Recovery is about more than cleaning up debris. It is listening to homeowners, assessing damage, coordinating volunteers, delivering supplies, and helping families take their first steps toward rebuilding. Across the Rio Texas Conference, Disaster Recovery Coordinators, Early Response Teams, and local churches are already serving together in communities impacted by flooding.n (Rio Texas Conference Photos)
Almost exactly a year since the deadly July 4 floods of 2025, the Rio Texas Annual Conference has mobilized to help victims of the latest round of flooding.
Rio Texas communications director Amanda Banda wrote in the conference’s July newsletter: “Together, we are walking alongside our neighbors through prayer, service, and hope.”
Rio Texas Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey issued a pastoral letter urging prayer, financial contributions and other support for flooded communities.
In recent days, Disaster Recovery Coordinators have assessed damage, Early Response Team (ERT) volunteers have begun deploying to affected communities, and flood cleanup buckets are already being distributed from the Bishop Joel and Dr. Raquel Martinez Disaster Response Center to support local recovery efforts.
The newsletter reported: “Churches across the Rio Texas Conference are already responding in remarkable ways. Congregations have delivered flood cleanup buckets, transported truckloads of donated supplies, assembled new buckets, and placed relief resources directly into the hands of families. These are just a few examples of the many ways United Methodists are serving together across our connection.”
“While much work remains in the weeks and months ahead, we are grateful for the faithful response of churches, volunteers, and generous supporters across the Rio Texas Conference,” said Ms. Banda in the newsletter. “Together, we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope to our neighbors when they need it most.”
Online giving is available by visiting riotexas.org/disaster-give. Updates, volunteer opportunities, stories of hope, and ways to support flooded communities across the Rio Texas Conference in the weeks and months ahead will be shared via social media and email.
Recent flooding left homes, churches, and entire communities facing overwhelming loss. As families begin the difficult work of cleaning out homes and rebuilding their lives, the Church is walking beside them every step of the way.