When tragedy strikes, we often wonder what we can do—how to respond in a way that truly matters. Especially in moments like the recent devastating floods in Central Texas, it’s easy to feel as though the circumstances are too insurmountable to help. But as followers of Jesus, we are not without hope or purpose. This short guide is an invitation to respond with compassion, faith, and eternal perspective—because even in darkness, we can trust that God has limitless power to bring comfort, healing, and hope.
In this guide, you’ll find simple but meaningful ways to respond—pray, be generous, and discuss—as we walk in faith and compassion together.
- Pray
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 CSB)
Prayer is not a last resort; it’s a first response. When we pray, we remind our hearts that we need God—His presence, power, and comfort. Here are just a few prayer points to help guide you as you make your requests known to the Lord. He is good, He hears you, and He is always acting on behalf of His children:
- Pray for parents, families, and loved ones who are grieving unfathomable loss. Ask God to comfort them, give them strength, and draw near.
- Pray for the first responders and those helping with restoration efforts. Ask God to give them endurance and strength as they work.
- Pray for pastors, church leaders, and counselors as they shepherd those coming to them for care. Ask God to give them abundant wisdom, compassion, and a comforting presence.
2. Be Generous
“Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18 CSB).
When tragedy strikes our communities, generosity becomes a powerful expression of the love of Christ. As believers, we are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to reflect God’s heart by giving freely of our time, resources, and presence. By acting as the hands and feet of Jesus, we get the amazing opportunity to offer hope and tangible help to others in moments of deep need.
While practical donations like clothing and hygiene items are valuable, a financial gift can often meet needs in ways other items can’t. Here are a few organizations we recommend supporting as they each offer both tangible compassion and the hope of Jesus.
- Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN). ADRN is a trusted organization comprised of nearly 200 Greater Austin churches and thousands of trained volunteers bringing hope into crisis. ADRN’s network enables and empowers church members to organize, prepare, mobilize, and respond quickly in the event of disaster. To learn more about how you can partner with ADRN in the relief efforts for the Central Texas floods, check out ADRN’s website.
- Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Samaritan’s Purse is actively responding to the Central Texas floods. You can give a financial gift toward the relief efforts as well as volunteer in the cleanup efforts happening in Kerrville, TX.
- Serve Source. Serve Source connects churches, nonprofits, and disaster response leaders to streamline support and share urgent needs. Their platform allows you to access news, maps, and trusted partners, helping you connect to bring hope in times of crisis.
- Cleanup at Shady River RV Resort and Goodwater RV Park. In the aftermath of the recent flooding in the Georgetown area, volunteers are still welcome to assist with cleanup at Shady River RV Park and Goodwater RV Park. There is no sign-up form for this opportunity—simply come during daylight hours at a time that works for you and join others in serving these local communities.
Being generous with your time is another way to make an eternal impact. Our church family has actively assisted by gathering relief materials, providing direct assistance, and sending support to Kerrville, and by participating in cleanup efforts at Shady River and Goodwater RV Parks on Monday and Tuesday, helping restore and care for affected communities! We are grateful for Shelly Wynn, Charlotte Baumann, and the one hundred or so Antiochers who have volunteered in various ways to serve flood victims.
3. Discuss
“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-45 CSB)
In times of crisis, God calls us to encourage one another and stir one another up to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Sharing our grief, processing pain together, and speaking hope into each other’s hearts is not only biblical—it’s deeply healing. In community, we’re reminded we’re not alone, and that God often ministers through the presence and words of His people. Here are a few things you can process with your family, small group, or trusted friends:
- Reflect on a time when God showed up and drew near to you in a time of grieving and pain. How did He show you His faithfulness?
- What encouragement do you find in Scripture when it comes to times of suffering?
- What does it mean to grieve with hope?
- If you’re not feeling the weight of grief as deeply as those around you—or if you’re experiencing numbness or compassion fatigue—how can you show grace to yourself while still drawing near to others with humility and offering support in their pain?
As you use this guide to pray and take action, remember—it’s not a substitute for the healing, personal presence of God who meets you right where you are. If you’re wrestling with doubt, grief, or simply feeling numb, you’re not alone. You are deeply loved, held, and cared for by God in every part of your experience.
We pray this resource serves as a reminder of hope and a source of comfort. We love you, and as your church family, we want to remind you that God will never leave nor forsake you.
As Hebrews 4:16 instructs us, let us all draw near to the throne of grace, for it is there that we receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.