Franklin Graham Encourages Churches to Reach Out to Hurricane Victims

Sponsoring Families "Greatest Opportunity" for Church Evangelism

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 14, 2005—Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), has challenged churches across the country to sponsor families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Graham says that while churches should help meet the physical needs of those displaced by the tragedy, he also believes this is a wonderful opportunity to show Christ’s love.

“This is the greatest opportunity for evangelism that I know of in our country today and if we’re not careful churches will sleep through this,” said Graham in a nationally televised interview. “By the time they see the opportunity it’s going to be too late.”

Graham suggests that churches follow these key steps when sponsoring families:

• Arrange rental housing for 90 days.

• Help the head of the household find a job in the community.

• Assist the children as they adjust to their new school environments.

• Provide food and other necessities.

• Minister to spiritual needs.

“There are shelters all across the country now, not just in areas like Houston or Louisiana. Just call the Red Cross or the Salvation Army and find the closest shelter to your church, then get in the van and go help empty these centers,” said Graham.

Churches interested in sponsoring families affected by Hurricane Katrina can visit www.billygraham.org to learn more about this unique ministry. Links to other groups that are facilitating the sponsorship of displaced families can also be found on the site.

BGEA is a nondenominational, nonprofit organization that reaches millions of people each year through Billy Graham Crusades and television broadcasts, Franklin Graham Festivals, Decision magazine, “Hour of Decision” and “Decision Minute” radio programs, the Internet, World Wide Pictures and World Wide Publications.