Hill Country Flood Relief

Hill Country Flood Relief Efforts

 

The recent flooding in Kerrville and across the Hill Country has been devastating. Families have been displaced, homes damaged, and entire communities affected. In response, St. John Lutheran Church is stepping up in faith to bring practical help and compassionate care to our neighbors.

 

How We’re Helping

This past Sunday, our church came together to pack 300 flood buckets filled with essential cleaning supplies. These were delivered to Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville and will be distributed to several local sites for those in need.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped assemble, load, and transport the buckets—your service is making a difference.

 

Volunteer Update

July 9:  A small team of 12 went out to Center Point yesterday, July 8, to help with flood recovery and assess how St. John can best serve. The number of volunteers and lines of trailers hauling heavy equipment was truly incredible! In fact, the response has been so overwhelming that the immediate needs for relief are currently being met. Praise God!

That being said, St. John is shifting it’s focus to long-term support, where help will still be needed after the initial wave of volunteers moves on. As a local church, we’re in a good position to help in the weeks and months to come, responding as needed. We’re committed to staying in this for the long haul. So, for now, we won’t be sending teams out this week, but we’re staying ready. If you hear of an urgent need, please reach out. More updates to come—thank you for your continued willingness to serve!

 

July 7: We’ve been approved to send a small exploratory team on Tuesday, July 8 to begin assisting with cleanup and to assess future needs. This team will coordinate with local authorities to get a clearer picture of how we can best help in the days and weeks ahead.

If you’re available to assist later this week, please reach out to:

  • Rod Townsend at 832-584-5585
  • St. John Church Office at 830-249-3651

Items especially needed this week:

  • Chainsaws
  • Heavy equipment to move debris
  • Trailers to transport equipment

Let us know if you’re willing and able to help.

 

What’s Next

We expect to know more about future volunteer opportunities in the coming days. We will need volunteers for cleanup and reconstruction in the Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt areas over the next several weeks.

Please keep an eye on your email and our church Facebook page for updates and sign-ups.

 

Donation Update

After conversations with local authorities (as of Monday, July 7):

  • Do not send clothing at this time
  • Water supplies are sufficient for now
  • Donation spaces are overwhelmed – Please pause sending additional supplies until further notice

The most helpful way to give right now is through financial donations. Funds can be directed where they’re most needed, whether for equipment, supplies, or direct aid to families.

You can give to the St. John Disaster Relief Fund by:

  • Visiting: stjohnlutheran.com/give
    Select “Disaster Relief-DF” from the drop-down menu
  • Or text GIVE to 830-249-3651

Thanks to your generosity, $6,787 was donated to relief efforts just this past Sunday!

 

 

Let’s Be the Church

In the aftermath of this devastating flood, we move forward together. Let us offer strength, compassion, and practical help to those who need it most.

 

“Serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

Let’s continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we respond in love.