As catastrophic flooding in central Texas has now reclamado at least 120 lives since the early hours of July 4 with more than 170 people still missing, relief organizations have showed up.

Some have a personal stake in the disaster, Among the several Episcopalians who died in the torrential downpour was nine-year-old Lila Bonner, who attended Camp Mystic, Episcopal News Service reportado. Her home congregation, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, held a prayer service that drew more than 600 attendees.

“This service is meant to be that safe, calm space where we come together to be reminded of God’s presence,” said the Rev. Christopher Girata.

The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, where much of the destruction occurred, has established a donation portal to channel funds directly to relief efforts.

Most major Christian denominations, including the bautistas del sur, Churches of Christ and others are stepping up to provide practical help. National relief ministries such as Samaritan’s Purse are also playing a vital role.

The Catholic community in the area, which traces its roots back to the early 18^el century Spanish mission system, was also affected by the tragedy. News accounts have told of two deceased girls: Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, who, when their bodies were found, were still clutching their rosaries. The Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio is collecting money through its Catholic Charities portal to help victims of the flooding.

As families across the county waited for news of loved ones lost, many gathered at First United Methodist Church in Kerrville, one of the hardest-hit cities, reported Noticias de la UM. The church’s long-running ministry center, Light on the Hill, became an emergency shelter.

On Sunday, United Methodist Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey joined the congregation to offer comfort during worship.

“You can just feel the heaviness in this space,” said Harvey. “And at the same time, we know that we serve alongside a God of hope, a God of possibility, a God that never leaves us or forsakes us.”

The United Methodist Committee on Relief has provided a $10,000 solidarity grant to churches in the region.

‘You are not forgotten’

The nation’s largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, claims 2.4 million members in Texas. As many SBC-affiliated churches prepare to send volunteers, Chad Schapiro of the Baptist General Convention noted that a registration system is being rolled out to help volunteers participate in a timely, streamlined manner.

This coordination is essential, said Pastor Joey Tombrella of First Baptist Church in Kerrville, a hub for disaster relief workers.

“Our biggest trial is making a runway for ministry that’s clear, organized, and not getting in the way of these first responders,” Tombrella dicho prensa bautista. “People are going to be processing this for quite some time.”

With floodwaters receding, Texans on Mission has begun assessing damage, setting up command centers, and deploying crews for long-term recovery. These included electrical and flooring teams, as well as laundry and shower units.

Similar, WLOS-TV Ch. 13, the local ABC outlet, reported that Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian organization, has more than 90 volunteers active in the area. With Kerrville Bible Church serving as a base, their crews are providing critical services like mudding out homes, clearing debris, and salvaging personal items.

In tandem with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the group has also deployed chaplains and emotional support staff. “We want every family to know: God sees you. He loves you. You are not forgotten,” stated a correo on the Samaritan’s Purse Facebook page.

The ministry plans to open a second local hub of relief operations Friday in San Angelo, a city 172 miles to the west of Kerrville that has also experienced flooding. Volunteers from North Carolina are arriving with tools and supplies to assist in rebuilding.

The Texas Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is providing a mobile disaster unit in Kerrville that can serve up to 2,000 individuals. Trained volunteers, including master guides who helped during Hurricane Harvey, will help in mucking and gutting homes.

The Missouri-based non-profit Convoy of Hope is also offering disaster relief for victims of the flooding. And the Riverside Church of Christ in Kerrville has brought in relief supplies from Nashville and a disaster response team from Ohio, according to the Christian Chronicle.

Funding needs—and final rescue efforts

Many local churches have collaborated to form the Ark of Highland Lakes, a nonprofit based in nearby Marble Falls. It coalesced in the fall of 2018 as a means to coordinate community help, after flooding of the Colorado and Llano rivers.

This time, the group is planning for a long road ahead.

“Recovery takes time and funding,” a statement on its web site said. “In 2018, we supported flood survivors for over two years. Many impacted now have no insurance or support.”

The watchdog group Ministry Watch has urged caution on giving to flood disaster relief and has released a list of agencies it has profiled in its database.

As helicopters continue to circle overhead and search teams fan out across Kerr County, hoping to find some of those missing for several days, local churches stand in solidarity.

A recent social post of Riverside Church of Christ in Kerrville reads: “Please continue to pray for the lost, that they may be found, for the search and rescue units, and all those who are coordinating the rescues.”

Josh Shepherd is production editor at The Roys Report and a journalist who escribe sobre fe, cultura y políticas públicas para varios medios outlets. He and his family live in central Florida.