The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying to Central Texas after flash flooding claimed at least 80 lives and wreaked havoc across Kerr County, just over an hour from San Antonio.
Early on July 4, torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise 20 feet in under two hours, right near Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls. More than a dozen of the girls have been found dead—along with the camp’s longtime director—and many other girls are still missing.
“Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared today a day of prayer for all of those affected by the Texas Hill Country flooding disaster,” Franklin Graham shared on social media Sunday. “Let’s join together in prayer for these families and for the ongoing search efforts. There is so much loss and devastation and so many are hurting.”
Graham serves as president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, as well as disaster relief organization Samaritan’s Purse.
“We have Samaritan’s Purse staff and Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains on the ground looking at how we can minister to these communities both physically and spiritually in the aftermath,” he said.
Local BG-RRT chaplains began ministering to those impacted by the floods on the Fourth of July. They will continue to offer comfort and prayer as floodwaters recede.
“There are no words to describe the devastation and heartbreak that has taken place in Texas,” said Josh Holland, international director of BG-RRT. “We have seen some of the most innocent lives lost to the unexpected floodwaters that overcame the Guadalupe River. Communities have been wiped out. Families have been torn apart.
“Our chaplains are providing a ministry of presence at reunification sites. These crisis-trained volunteers and staff will be in Texas providing spiritual and emotional care to those affected as long as needed.”
Please pray for families who have lost loved ones and for first responders as they continue rescue and recovery efforts.