KERR COUNTY, TEXAS – “This is something where we need to begin now, and we need to continue to invoke God Almighty.”

These words of Texas Governor Greg Abbott initiated a press conference with a single subject in mind. While most of America was celebrating the 249th birthday of our nation, the people of the Texas Hill Country were fighting for their very lives as a sudden onslaught of torrential rainfall brought catastrophic flash flooding. Horrific destruction and death were left in its wake. In less than an hour, the Guadalupe River surged nearly 26 feet, swallowing homes, vehicles, and even a Christian summer camp. At the time of this writing, the flood has claimed 24 lives so far, and dozens remain missing – including many girls from Camp Mystic, a well-known private Christian camp.

Abbott went on to say, “This is a time when we as a state and as a community need God more than ever.” The overnight flood caught many off guard. Despite weather alerts from the National Weather Service, the intensity and speed of the river’s rise overwhelmed evacuation efforts. The Governor pointed out individuals he knew who were not initially in harms way, but who went into harms way to save lives and ended up losing their own. He went on to say, “[This extraordinary catastrophe] needs God, but it also needs a robust response by the state and local governments and by people who live in these communities impacted by this.”

Governor Abbott issued an emergency disaster declaration, mobilizing the Texas National Guard, and Texas Task Forces One and Two. Plans are for search and rescue efforts to continue, even through the darkness of night. Efforts will be “…non-stop, seeking to find everyone who is unaccounted for,” said Abbott. He was also clear that whatever the communities facing this disaster need, the state of Texas will step up and provide it. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that among the most urgent priorities was the ongoing search for the missing children.

In moments like this, Christians are called to be salt and light in a broken world, showing the love of Jesus through compassion, generosity, and presence. From pastors opening church buildings as shelters to families donating clothing and food, the body of Christ is to rally in tangible, Spirit-filled unity. Romans 12:15 also admonishes us to , “…weep with those who weep” (BSB) and there will be plenty of tears shed in the coming days. But one thing is certain – Christ is in control in this and every situation. It was encouraging that multiple times throughout the press conference, several officials called on the Lord and urged prayer for the developing crisis. 

For those looking to help, the path is clear. Christians can lift the hurting in prayer, volunteer through faith-based relief organizations, give generously to fund relief efforts, and offer the hope of the Gospel to those reeling from loss. As the floodwaters recede, the Church’s mission becomes all the more critical: to walk with the suffering, bind up the brokenhearted, and reflect Christ’s love in word and deed.

References

Disclaimer: The information in this article was curated from a press conference given by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and his staff. No commentary or facts gleaned independently by other news outlets were utilized. Any opinions expressed are those of the author.

Gov. Abbott, Officials Hold Press Briefing On Response To Deadly Texas Hill Country Flooding. Forbes Breaking News, 4 July 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua_aYbN38fw. Accessed 5 July 2025.

Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is a project of Bible Hub. Used with permission. The Berean Standard Bible has been released into the public domain.