After record-breaking floods devastated parts of Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, the North America Southwest Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a heartfelt statement offering support and solidarity. The statement reads in full:
“We mourn and pray for those who lost loved ones and friends in the wake of the devastating floods in Central Texas. At a time of such unimaginable loss, we believe the Lord is extending His hand to uplift and comfort those whose hearts need refuge at this time of great sorrow. It is in Him that we discover the strength to overcome, the courage to persevere, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. There is hope amid the darkness as those of all faiths prepare to rebuild communities and continually encircle those who grieve with arms of love.”
The statement came as rescue teams in the state continued to search for survivors following a historic flash flood that struck during the early morning hours of July 4. According to CNN, a complex of intense storms developed on the evening of July 3, stalling over parts of the Texas Hill Country and dropping torrential rain into the Guadalupe River basin.
By 4 a.m. on July 4, the river had risen more than 25 feet in under two hours, triggering sudden and devastating flash flooding. Entire neighborhoods, roadways, and camps were overtaken before evacuations could be completed.
KSL.com reported more than 100 people have died as a result of the flooding, with dozens still missing. The majority of the fatalities occurred in Kerr, Kendall, and Burnet counties, where floodwaters were most intense. Power outages, road closures, and infrastructure damage hampered early rescue efforts.
Among the most tragic outcomes was the flooding of Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River. According to the Houston Chronicle, 22 campers and one counselor have been confirmed dead. Several more remain missing as search efforts continue.
Image showing some of the post-flood damage at Camp Mystic. | FacebookIn the face of such loss, stories of heroism have brought some measure of hope and comfort. One such account centers on Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer who had graduated from rescue swimming school just six months before his team got the call to mobilize.
According to a report from CNN, Ruskan was lowered by helicopter into floodwaters surrounding Camp Mystic. Over several hours, he helped guide nearly 200 children and counselors to safety. “I just kept telling them, ‘I’ve got you. You’re safe now,’” he told the outlet. He refused to leave until every person had been evacuated.
As Texas begins to recover, acts of compassion have extended far beyond state and national borders. In a moving show of support, The Hill reports that a team of volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel from Acuña, Mexico crossed the border to assist with recovery efforts in Kerr County.
These rescuers, part of Fundación 911 and Mexico’s Civil Protection Water Rescue Team, brought critical flood-response experience from working along the Rio Grande. They arrived on Sunday, working hand-in-hand with local Texas responders and agencies such as Mountain Home Fire Department and state police.
Fundación 911 posted this photo with the simple caption, “Solidaridad sin fronteras,” or, “Solidarity without borders.” | FacebookCBS News detailed how one Mexican rescue team member, José Omar Llanas Hernández, helped locate a victim buried beneath approximately three feet of debris. He highlighted the value of their cross-border training in swift-water operations—skills honed as part of their regular work in their home region.
Another responder, Jesús Gómez, a dual citizen, emphasized the shared commitment: “Sometimes people from the other side cross and help us. It’s time to give a little bit.”
Their presence has been welcomed not only by local authorities but also recognized at the highest levels. The Guardian reports the group integrated with U.S. teams and that officials praised their quick arrival and operational readiness. CBS News also quoted a responder affirming their dedication, saying they would remain “until the last victim is found.”
How You Can Help
Even if you’re far from Texas, there are meaningful ways to support the victims and aid the recovery effort:
1. Donate to Trusted Relief Organizations—CBS has compiled a large list of organizations currently providing boots-on-the-ground assistance. The groups are bringing a wealth of resources from search and rescue services to medical supplies, hot meals to financial assistance, and more.
- Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
- Southern Oaks Church
- TEXSAR
- Texans on Mission
- Salvation Army Kerrville
- Good Shepherd Episcopal School
- American Red Cross
Click here to see the full list.
2. Contribute Supplies: Essential items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, hygiene kits, clothing, and blankets are in high demand. Check with local shelters and community centers in Texas for specific needs and drop-off locations.
3. Support from Afar: You don’t need to travel to make a difference. Organize a virtual fundraiser, assemble care kits with your congregation, or help amplify verified donation links across your social platforms.
4. Offer Prayers and Share Uplifting Stories: In moments of crisis, spiritual support matters. Consider organizing a ward or stake fast on behalf of those impacted by the flooding. Add the names of friends and relatives who need additional support to temple prayer roles.
Note: LDS Daily does not endorse or verify the authenticity of fundraisers, and we encourage readers to use their best judgment when donating.
As Texas mourns and rebuilds, the First Presidency’s message offers a reminder that no one suffers alone. In the words of the Church’s statement: “There is hope amid the darkness as those of all faiths prepare to rebuild communities and continually encircle those who grieve with arms of love.”
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Sources:
- The Church Newsroom – “The Church Issues Statement of Comfort and Hope Following Texas Floods“
- CNN – “How the catastrophic Texas flooding unfolded, in maps and charts“
- CNN – “US Coast Guard rescue swimmer hailed as a hero after saving 165 kids from Texas flooding“
- KSL.com – “Death toll from catastrophic flooding in Texas over the July Fourth weekend surpasses 100“
- Houston Chronicle – “161 remain missing after Texas floods, Kerr County deaths rise to 94, Gov. Greg Abbott says“
- The Hill – “Mexico sends aid to Texas following deadly flooding“
- The Guardian – “Firefighters from Mexico aid Texas flood search and rescue: ‘There are no borders’“
- CBS News – “First responders from Mexico help with search after devastating Texas flood“
- CBS News – “Here’s where you can donate to help Central Texas flood recovery“
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
