Louisiana Church: Trump's Visit Helped "Generate A Lot of Interest Across the Country from People Who Want to Help" in Flood Recovery

Aimee Herd : Aug 22, 2016
Samaritan's Purse

"Donald J. Trump, Governor Mike Pence, and Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser came to our work site to encourage the volunteers and those who have lost so much. It meant a lot to these people." –Franklin Graham

(Louisiana)—The record flooding in Louisiana has been called the 'worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy' and it grabbed the attention of presidential candidate Donald Trump, who "re-worked" his schedule so he and running mate, Gov. Mike Pence could visit and see the damage first-hand. (Photo via Franklin Graham/Facebook)

On Friday, Trump and Pence met with flood victims, and Franklin Graham, who has set up the Samaritan's Purse disaster response at the Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, near Baton Rouge.

While some questioned whether or not the visit by Trump would help those dealing with the effects of the flooding, it appears that it has brought a greater awareness of the problem throughout the country.

In a Facebook post, Franklin Graham said, "I was in Louisiana today with flood victims and our disaster relief team. The whole area had been under about seven feet of water. The amount of damage is incredible. Donald J. Trump, Governor Mike Pence, and Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser came to our work site to encourage the volunteers and those who have lost so much. It meant a lot to these people. I appreciate them coming and hope that their visit will help shine a spotlight on the great need. This is the worst U.S. natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy, and the media has moved on to other stories. The recovery here is not going to be a matter of days, it's going to take months. Samaritan's Purse is set up with our disaster response rigs at the facilities of Tony Perkins' Greenwell Springs Baptist Church—we are grateful for their partnership. Remember the people of Louisiana in your prayers and go to our website to find out more about coming to help as a volunteer." (Photo via Franklin Graham/Facebook)

Greenwell Springs Baptist Church also posted a message on their Facebook page that read:

"Dear GSBC Family, Yesterday's visit by Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and Franklin Graham has generated a lot of interest across the country from people who want to help our church and community. Today Samaritan's Purse sent out 90 volunteers to clean out houses in the area. As of last night we have had over 600 applications for assistance in removing debris and cleaning out homes..."

President Obama has been vacationing in recent weeks, and plans to visit Louisiana on Tuesday. It is not known whether Hillary Clinton will visit the area or not.

To find out how you can help flood victims, click here.