One year ago, catastrophic floods brought a devastating disaster to the Texas Hill Country. We lost more than 130 precious lives, including children attending summer camps in the area. It was a heartbreaking tragedy, and one we should always remember with somber and heavy hearts.

When those initial floodwaters subsided, the region was inundated with relief workers and aid. One of the greatest organizations to step up and help rebuild that community was Texans on Mission (historically known as Texas Baptist Men). Since 1967, their mission has been clear: in a world full of pain and hurt, to be beacons of light by meeting crucial needs and sharing God’s love during people's most difficult days. From hurricanes and tornadoes to pandemics and floods, their volunteers walk alongside those who are suffering to deliver help, hope, and healing.

Now, exactly one year later, another severe storm has brought devastating floodwaters back to the very same region.

With the previous rebuild and restoration work not even fully completed, the Texas Hill Country faces yet another crisis. Once again, the body of Christ is rallying. The Hill Country Baptist Association in Kerr County is already on the ground, coordinating with various organizations to help restore their community.

As we monitor this developing situation and look for ways to help, here is how you and your church can respond practically and purposefully:

1. Wait

As much as we want to rush in and help immediately, please wait. Give the floodwaters time to recede, and allow first responders and highly trained search-and-rescue teams to secure the area and assess the damage. In the immediate aftermath of a flood, untrained volunteers can unintentionally burden rescue operations. Furthermore, there are active hazards—like downed power lines and contaminated water—that require experienced professionals to clear first.

2. Prepare

Texans on Mission is already coordinating its response. Chainsaw teams, shower trailers, and food service units are currently on standby, waiting for the green light to deploy. Let these relief organizations set up the necessary infrastructure to receive additional volunteers and supplies first. An orderly, organized system is the most effective way for all of us to help those impacted over the long haul. You can learn more about their setup and preparation efforts at Texans on Mission.

3. Give

The financial need in the coming weeks and months will be significant. If you want to ensure your financial resources go directly to the families and churches in this specific region, the best way to do so is by giving through the local association. You can give directly and find updated ways to provide resources on the Hill Country Baptist Association Website.

4. Pray

We can—and should—begin praying immediately.

• For First Responders: Pray for the safety of the rescue and recovery teams leaving their own families to work in dangerous conditions. Next week, temperatures are forecasted to climb into the mid-to-high 90s, making the physical labor incredibly grueling.

• For the Families: Pray for those who have lost their homes, their possessions, and are re-living the trauma of last year's floods.

• For Local Pastors and Leaders: Pray for the leaders of the local churches in Kerr County and the surrounding areas. They are once again carrying the heavy pastoral burden of ministering to an overwhelmed and hurting community.

"Let us not become weary in doing good..." — Galatians 6:9

In the days ahead, our association will continue to closely monitor the situation in the Hill Country. We will communicate any urgent needs, supply drives, or volunteer deployment schedules as they arise.

Until then, let’s lift up our brothers and sisters in prayer, asking for the Lord’s mercy, comfort, and protection over them in the days to come.