Julio Cortez AP
Camp Mystic
A Camp Mystic sign is seen near the entrance to the establishment along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, Saturday, July 5, 2025, after a flash flood swept through the area. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
UPDATED July 12, 2025
From the Rio Texas Conference
Dear Friends of the Rio Texas Conference,
We’re deeply grateful for the many people who have already stepped up to help. We know many of you have been waiting for an online giving option. That moment is here!
You can now give online to support disaster response efforts across the Rio Texas Conference. Every gift goes directly toward helping families recover and rebuild after the devastating flooding that has impacted communities across the Hill Country and beyond.
WAYS TO GIVE
You can donate online using:
• Debit/Credit Card • ACH Bank Transfer • PayPal • Google Pay • Apple Pay • Venmo
Text GIVE to 210-762-4200
Designate your gift to: Advance #2050 – Guadalupe Flood Relief
UPDATED July 10, 2025
True to their generous natures, United Methodists sprang into action even as search and rescue efforts continued to locate victims of the Guadalupe River flood on July 4.
Kerrville First UMC opened its doors as a shelter almost immediately after the disaster became known, reported the Rev. Amanda Banda, Rio Texas Conference communicator, and Heather Hahn of UM News.
Rio Texas Annual Conference posted throughout the emergency phase of the disaster. The conference prepared an online document listing resources for those affected by the flash flood, which rose 26 feet in 45 minutes. The conference also compiled a worship resource containing
- Litany of Lament, Hope, and Strength – Rev. Dr. Aaron A. Gonzalez
- Communal Prayer – Rev. Dr. Aaron A. Gonzalez
- Call to a Special Offering (Advance #2050) – Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen
- Blessing of a Special Offering (Advance #2050) – Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen
- A Prayer for the Guadalupe River Communities – Rev. Adam Knapp
- A Prayer of Lament from the Hill Country – Rev. Thomas Hankins
- Family Conversation Resources - Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen
As of July 9, the conference website read: “Bishop (Cynthia Fierro) Harvey and our Disaster Response Team encourage churches and individuals to contribute to our Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response Advance #2050, noting ‘Guadalupe River Flood’ on your gift.”
Churches are instructed to send collected gifts to the Rio Texas Conference office, designated to Advance #2050 — Guadalupe River Flood. Individuals: You may give through your local church, or mail contributions directly to the conference office at Rio Texas Conference, 16400 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78248.
The conference said it’s working on an online giving option, but nothing had been installed as of July 9.
Rio Texas also encouraged church members to consider Early Response Team training to prepare for future disasters. It offered a downloadable flyer with information on coming training events.
“Flood survivors need more than supplies — they need compassionate, prepared helpers who can be trusted with their homes and their hope,” said the conference website. “This is how we carry one another’s burdens. This is how we show the love of Christ when it matters most.”
A portion of the Horizon Texas Conference, which covers central, north and northwest Texas, also was affected upstream by the Guadalupe flooding.
In a message on the conference website, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. said, “Rev. Jeremy Basset, our disaster response coordinator, is on the ground this week, walking alongside local partners and neighbors. Our Emergency Response Teams are trained and ready, prepared to step in as soon as local officials and conference partners request our presence.
“As United Methodists, our calling is clear: to respond with compassion, prayer and tangible action,” said Bishop Saenz. “The Horizon Texas Conference is working hand-in-hand with our siblings in the Rio Texas Conference to assess the full scope of the impact across our conferences. Together, we are discerning where our presence and resources are most needed today, and in the long journey ahead.”
Houston-based Texas Conference, located to the east of San Antonio-based Rio Texas, also issued a call for “worship, prayer, generosity and preparation” using many of Rio Texas’ resources. Great Plains Conference, covering Kansas and Nebraska, likewise directed United Methodists to Rio Texas for information on giving and disaster response.
Under the heading “United in Compassion,” Bishop Delores Williamson of Louisiana, where Bishop Harvey served previously, urged United Methodists to support Rio Texas with their prayers and financial gifts.
Bishop Williamson wrote:
“Our hearts are heavy as we witness the tragic flash flooding that has swept across parts of Texas. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and entire communities left reeling in the aftermath. As the water rises, so too must our prayers, and our response.
“We are reminded in times like these of the sacred connection we share through The United Methodist Church. When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer. When one church cries out, we are all called to answer.
“The United Methodist connection is not a concept—it is a lifeline, built on shared grace, mutual care, and a commitment to serve one another in times of need.
“I invite you to join me in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones, for first responders working tirelessly, and for the churches in Texas who are stepping into the gap with courage and compassion.”
Bishop Williamston announced that Louisiana Conference sent “a $15,000 solidarity grant to the Rio Texas Conference to assist the Hill Country in their relief and recovery efforts.”
In the Holston Conference covering southwestern Virginia, eastern Tennessee and a portion of north Georgia, church camp directors expressed sympathy for the Texas Hill Country, recalling how Holston camps were hit by floods in 2012, reported Annette Spence.
Camp Bays Mountain in Kingsport, Tennessee.
“Although Buffalo had finished its summer camp season just two days prior and no lives were lost and no one was injured, the devastation brought on by the massive amount of rain, the landslides, and the unforeseen aftermath triggers heartache.
“Our hearts are broken not only by the images of Camp Mystic's property, personal belongings strewn about it, but also by the photos posted of the dear, sweet campers. When I learned that Mystic's director was killed as he was rescuing the girls, it made this past Sunday's check-in and registration surreal for me personally and caused me to take my job more seriously.”
Whitney Winston, director of Camp in the Community, said: “This week, my heart has been in two places at once – here with our campers throughout Holston Conference, and in Texas with the families who sent their children to camp, never imagining they wouldn’t come home. As a camp director, I know the sacred trust that comes with caring for someone’s child. And as a mom, I can’t stop thinking about those parents: the heartbreak of packing a bag, sending your child off with a hug and a prayer, and then facing unimaginable loss.”
Stephen Ward, director of Camp Lookout in Rising Fawn, Georgia, said, “My heart has been heavy ever since hearing about the tragic flooding in Texas, and particularly what has happened at Camp Mystic. As a camp director and a parent of young kids myself, it is difficult to imagine the depths of grief and despair so many are facing. From a camp perspective, I am reminded of the huge responsibility we have in caring for others’ children. If anything, this tragedy has renewed my commitment to do so with the utmost care, safety, and intention.”
Oklahoma Conference included the following report signed by Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase, executive director of connectional ministry, Rev. Connie Gibson, assistant to the bishop, and Jamie Stavinoha, conference treasurer & benefits officer in the July 10 issue of its conference publication, "Oklahoma Contact:"
"We know that the Rio Texas Conference is responding as well as the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). When disaster strikes, United Methodists are there. Our own Bishop Laura Merrill has a connection to that area and has been posting reflections on her Facebook page. We encourage you to follow her and keep up with those updates.
"In addition, we have set up a link to receive your donations, of which 100% will be shared with the Rio Texas Conference. Our disaster response coordinator, Dana Parker, is in constant communication with her counterparts and when Oklahomans can help in other ways, Dana will let us know.
"We remind you of the mantra – STAY, PRAY and PAY. Stay at home until we are requested, pray continually for the situation and pay (donate) to assist those who have been impacted.
"... Recovery does not come overnight, but we United Methodists are known for being present and committed for the long haul. It is a blessing to be a part of this connection."
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011 as a media channel to amplify news and views of marginalized and under-served United Methodists.