ABHMS calls for prayers, donations toward long-term recovery efforts after deadly Texas flooding
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 07/17/2025)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is calling for prayers and financial support following severe flash flooding across Central Texas over the July Fourth weekend that overwhelmed families and communities with unprecedented losses.
Torrential rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry dumped several months’ worth of precipitation on the Hill Country in just hours, according to weather service reports. The Guadalupe River surged dozens of feet in less than an hour near Hunt and Kerrville, Texas, and eventually crested at nearly 40 feet, shattering records, destroying property, and ending lives.
At least 132 people have been confirmed dead, with around 170 still missing, making this one of the deadliest inland flood disasters in the United States in nearly 50 years. Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio, bore the brunt, with over 100 fatalities. These included 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a nondenominational Christian summer camp for girls, who were tragically swept away in the early morning.
In that county, the dangers posed by violent, fast-moving flood waters were worsened by a failure of emergency systems to provide adequate warnings. Thousands in harm’s way had little time to reach safety. The result was a tragic death toll and families, many inadequately insured, losing everything but their lives.
Amid the devastation, there are some bright spots. Texas authorities have credited local first responders with rescuing over 440 people from rooftops, trees, and submerged vehicles. More than 2,000 volunteers have joined cleanup and recovery efforts, providing critical assistance in overwhelming conditions. And now, ABHMS is preparing for the long journey toward recovery and healing.
“This is a disaster of unimaginable scale, and recovery will take months, if not years,” said the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Stewart, director of Healing & Transforming Communities at ABHMS. “We grieve the tremendous loss of life, and we stand with every family and community left reeling in the aftermath. We also urge our American Baptist family to pray, prepare to serve, and give generously as recovery efforts begin and continue.”
From her initial outreach to local American Baptist churches, Stewart reports that they are actively gathering information, connecting with those affected, and figuring out how best to mobilize. “Though many are still in the early stages of coordination,” she said, “their desire to serve is strong. Now is the time for us to come alongside them—with resources, prayer, and support—to meet urgent needs and help these communities recover.”
ABHMS does not act as a first responder but supports long-term recovery in partnership with local churches, community organizations, and relief agencies. Through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), the organization helps fund and coordinate efforts that go far beyond initial cleanup. These include supporting housing repairs, emotional and spiritual care, and rebuilding community infrastructure.
“While others are focused on the immediate crisis, we commit to the long haul,” Stewart said. “Our work begins when the news cameras leave. When families are trying to rebuild their lives, ABHMS shows up with presence, partnership, and the love of Christ in action.”
Economic damage is expected to surpass $18 billion across Central Texas. Local businesses, including popular riverside restaurants and RV parks, were destroyed. And as more storms might occur this season, potentially posing additional threats to the region, survivors face a long journey ahead.
An urgent call for support
In response to this devastating event, ABHMS calls on American Baptists and people of goodwill to give generously to support communities affected by the flooding. Through OGHS, every donation provides tangible, long-term assistance where it is needed most:
- Emergency shelter and housing repair
- Meals, clean water, sanitation, and supplies
- Counseling, pastoral care, and community rebuilding
- Long-term support for under-resourced families and communities
How you can help
Please join American Baptists in supporting the relief efforts directed toward those affected by the recent flooding in Central Texas. One hundred percent of designated OGHS gifts are allocated to domestic disaster relief.
You can donate via your church or directly online.
Checks designated to OGHS–Texas Flood Relief should be mailed to ABHMS’ Office of Development, care of Kim Wilkins, 1075 First Avenue, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406. If intended, they should also include the name of the donor’s church to ensure that it receives credit for the gift.
The World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA administers OGHS. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing the distribution of the annual OGHS offering received from churches.
To learn more, visit abhms.org/giving.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
