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Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have played a significant role in the response to the recent flooding in Central Texas. After nearly two feet of rain fell on July 4, 2025, the Guadalupe River rose rapidly, causing widespread destruction and prompting rescue efforts throughout the region known as Flash Flood Alley.
First responders rescued almost 900 people as water levels increased quickly. Clint Johnson, a member of the San Antonio Fire Department and a Latter-day Saint, described seeing survivors who had lost everything: “There were four girls [who] had nothing on but their nightgowns. Soaking wet, covered in mud and seeing them walk across the field. That was when [the] moment hit me, and I felt the spirit strongly speaking to me that these people need a lot of help.” He added, “You could just see in their faces the hurt, the pain. Some were telling stories of loss, and many were telling stories of survival.”
The flooding resulted in more than 135 deaths in the Hill Country area. Among those who died was Sally Graves from Hunt. Her daughter Catherine Graves expressed gratitude for those who helped her mother: “The heroic efforts of my brother Clark, and also of dear friend and neighbor Terry Hansen, will be appreciated for the rest of our lives and into the eternities.” At her funeral service on July 12, Sally Graves was remembered for her service to family and community.
Bishop Matthew Kerr described Sally Graves as having “a strong and abiding love for the Savior, Jesus Christ. She was the perfect Southern refined woman.” He continued: “Her absence leaves a tender space in our hearts and in our ward family. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of faith and kindness will live on in each of us who were blessed to know her.”
Flooding along a narrow but lengthy stretch of river created unique challenges for recovery efforts. Instead of immediately mobilizing large volunteer groups as is often done after disasters like hurricanes, local authorities asked that volunteer efforts wait until search operations concluded. During this time members with experience in emergency response worked closely with government agencies to coordinate support.
Members from local congregations have provided about 4,000 hours of volunteer service so far. Their work has included emergency rescue support, cleanup activities such as mucking out homes and removing debris, coordinating donations for humanitarian aid, animal shelter assistance, wellness checks on affected residents, medical response coordination and artifact recovery.
J. Michael Villarreal, president of the La Cantera Texas Stake said: “This recovery is far from over. But the foundation laid by our members – one of humility, hard work, and harmony with local partners – positions the Church as a trusted helpful presence for months ahead.”
The Church is also working with organizations such as the American Red Cross to provide relief to displaced families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by floodwaters. Bethany Patterson from the Red Cross said: “You are giving us extra hands and feet in this response… We are here for people; it’s thanks to support from partners like you.” Sandy Hughes added that contributions from partners help provide services such as mental health care and temporary housing while long-term solutions are sought.
Local volunteers described their motivation to serve neighbors during this crisis as rooted in faith principles taught by their church community.“I have a deep love for the Savior,” said Audra Miller from Boerne,“and I know that He came to show us how to live.Everything that we're taught helps us [with] things like this,to be able to go out and help others.”
Louis Deppe,a Latter-day Saint volunteer involved in search efforts along riverbanks said,“That’s why we’re here is to go through trialsand comfort others…It's a churchof action...Let's go help."
Green ribbons now appear throughout Kerrvilleand other communitiesin memoryof victims.Nearly40 childrenwere amongthose whodied;27 campersand counselorsfrom Camp Mysticwere lostin thestorm.
As families grieve,members continuevolunteeringin various capacities.Austin Mickelsenhas participatedin dailyrecoverycrews,saying,“If aparent[were] askingforhelp...I would beso appreciativeof anybodywhocould stepup..."
Clint Johnsonreflectedon thestrengthfoundthroughfaith:“It's goingto takealotof timeforallofthescarsinthisregionto heal,but atsomepoint,wewillheal,andwewillmoveforward,andwe'llbestrongerbecauseofit.”
At aworshipserviceonJuly27,BishopMatthewHuffsaid,“Oneofthemostprofoundtruthsthatwelearninthislifeisthatwecanbothfeelheartacheandhopeatthesametime.InGethsemanetheSavior'sjoywasnotintheabsenceofpain,butinthepresenceofpurpose.He sawusasbrothersandsisters,redeemed."
PresidentVillarrealconcluded:“Youallhavepulledtogetheryourabilities,yourtalents,yourresourcestoblesssomany...AswefollowHisSon...you willbeshownwhattodoandhowtodoitinHiswaytoblessthosearoundus..."
