Devastating wildfires swept through Madrid’s Sierra Oeste district last month, forcing families to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) from the United Kingdom and the United States deployed to the region, partnering with local churches and ministries to bring practical help and the hope of Jesus Christ to survivors and first responders.
As the chaplains walked through one area that had been particularly devastated by the fires, they met an elderly woman and her son-in-law out walking their dog. Asked how they were coping with the fires, the pair said it had been hard, especially with their own health conditions, though they were quick to note others had it worse.
The chaplains offered prayer for their health and wellbeing, then gently turned the conversation toward faith, explaining that peace and hope could be found through Jesus. When asked if they wanted that hope for themselves, both answered without hesitation, “Sí, sí, sí!” We praise God that the chaplains were able to lead the pair in a prayer to receive Christ there and then.
Across the deployment, chaplains have prayed with dozens of residents, seen several come to faith, and encouraged local pastors shepherding communities in the fires’ aftermath.
Will you pray for continued healing for families displaced by the fires, for the chaplains’ strength and wisdom, and for more hearts to encounter hope in Christ?