Evangelist Franklin Graham has addressed the devastating wildfires wreaking havoc across parts of California, emphasizing that the destruction is not a manifestation of God’s judgment. The wildfires have claimed at least 11 lives, displaced tens of thousands, and destroyed properties, including the homes of prominent figures like Mel Gibson, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Paris Hilton.
Speaking during the deployment of crisis-trained chaplains by the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) to support affected communities, Graham, who leads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, sought to bring comfort and spiritual reassurance.
“People have lost everything,” he remarked. “A lot of people are asking, ‘Why?’ and that’s a hard question to answer. We want to reassure them of God’s love—that He cares for them and hasn’t turned His back on them.”
Graham expressed his belief that such disasters are not unique to the current era but are more visible due to modern technology and media. He stated, “Whether the fires are worse today than 100 years ago, I don’t know, but we see it, and it’s all around us.” He added that while these “storms of life” are inevitable, they are not to be viewed as divine punishment.
Chaplains from the BG-RRT, in collaboration with Samaritan’s Purse, are working tirelessly to provide spiritual, emotional, and physical support to victims. Josh Holland, the international director of BG-RRT, noted the scale of the crisis: “The images coming out of California look like scenes out of a Hollywood movie—yet they show the real-life horror that the people of the Los Angeles area are experiencing today. The devastation is immense, and the fires continue to burn.”
Chaplains have begun ministering in local shelters, offering prayer and encouragement to those who have suffered unimaginable losses. The outreach underscores the importance of faith and compassion in times of disaster, as Graham reminded Christians to share the message of God’s enduring love and salvation amidst life’s storms.
The wildfires, which have brought tragedy to many, also serve as a moment for reflection on spiritual preparedness. Graham urged individuals to embrace faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that this assurance can bring peace, even in the face of life’s most challenging circumstances.
