Grieving church brings comfort in Texas floods by The Rev. Amanda Banda and Heather Hahn

Key points:

• Kerrville First United Methodist Church in Texas opened one of the first shelters available early July 4 as the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet within 45 minutes.
• Church leaders have been providing respite for families waiting to hear about the fates of loved ones at the inundated Camp Mystic, about 18 miles away.
• Church leaders are asking for prayers to bring comfort to those affected, as well as financial donations to begin relief efforts. The Rio Texas Conference is not yet ready to mobilize volunteers.

Shortly after midnight July 4, leaders of First United Methodist Church in Kerrville got word that the Guadalupe River was rising rapidly and people needed shelter.

So the church quickly opened its facilities — including its ministry Light on the Hill, a former retreat center that now serves as a hub for social services. Among those who came were families from across the country waiting to learn the fates of loved ones at Camp Mystic, the Christian camp swallowed by floodwaters.

By July 6, grieving church members and visitors gathered in the stained-glass-lit sanctuary to worship God and seek his comfort. Read more HERE