Billy Graham Rapid Response Team ministers to Swiss community

by Staff Writer   |     |   ,
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland, Jan. 4, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT)  deployed chaplains to Crans-Montana, Switzerland, following a devastating fire during a New Year’s Eve celebration that killed at least 40 people and left many others injured. The tragedy has been described by the Swiss president as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known,” with many of those killed being young people.

 

“What unfolded in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve has left families and loved ones facing sudden and unimaginable loss,” said Josh Holland, vice president of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Global. “This was meant to be a time of joy and new beginnings, but has instead become a season of grief. Our chaplains will come alongside those who are hurting—to listen, to pray, and to offer the hope and compassion of Christ when it’s needed most.”
Crisis-trained chaplains arrived in Switzerland on Friday, Jan. 2 and have begun providing emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the tragedy. The chaplains deploying to Crans-Montana previously served in Italy during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, offering care and support amid widespread loss and uncertainty.
In addition to Crans-Montana, the BG-RRT recently deployed to Sydney, Australia, following the terror attack on Bondi Beach. The ministry also continues to provide care to those impacted by flooding in Whatcom County, Washington, and to families forced to flee their homes in war-torn Ukraine.
In addition to Crans-Montana, the BG-RRT recently deployed to Sydney, Australia, following the terror attack on Bondi Beach. The ministry also continues to provide care to those impacted by flooding in Whatcom County, Washington, and to families forced to flee their homes in war-torn Ukraine.
Please pray for Crans-Montana Switzerland, and all that have been affected by this great tragedy.
For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit the BG-RRT page