The weekend’s devastating floods in Central Texas have left a deep mark on our hearts. As a community of faith, we grieve the widespread damage and tragic loss of life. In the face of such sorrow, we turn to God for comfort and to one another for strength and support.
As United Methodists, we are called to respond with compassion, prayer and action. The Horizon Texas Conference is working closely with the Rio Texas Conference to assess the full scope of the impact and understand where our support is most needed, both today and in the weeks to come.
“In moments of heartbreak, we are reminded that the Church is not a building—it is a people,” offered Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. “A people who pray, who serve, and who show up for one another. Let us be the Church today for our neighbors in Central Texas.”
Rev. Jeremy Basset, HTC disaster response coordinator, is on the ground this week with partners from Rio Texas. The HTC’s Emergency Response Teams are trained and ready, and they will deploy as soon as their presence is requested by local officials and conference partners.
In the meantime, here are ways your church can support the flood recovery efforts:
Give Financially
Volunteer Interest
If you or members of your congregation would like to volunteer in the recovery efforts, please click the link and fill out the form. Rev. Basset will work to pair volunteers with emerging needs based on skills and experience.
Flood Buckets
The most effective way to help at this moment is through financial contributions. Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. has called for a special, conference-wide offering to directly support relief and recovery efforts in those communities impacted by the weekend’s floods.
[BUTTON: Give Now]
While there are currently enough flood buckets on site in Central Texas, we anticipate a need to replenish supplies for the future. Watch for future conference communications with details on when and where to deliver buckets.
Please continue to hold the affected communities, families and first responders in your prayers. May we be a source of light and hope as we walk alongside those who are grieving and rebuilding.