The name of Jesus is being lifted high across eastern Kentucky following devastating flooding last week. Counties across the state have been completely destroyed and the disaster has taken the life of 37 people, six of those children.
“It’s been most devastating and deadly certainly in my lifetime,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says.
Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has deployed a group of people and supplies to the areas most affected by the devastation. Thousands of residents have been displaced from their homes and officials are saying they believe the death toll will continue to rise as they go through all of the debris.
These Christian organizations are going across the areas meeting any “physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted by the flooding.” They are opening up areas for people to gather together and pray.
“We can’t even begin to imagine how scary this situation must be, and the loss of life is devastating,” said Josh Holland, from one of the rapid response teams.
In the midst of such tragedy they are taking the gospel to comfort those who need it most. They are praying with the residents, comforting them through time of struggle and sharing the love of Jesus with them—leaving an eternal impact in their lives.
Victims have been found waiting on rooftops of homes that have been entirely destroyed. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster, and has released funds to help the families affected and rebuild what has been lost.
This isn’t the first time eastern Kentucky has been hit with devastating floods. In March 2021, the area saw flooding that destroyed more than 200 homes.
BGEA is asking that Christians nationwide come together and pray for the people who have lost everything in these floods. To pray that they would have peace that surpasses all understanding and give their lives to Jesus.
In the next few days there is a threat of rain and also extreme heat, which Beshear says is dangerous combination for those without power. Areas throughout eastern Kentucky are expected to peak to near or above 100 degrees. The state is opening cooling centers for people to get out of the heat and stay somewhere cool. {eoa}
Shelby Lindsay is an assistant editor with Charisma Media.
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