Left crestfallen by historic floods, Hill Country survivors receive hope

In the hours following one of the worst natural disasters in Texas history, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief volunteers rapidly deployed to the Hill Country following massive flooding. More than 100 people lost their lives—including 27 at a youth camp—and thousands of families were impacted.

The devastation was well-chronicled by state and national media over the next few weeks. Somber first responders tiptoed countless miles in soggy fields and sorted through tangled debris, clinging to hope beyond hope that they’d find survivors. Many residents returned home to find their floors and walls caked with mud. Others’ houses disappeared altogether. 

Long after the Hill Country faded from the national spotlight, SBTC DR volunteers remained, meeting practical needs and sharing the love of Christ. They mudded-out homes and removed debris, including fallen trees. They washed clothes and prepared meals for wave after wave of rescue and recovery workers. They prayed for all of them and shared the gospel with people desperately searching for hope.

“Everybody wants to do something and they don’t know what to do,” SBTC DR volunteer Debby Nichols said at the time. “Prayer is our first defense. Everyone can pray.”

Every time SBTC DR responds, it does so through the generous giving that happens as a result of the Reach Texas State Missions Offering. When churches give, SBTC churches are mobilized to minister in Texas and beyond following disasters ranging from wildfires to hurricanes to mass shootings. 

“We praise God for the support for SBTC DR that the churches of the SBTC are faithful to provide,” SBTC DR Director Scottie Stice said. “God has truly blessed these efforts and provided.”