Billy Graham Prayer Center Opens In New York

Samaritan's Purse
Friday, 21 September 2001

Volunteer Pastors Help New York Families Cope with Recent Tragedy

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, international relief organization Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association opened a prayer center in New York City to help bring comfort and hope to those shaken by the tragedy.

The Billy Graham New York Prayer Center is staffed by teams of pastors dedicated to giving New Yorkers spiritual and emotional support in their time of grief. The prayer center, located in Manhattan, is available by telephone to anyone who needs help coping with the recent attacks. Individuals and families can call (212) 206-1001 for prayer and support.

"My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around us and will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us, as we trust in Him," said Rev. Billy Graham last week during the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

The prayer center was initiated by Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

"While all Americans feel pain and sadness over the recent terrorist attacks, the people of New York witnessed this tragedy with their own eyes," said Franklin Graham. "We want to make sure that New Yorkers know that we love them and God loves them, and that we just want to be there to listen and pray for them in their time of need."

Immediately after the attacks on September 11, Samaritan's Purse sent a doctor who specializes in emergency management into Manhattan to help assess the needs. When it became evident that additional medical services were not needed, Samaritan's Purse focused on bringing comfort to those who were hurting spiritually and emotionally. Since September 14, Samaritan's Purse staff and volunteers have been working in New York, helping individuals on the street while setting up the prayer center.

Working in more than 100 countries, Samaritan's Purse is an international Christian relief organization based in Boone, North Carolina. Samaritan's Purse projects includes World Medical Mission, which places hundreds of doctors in mission hospitals; the Children's Heart Project, which has brought more than 120 children to the United States for life-saving heart surgery; and Operation Christmas Child, which has delivered 13 million gift-filled shoe boxes to underprivileged children around the world.

Founded in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is a nondenominational organization that reaches millions of people each year through Billy Graham Crusades, Franklin Graham Festivals, DECISION magazine, "Hour of Decision" and "Decision Today" radio programs, and World Wide Pictures. Based in Minneapolis, Minn., the organization employs 1,166 staff worldwide.

For more information, or to contact Samaritan's Purse, see their website at: www.samaritanspurse.org