This weekend saw another flood in the Texas Hill Country, a flood of volunteers. This flood was a sharp contrast to the dark, early morning hours of July 5 and the thundering rush of water that took the lives of what could be up to 170 people. 

Our volunteers jumped in this weekend with little notice and no idea of what they would be doing, or where they'd be sleeping, or what they'd be eating. They just knew they needed to make themselves available to share the love of Christ with those in need.  

And love they did: by compassionately connecting with homeowners, picking up flood debris, listening to stories, shoveling mud, hugging, gutting homes, and praying. After each day, we debriefed as a group. How did we see God at work? What did He teach us? How have we been changed? Here's a written reflection of one volunteer. 

"Facebook pictures and news articles don't do justice to what happened in the Hill Country flooding. The immensity of what the flood waters did there can't be truly understood until you see the utter devastation with your own two eyes. Until you talk to the people who were impacted. 

I simply cannot fathom the amount and power of the flood water that tore down the river that day…Trees snapped like toothpicks, completely de-barked. Vehicles mangled beyond recognition. Houses swept clean from foundations. 

I worked one day with one family, but I'm sure their story would be echoed by many others in the region. They weren't looking for handouts. They were not looking to cast blame and point fingers. They are people. They just want to make sense of the tragedy. They want to grieve for the friends and family that were lost while being thankful they weren't in those cabins and homes. They want to share stories. Reminisce about holidays, vacations and special times. They want to pick up what pieces they can. They want to have a normal conversation with normal people. They are overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity and the sense of not being in this alone. It is such a tight knight community, where the kids and families grew up together, spending time on the river. It was a place of cherished family memories and legacies that couldn't be swept away. 

I do, in fact, believe that they will build back and move on, however that may look. It will be a long road and process, and they will need help. But they are determined, and following their examples, so should we be.  

This was my first crisis response that I have taken part in, but God willing, it won't be the last. It was such a blessing to be able to work alongside such folks today in the midst of such a tragedy. "

Brandon Reese, Volunteering with ReachGlobal Crisis Response

The grim reality is the day before, just two hundred yards away from where Brandon was serving, two bodies were recovered from under the flood debris. It's very sobering reminder of the tragic loss of life that was a part of this flood. 

Get involved:

Pray.

1. For God's peace and compassion for the many, many people grieving loss.
2. For guidance and direction for families trying to figure out a path forward. 
3. For the provision of people and resources to extend gospel ministry in this region. 

Join our team.

Crisis Response is actively looking for new staff. Please pray and consider joining our team. Email crisisresponse@efca.org for more information

Give. 

You can be a part of the response in the Texas Hill Country by giving online or mailing a check designated "Texas Floods 2170-3990T" to:

Thank you for investing in the mission that follows crisis.