The Long Road to Recovery

A year after the Texas Hill Country Floods

Brian’s connection to Hunt, TX runs deep. The family home, built in 1975, has been a part of his life for decades. Originally a summer retreat, it eventually became a full-time residence for his parents. After years living elsewhere, Brian made his way back to Hunt in 2010, and for nearly a decade he devoted himself to caregiving and walking alongside his father until his passing in 2019.

When the flood came last July, the river rose with terrifying speed. Standing on his deck, Brian watched as the water surged through the darkness toward the house. Within moments, flood waters had entered the home, rising nearly five feet inside. Unable to leave, he gathered essential supplies and sheltered upstairs to wait out the flood.

What followed that long, frightening night was a season of healing and rebuilding for Brian. He met the ReachGlobal Crisis Response team early in the recovery process. The team was able to do mucking, demo, tree removal, debris clearing, and repair planning at his home. Yet what stood out most to Brian wasn’t the physical work, it was the relationships. The team’s consistent encouragement and willingness to listen helped him navigate the daily challenges of recovery. Regular check-ins and conversations reminded him that he was not facing the journey alone. The crisis challenged him in unexpected ways, but it also brought the gift of community to his life that he didn’t have before.

“A year ago, if an organization came to my door to pray with me, I would have probably said no,” Brian admitted. Instead, he found himself inspired by people who were living their faith through action. Watching volunteers serve faithfully and sacrificially led him into a deeper season of reflection and healing.

Today, while the town continues to recover, Brian sees signs of renewal in both the land and the community. Nature is returning, and the Hunt area is still a beautiful place to call home. Please pray for Brian and for the Crisis Response staff who continue walking alongside him; pray that he will find faith in God through this season of recovery.

For more information on how to send a team to serve homeowners like Brian in Hunt, please email respond@efca.org.

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