Over the July 4 weekend, torrential rains in Kerr County, Texas and surrounding areas triggered deadly flooding that swept through homes, roads, and summer camps, including Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp in Hunt, Texas.
The waters rose with devastating speed, catching residents and vacationers by surprise. Entire families were swept away. Many victims remain missing. Officials have described the flooding as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history.
NRB calls on its members and the broader Christian community to intercede for the people of central Texas, where historic flash floods have claimed more than 100 lives and left many families displaced. Not only are many NRB members already on the ground responding with compassion and care, but also many are broadcasting messages of hope throughout the nation.
Samaritan’s Purse has deployed a disaster response unit to Kerrville and is mobilizing volunteers to help homeowners remove debris, clean out flooded homes, and recover precious belongings. Their team is working closely with local churches to bring both physical relief and spiritual encouragement.
“We need to continue to surround these devastated families and communities in prayer,” said Franklin Graham. “Also pray for the hundreds involved in search and rescue efforts with more rain predicted.”
Somebody Cares America, a longtime NRB member based in Texas, is sharing stories from relief partners on the ground and of those affected by the tragedy.
“Even as the media moves on to the next headline, we must not forget,” wrote Doug Stringer, founder and president of Somebody Cares in a recent newsletter. “The trauma, loss, and disruption left behind will last for months, even years. Our prayer is that the body of Christ will not grow weary but will continue to show up—practically, intentionally, and compassionately—for the long haul.
Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team arrived in Texas just days after the flood and has been assessing damage and coordinating with local authorities and churches to meet urgent needs.
“As we drove down this area, there were literally hundreds of search and rescue personnel on the bank of the river,” said Bob Burke, deployment manager at Operation Blessing. “With no warning this happened to them; it just crushes my heart to think of what they’re going through right now.”
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) has deployed crisis-trained chaplains to Kerrville to offer emotional and spiritual care to families grappling with unimaginable loss. Chaplains have been meeting with survivors, praying with grieving parents, and walking alongside those still waiting for news of missing loved ones.
“There are no words to describe the devastation and heartbreak that has taken place in Texas. We have seen some of the most innocent lives lost to the unexpected flood waters that overcame the Guadalupe River. Communities [have] been wiped out. Families have been torn apart,” said Josh Holland, international director of the BG-RRT. “Our chaplains are already on the ground providing a ministry of presence at reunification sites. These crisis-trained volunteers and staff will be in Texas providing spiritual and emotional care to those affected as long as needed.”
NRB encourages believers everywhere to lift up the people of central Texas in prayer.
- Pray for grieving families who have lost family and friends.
- Pray for those still searching for loved ones.
- Pray for the emergency responders.
- Pray for local churches and ministries as they serve their neighbors with compassion and courage.
- Pray for NRB member organizations as they extend Christ’s love.
To support ongoing relief efforts or to volunteer, visit the following: