Hill Country Flooding: A Message from our Bishops
Dear West Texas Diocesan Family,
I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)
Yesterday, many of us followed with growing horror and sadness the unfolding flood disaster along the rivers of the Hill Country. We watched news accounts, video and social media posts filled with images and stories of homes damaged, helicopters searching, and reports of the missing along the Guadalupe River Valley from Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, and Comfort. In particular, our hearts could not help but be moved by the stories of missing campers from Camp Mystic and those parents and guardians anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
Many in West Texas contacted us with concern about our own Camp Capers on the Guadalupe River in Waring. At the time of the flooding there were no campers at our camp, and our summer staff was away on mid-summer break. All site staff are safe, and none of our buildings were flooded. Rob Watson, Director of Camps & Conferences and Johnson Jeffers, Camp Capers Site Director, are safe and on-site monitoring conditions.
While our own beloved camp was not damaged by the floodwaters, the summer camping community in Texas is close-knit. The Kerrville community, and St. Peter’s Church has been deeply impacted by the trauma and loss of life. Many in Kerrville, in our diocese, and across Texas, have personal connections to the missing campers and staff members. They are our relatives, classmates, friends, and church family members. Our hearts ache.
Many have asked what we can do. At Diocesan Council we called on all of us to pray big prayers. Prayer is not sitting by passively and doing nothing. Prayer is hope in action. It moves mountains and tunes our hearts to the heart of Jesus. Pray big prayers for the missing. Pray big prayers for their families and friends. Pray big prayers for first responders and rescue workers. Pray big prayers for St. Peter’s Church and the Hill Country camping community. Pray big prayers not just one day or one Sunday, but for the next 30 days. We have attached a prayer for your use.
Second, we invite our people and congregations to make financial donations. This disaster is still unfolding. We will learn much more in the days and weeks ahead. The recovery of the Hunt, Ingram, Comfort and Kerrville communities will not happen overnight. It will take time to catalog the loss of homes, businesses, livelihoods, and lives, and the best ways we can tangibly be part of healing, hope and recovery. We are in contact with the Presiding Bishop and with Episcopal Relief & Development who have offered their assistance. Financial Donations may be sent to the Diocese of West Texas marked “July 4 Flood.” Our financial response will be coordinated through the clergy and lay leaders of St. Peter’s, Kerrville.
Thank you in advance for your big prayers, messages of support and generous contributions. More information will be shared as it becomes available. It is at such a time as this that the relationships we share in West Texas are most valuable. Jesus tells us the world will know we are his followers if we have love one another. Let us reach out in love for those who are hurting in the Hill Country today.
Peace,
+David Read +Angela Cortiñas
Bishop of West Texas Bishop Suffragan of West Texas
A Prayer
Almighty God, your Holy Spirit moved over the waters in the beginning of creation, and your Son Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee: Be mightily present with all those impacted by catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country. Be close to the lost that they may be found; Guide and protect those who search; Strengthen those who await news of loved ones; Comfort those who mourn; Provide for those who have lost homes and livelihoods. And in the midst of things we cannot understand, empower us to entrust all to your never-failing love, and give us the will to persevere in our response to their needs. All this we ask through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
