6 Christian Leaders Point to God’s Hope Amid Texas Camp Flood Tragedy

Evangelist Franklin Graham, who leads Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, informed his followers that he prayed with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on Sunday for families "gathered in a church in Kerrville, Texas, to await word about their missing children and loved ones."

"I read Scripture to them and prayed for them, and Secretary @KristiNoem prayed for them as well. We need to continue to surround these devastated families and communities in prayer. Also, pray for the hundreds involved in search and rescue efforts, with more rain predicted

Texas, we're praying for you. You are not alone," he added.

This morning I joined Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem via phone from Alaska to pray for families gathered in a church in Kerrville, Texas, to await word about their missing children and loved ones. I read Scripture to them and prayed for them, and Secretary @KristiNoem…

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) July 7, 2025

Franklin also said that BGEA Rapid Response Team chaplains and Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief Unit and teams are on the ground assisting the impacted communities and families. 

Samaritan's Purse also deployed a tractor-trailer with tools and equipment to San Antonio early Monday morning.

"We are working closely with local emergency officials and church partners to determine how we can best serve the needs of this devastated community." the organization stated.

Pastor Samuel Rodriguez also issued a call to prayer to those affected by the flooding.

"Texas, we're praying for you. You are not alone," Rodriguez, who also is president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, said.

"To everyone affected by the flooding in the Hill Country—our hearts are with you, and more importantly, God is with you. Even in the middle of loss and uncertainty, He is still our refuge, our strength, and our provider."

Texas, we’re praying for you. You are not alone.

To everyone affected by the flooding in the Hill Country—our hearts are with you, and more importantly, God is with you. Even in the middle of loss and uncertainty, He is still our refuge, our strength, and our provider.

Here’s… pic.twitter.com/5zBbo4GGOV

— Samuel Rodriguez (@nhclc) July 7, 2025

Rodriguez also suggested several ways one can pray, including for the provision, comfort, and safety of those impacted by the tragedy and for first responders providing assistance.

"Let's intercede. Let's believe," Rodriguez concluded.

Over the weekend, Jentezen Franklin, senior pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia issued a call to prayer for the families as well as for those who remain missing. 

"Please pray for the families impacted by the devastating flooding in Texas. Pray for the safe recovery for those missing. This is so sad, and your prayers are needed," he wrote.

His post included a screenshot of an article concerning an early death toll from the flood, as well as the words of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who said, "This is a time in which we, as a state, need God more than ever."

Please pray for the families impacted by the devastating flooding in Texas. Pray for the safe recovery for those missing. This is so sad and your prayers are needed. pic.twitter.com/VjJeEoT4k7

— Jentezen Franklin (@Jentezen) July 5, 2025

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/RONALDO SCHEMIDT/Contributor

Also issuing their reaction to the Texas flooding on social media is Pope Leo XIV, who took over the pontiff earlier this year following the death of Pope Francis. 

"I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas, in the United States. We pray for them," the pope wrote on Sunday.

I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them.

— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) July 6, 2025

A few local dioceses have also expressed their support including the Diocese of Beaumont held a Mass "for all those affected by the Hill Country flooding" and the prayers from Diocese of Austin for missing victims and first responders.

Speaking with Fox News, Dr. Robert Jeffress, who leads First Baptist Dallas, explained how floods, natural disasters in general, war, and death were not part of God's plan for the world before the Fall. 

"But the good news is this world we're in won't always be this way. The great hope of the Christian mass faith is that one day Christ is going to return and he's going to bring a new heaven and a new earth," the pastor asserted.

"And on that day, the Bible says God will wipe away every tear from our eyes and there shall no longer be any death or mourning or crying or pain for the first things will have passed away," he asserted. "That's the hope of the Christian faith. It's so hard to remember that message in the times of tragedy."

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/RONALDO SCHEMIDT/Contributor

On Sunday, the White House Faith Office, led by Paula White-Cain released a statement Sunday calling on Americans to pray.

"Amidst this tragedy, our nation must come together to pray for the victims, their families, and the first responders conducting rescue missions to find those still missing. May God wrap his loving arms around all those in Texas," the post said.

The White House Faith Office concluded the post quoting from Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

The White House Faith Office asks you to join us in prayer for the precious lives lost in the Texas floods. Amidst this tragedy, our nation must come together to pray for the victims, their families, and the first responders conducting rescue missions to find those still missing.… pic.twitter.com/U2uWIJNaAf

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 7, 2025

Several Christian humanitarian aid organizations have launched relief efforts in response to the flooding, including Samaritan's Purse and Texans on Mission. 

Related Article: Texas Flood Death Toll Rises to 82, Including 28 Children