​In the last few days, devastating floods have impacted communities across Texas, with more rain forecast for the week ahead. As local officials and organizations begin the long process of assessment and response, Week of Compassion is in frequent communication with regional leadership, local church pastors, and ecumenical partners across the state.

Disciples congregations — including First Christian Church in Kerrville and Grace Christian San Angelo — are assisting in the response efforts, including through supply distribution, cleanup assistance, and support of existing ministry partners. Grace Christian (a shared ministry First Christian and Grace Presbyterian churches) gathered donations at worship yesterday and is working closely with local ecumenical partners, including the campus ministry at Angelo State to sort and distribute supplies. In Kerrville, Rev. Josh Desteiguer is "absolutely humbled and moved by the outpouring of support from the wider church and individual congregations. We are beaming with pride seeing the ways our small tight-knit denomination is going to have a profound impact on the recovery and continuing healing after such a profound disaster."

Many efforts remain in the planning or assessment phase due to continued weather concerns. With support from Week of Compassion, Children’s Disaster Services is deploying a Critical Childcare Response team to the area. As needs emerge, Week of Compassion stands ready to offer immediate solidarity grants and long-term support for recovery.

The full extent of the damage is not yet clear, and cleanup efforts are being complicated by continued rains. While no losses among Disciples churches or members have been reported so far, the emotional and spiritual toll of this disaster is already being felt. We join our prayers with countless others across the United States, especially those in the Texas Hill Country, for all who are on the front lines of relief, rescue, and recovery, and for those families still waiting for word and hoping against hope.

In moments like this, Disciples seek to embody compassion, hope, and faithful presence. Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum, Regional Minister of the Southwest Region, led a moment of prayer over the weekend and offered these words Sunday morning: 

God of Sleepless Nights and Anxious Days,
Our hearts break for our neighbors—the ones whose homes, loved ones, and
lives have been destroyed by floods; the ones who fear deportation or
imprisonment; the ones who tremble with uncertainty. We cannot know the whole
story of any other person’s life, and we really cannot take in all the different
experiences that knock on the doors of our empathy. Yet, the parts that we do
know break our hearts sometimes. We plead with You, most Holy One, that You
would not forget us or abandon us. We need Christmas in July: Emmanuel, God
with us. God, be with us.
Amen.

In the coming days, Week of Compassion will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needs become clearer. In the meantime, Disciples are encouraged to give to Week of Compassion (US Storms & Fires) in support of ongoing and future responses, and to continue holding the affected communities in prayer.

On Thursday September 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend of the Florida Gulf Coast, landing as a category 4 storm with wind impacts of 140mph, bringing a 20-foot storm surge, incredible rainfall and flooding, and sparking tornadoes. The storm tracked across six states, and remnant rainfall reached into several more. Destruction is estimated at $160 billion, one of the costliest storms in US history. ​

​As we follow the 600 mile path of Hurricane Helene and the massive devastation across six states, Week of Compassion is in contract with Regional staff, congregational leaders and ecumenical partners to respond now and over the long-term.


Here are THE BEST WAYS to be of true help right now: 

PRAY : For more than 100 lives lost. For unimaginable impact. For emergency response teams. For compassion, mercy, hope. 

GIVE : Gifts marked Hurricane 2024 will be directed to emergent and long-term response.

​STAY : The first days of a response are for highly skilled and professionally trained responders. There will be many ways to help later, and we are grateful for all who will serve together. 

* There is an urgent need right now for virtual volunteers to staff help lines. Simple training provided, phone & computer with internet required. Email [email protected]

Praying with you and for you, Disciples.

The needs are and will be great. The compassion of Christ's people is greater still.

Be part of the Hurricane Helene response -

*PRAY* for those impacted and all who respond.
*GIVE* to Week of Compassion, designating 'Hurricane 2024'.
*STAY* until plans are in place for you to safely volunteer in person.




​Virtual volunteers are urgently needed right now through our partner Crisis CleanUp. Help respond to survivor help lines, serving from home, with simple training and phone/computer access. Contact [email protected]

We remain grateful for our Disciples community and hold those impacted and those responding close in our prayers.