From Bishop Ruben Saenz’s Letter “Responding with Faith and Action: Flood Recovery in Central Texas”
Over the weekend, the Guadalupe region of Central Texas was struck by devastating floods—waters that rose swiftly, leaving behind broken homes and aching hearts. The pain is real and raw. We mourn with those who have lost loved ones, who now face uncertainty, and whose lives have been upended in the blink of an eye.
Yet, even as the floodwaters recede, the tide of our care and compassion must rise. In these moments of heartbreak, we are reminded that the Church is not a building—it is a people. A people who pray. A people who serve. A people who show up for one another, embodying the love of Christ when the world feels most fragile.
As United Methodists, our calling is clear: to respond with compassion, prayer and tangible action. The Horizon Texas Conference is working hand-in-hand with our siblings in the Rio Texas Conference to assess the full scope of the impact across our conferences. Together, we are discerning where our presence and resources are most needed today, and in the long journey ahead.
Rev. Jeremy Basset, our disaster response coordinator, is on the ground this week, walking alongside local partners and neighbors. Our Emergency Response Teams are trained and ready, prepared to step in as soon as local officials and conference partners request our presence.
When disaster strikes, the question is not “Will we respond?” but “How will we respond?” Here are three ways you and your congregation can make a difference right now:
Give Financially
Volunteer Your Time and Skills
There is still mucking-out work to be done, with anticipated announcements coming soon from San Angelo in Tom Green County and parts of Williamson and Travis counties, ranging from Georgetown to Leander.
If you or members of your congregation feel called to serve, please let us know by completing the volunteer interest form linked here. Rev. Basset will work to match volunteers with emerging needs, ensuring that your gifts meet real, immediate challenges.
Prepare for Future Needs
The most effective way to help at this moment is through financial contributions. I am calling for a special, conference-wide offering to directly support relief and recovery efforts in the communities impacted by the floods, which span the Rio and Horizon Texas Conferences. Every gift, no matter the size, becomes a lifeline of hope.
At present, there are enough flood buckets available in Central Texas. However, we anticipate a need to replenish supplies as recovery continues. Learn more about flood buckets here.
Churches holding flood bucket drives should connect with Rev. Lesta Anderson to coordinate delivery/pickup details.
Please continue to lift up affected communities, families and first responders in your prayers. Pray for strength, for healing and for the courage to hope. As we walk alongside those who are grieving and rebuilding, may we be a source of light and a living testimony to the love that binds us together, even in the darkest valleys.