure were well documented by news organizations. What is less often reported is the devastating impact on the emotional and spiritual well-being of those who suffered loss. In the disaster chaplaincy is the saying, “They were already in a storm when the storm hit.”
We saw many elderly, lots of widows, and families whose homes were either unlivable or completely destroyed. Working alongside the dedicated Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief staff and dozens of volunteers from across the country, our chaplain teams provided much needed spiritual and emotional care to the volunteers and the residents.
We prayed with hurting families and many people we met along the way who were already “in a storm” prior to the hurricane. Most were already struggling with the personal loss of a loved one, loss of income, divorce, or devastating medical conditions.
While offering words of comfort and simply being present for them, we shared the gospel with them. Many said “yes” to Christ for the first time.
Continue to pray for these hurting people, the Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers and the BGEA RRT Chaplains. They are still there in Punta Gorda as well as in Englewood and Fort Myers.
To get an idea of what we do, read these recent reports. Help is Here and RRT Responds
Samaritan’s Purse needs volunteers to serve in clearing debris and preparing homes for further repair. Checkout the opportunities here Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Opportunities
Continuing in Ministry
While we are unable to travel to Nicaragua due to conditions there, we are ramping up our ministry in the U.S. There are so many opportunities that we are constantly praying for wisdom and discernment about each one.
We will continue to deploy to U.S. disasters as BGEA RRT Chaplain Coordinators as needed. Between road trips and flights, we are having lots of opportunity to preach and speak in various churches and conferences.
Our schedule includes some upcoming prison ministry with Behind the Walls (formerly Bill Glass Champions for Life). You can see opportunities to serve here: BehindtheWalls.com. The exciting news is that there are already two Texas events open for registration (Austin and Bonham). We will be serving at both of these. There are a dozen or so other Texas events in the works.
Some of our recent sermons can be found here: jodykennedy.org/home/sermons/