Storms can cause so much damage. The smashed roofs, mangled trees, and shattered power poles are evidence of their fury. Then, there’s the damage unseen. The trauma of living through a disaster—and the spiritual and emotional wounds it can bring to the surface—can be as destructive as the chaos outside.
That’s why the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are on the ground in Prince Edward Island—sharing the hope of Christ with families dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, people like Peggy* and Paul.*
The couple rode out Fiona’s violent winds and pounding rain on the rural property they’ve called home for more than 40 years. At the height of the storm, several large trees tore from their roots and fell all around their home. The external damage was widespread, but it was their inner turmoil that caused them the greatest pain.
“I’ve lost my hope”
Hurricane Fiona was the latest in a series of hurts Paul and Peggy have endured. The couple, in their seventies, first experienced several debilitating medical crises and family deaths. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic took away much of their community support.
In many ways, Paul and Peggy never recovered from that isolation, and they were grieving. They needed someone to talk to. So, when they requested help from Samaritan’s Purse to clean up their fallen trees, they also asked for Billy Graham chaplains, who often deploy alongside Samaritan’s Purse after natural disasters.
Chaplains Shirley and Rachel drove to see Paul and Peggy the next day. From almost the moment the chaplains arrived, the couple began to pour out their hurt.
At one point in the conversion, Peggy told the chaplains through tears, “I’ve lost my hope.”
The chaplains listened as Peggy expressed the pain that was welling up inside her. They gave Peggy, who is almost always on the go caring for others, a chance to grieve.
Yes to Jesus
Shirley shared a Scripture verse she has used many times in crisis, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV).
Rachel quoted, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, HCSB).
Paul and Peggy needed the rest that only Jesus could give. While the couple had attended a local church, they had become disconnected through the pandemic and Paul’s health challenges.
“Would you like to rededicate your lives to Christ?” Shirley gently asked.
“Yes,” came Peggy’s immediate and enthusiastic reply.
Shirley walked the couple through the small “Steps to Peace With God” booklet she and all Rapid Response Team chaplains carry. Across the room, Rachel helped Paul, who is unable to walk, follow along from his chair.
When they came to the prayer of salvation at the end of the booklet, Paul and Peggy prayed it and signed their names at the bottom—a symbol of their desire to walk closely with Jesus.
The chaplains also prayed for the couple and encouraged them to reconnect with a local church.
“Peggy was ecstatic as we finished,” Shirley said.
The Rapid Response Team chaplains have been on Prince Edward Island since the beginning of October. They have prayed with more than 400 people. We praise God that five individuals have responded to Jesus in repentance and faith.
The chaplains will be on the island for many more weeks as hundreds of weary families need help in Fiona’s aftermath. Your support makes this possible. Please keep praying for these families and for our chaplains as they share the hope of Christ amid the crisis.
*Names and photos changed to protect privacy
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