On Sunday 3 May, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) deployed to Bristol after a tragic explosion in the Frenchay area left two people dead and several others injured. Many in the community were left shaken, displaced, and searching for reassurance.
Jeremy, age 40, was one of the residents who had had to leave his home. After one of the BG-RRT chaplains engaged him in conversation, he shared openly about his struggles with mental health and the loss of loved ones.
His late mother and grandmother were both Christians, though Jeremy himself had not followed in their faith. But in the wake of the recent shock explosion, it seems that God was opening a door for the Gospel message to re-enter Jeremy’s life.
With gentleness and compassion, the BG-RRT chaplain shared the message of God’s love and the hope that is available in Jesus Christ. By the end of the conversation, Jeremy gratefully accepted prayer and thanked the chaplains for taking time to listen and care for him. While he was not ready to receive Jesus Christ as Lord in that moment, we continue to pray that God use the Gospel seeds sown to bear the fruit of saving faith in Jesus Christ.
As the day continued, the BG-RRT team met many others carrying their own burdens. They remained long into the evening, offering prayer and reassuring presence until residents were allowed to return home.
The following day, the chaplains returned to Frenchay Parish Church, which served as a welcoming place for the community processing the recent explosion. One local resident named Derek arrived visibly distressed. His wife was not well and he was in need of hope.
Following a caring and thoughtful discussion, one of the BG-RRT chaplains used the Steps to Peace with God booklet to share the hope that is available in Jesus Christ. Derek was very grateful for the encouragement and accepted prayer with a willingness to continue exploring more about the Christian faith.
Please continue praying for all those affected by this incident—for comfort for those grieving, healing for those impacted, and that many would come to know the hope found in Jesus Christ.
