The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. In honor of the organization’s faithful service and evangelism efforts, we will look at the various aspects of the ministry that proclaim the Gospel.

While Billy Graham’s ministry is commonly associated with spiritual growth and discipleship, a lesser-known area of the BGEA is its crisis response efforts after natural disasters, wars, or man-made tragedies.

Billy Graham wrote in his autobiography:

“Over the years, I became more and more convinced of the importance of demonstrating our love through acts of compassion. I knew Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, of course, and had always believed in our responsibility to do whatever we can as individuals to help those in need.

As I studied and traveled, however, I came to realize that we had a larger responsibility. My travels brought me face to face with the stark reality of human suffering and with the fact that many millions of people live on the knife-edge of starvation or chronic illness or disaster. We also realized that compassionate help often opened the door to opportunities in evangelism, as people saw Christ’s love in action.”

Consequently, in 1973, the BGEA created the World Emergency Fund, a fund specifically for the purpose of providing humanitarian aid after emergent situations. This fund would go on to supply aid, including food and medical resources, to places like Guatemala after an earthquake in 1976. In India in 1977, the World Emergency Fund helped to rebuild an entire town that had been wiped away after a cyclone and tidal wave. When the rebuilt town was formally dedicated, the grateful residents insisted on naming it “Billy Graham Nagar [Village],” much against the wishes of Billy Graham.

Today, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association responds to crises around the world through the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT). Founded in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the BG-RRT has responded to more than 900 natural and man-made disasters across the globe. More than 2,000 crisis-trained BG-RRT chaplains deploy from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia to places around the world to minister to the emotional and spiritual needs of people who have been affected by catastrophic events. From victims of floods or riots, to those suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, these volunteers pray with people in some of the darkest moments of their lives to show them the light and hope of Jesus Christ.

Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team are available daily at the grave-site of Billy Graham and Ruth Graham in the Billy Graham Library Memorial Prayer Garden. Guests are encouraged to stop by for prayer with chaplains during their visit.

You can find out more about the efforts of the BGEA during times of crisis through The Journey of Faith tour at the Billy Graham Library. Admission is always free. Plan your visit today.