Texas Flood Response & Long-Term Recovery
A Message from Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
July 16, 2026
"Once again, our hearts ache as we watch the devastating news of flooding across the Texas Hill Country. Almost one year ago, many of these same communities endured unimaginable loss, and now they face yet another season of grief and uncertainty.
Please continue to hold all who are affected in your prayers—those who fear, those who have been displaced, first responders, relief workers, and the churches that will become places of refuge and hope.
As opportunities arise to serve, we will communicate those needs as quickly as possible. Until then, the most faithful response is to pray, to give, and to trust that God will continue to work through the people called United Methodist to bring hope and healing."
— Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
Current Status
Assessment & Preparation
Last Updated: July 16, 2026 • 10:30 a.m.
Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response leaders are actively communicating with local pastors, emergency management officials, and community partners as flooding continues to impact communities across the Hill Country and parts of South Texas.
Damage assessments are beginning where conditions allow. Our Disaster Response team is preparing to respond as needs are identified and it is safe to do so.
How You Can Help
PRAY
Please continue praying for those affected by flooding, first responders, local churches, and everyone working to bring hope and healing to impacted communities.
GIVE
Financial gifts help provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery efforts in affected communities.
VOLUNTEER
Please do not self-deploy to affected communities. As needs are identified, volunteer opportunities will be shared through official Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response channels.
How the Rio Texas Conference Is Responding
Our Disaster Response team is working alongside local churches, pastors, emergency management officials, and community partners to assess needs and coordinate a safe, effective response.
As requests for assistance are received, we will:
Coordinate Early Response Team (ERT) deployments
Support local churches serving their communities
Share verified volunteer opportunities
Provide updates and resources through official Rio Texas Conference channels
Support long-term recovery efforts as needs emerge
Stories of Hope
Disaster response is about more than cleanup—it's about neighbors serving neighbors, churches becoming places of hope, and lives being transformed through Christ's love.
Hear stories from pastors, volunteers, and communities who have served during previous disaster response efforts.
Watch the Disaster Response Stories Playlist
While the floodwaters receded, the work of recovery continued. These stories remind us that disaster response is not only about meeting immediate needs—it's about walking alongside communities for the long haul.
After retiring from a career in law, Michael wanted to do something more hands-on—something that made a real difference. He found purpose through disaster relief work, showing how faith, service, and community can change lives.
“The best way to introduce people to Christ is to engage in Christ-like behaviors by helping your neighbor.”
– Michael Laffey, North Shore United Methodist Church - Canyon Lake, Texas
Everyone has gifts to offer.
“We are at our best when we come together for one another.”
– Rev. Kim Burke, Boerne UMC
In the midst of heartbreak, Pastor Kim shares how faith in action—through prayer, presence, and service—brings hope and healing to communities affected by the flooding.
Stay Connected
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