Volunteers with the humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse have arrived in central Texas to provide hands-on relief and spiritual support following deadly flash floods.

A surge in the Guadalupe River after torrential rainfall led to a devastating flood Friday morning that killed more than 100 people and left many still missing, prompting an urgent response from faith-based relief workers, Fox News reported.

Early Friday morning, central Texas was overwhelmed by rapid flooding as the Guadalupe River climbed nearly 30 feet in under an hour due to unrelenting rain. Entire neighborhoods were inundated, homes submerged, and residents left scrambling for safety as water rushed through communities in the pre-dawn darkness.

Flash Flood Catches Communities Off Guard

Search and rescue efforts continue days after the flood, with crews still mobilized to locate missing individuals. The unprecedented speed and intensity of the water left many unprepared, and the tragic toll serves as a grim reminder of nature’s force across the affected areas.

Among the first to respond was Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian disaster relief organization, which deployed volunteers to offer both physical assistance and emotional comfort to those impacted. On Wednesday, more than 90 volunteers were active on the ground in hard-hit neighborhoods, working through debris and damage.

The volunteers assist with what they call a “full mud-out,” which includes removing soaked carpets, tearing out sheetrock, cleaning thick mud, and clearing damaged materials from homes. The goal is to help homeowners begin their long road to recovery while ensuring safety and sanitation within structures plagued by flood contamination.

Relief Efforts Combine Physical and Spiritual Aid

Jason Kimak, senior director of North American Ministries at Samaritan’s Purse, emphasized the dual purpose of their outreach. “We’re here to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to help people clean up their homes,” he said. Volunteers not only offer recovery work but also emotional and spiritual support.

Kimak said volunteers come from all over the country. Residents have joined as well, united by a desire to aid their neighbors and offer compassion. “They want to be a comfort and encouragement,” he added, as many victims grapple with trauma as much as with property loss.

One of the most harrowing stories shared by Kimak came from a woman who woke at 4 a.m. to rising water entering her home and cries of fear echoing through the neighborhood. Despite personal losses, many survivors are opening their doors to teams carrying cleaning supplies and prayers.

Longtime Volunteers Reflect on Their Mission

Veteran volunteers Tony and Renee Slack have worked with Samaritan’s Purse for three years and are now deeply involved in the Texas response. Renee explained that their main mission is to serve survivors with kindness and compassion, no matter their background or beliefs.

“We come to make sure they know that people are thinking of them, praying for them, and that God loves them,” she said. This emotional support, she believes, is just as vital as the physical tasks they perform.

Tony Slack echoed that sentiment, stressing that the group’s outreach is more than just cleanup work. “We spread hope,” he said, reminding the community that there is purpose and love even in the aftermath of tragedy. “So many people feel hopeless,” he added.

Looking Ahead Through Faith and Action

Each morning begins with a group prayer among Samaritan’s Purse teams. This ritual sets the tone for the day, reinforcing the group’s mission of compassionate service grounded in faith. Volunteers then traverse damaged neighborhoods, again praying with survivors when appropriate and welcomed.

Even for those who haven’t lost loved ones, the trauma of seeing flooded homes and water-ravaged belongings runs deep. Volunteers often take time to sit with homeowners, listen to their stories, and serve as steady, comforting presences in the chaos.

While the full scope of the disaster remains uncertain, the presence of Samaritan’s Purse is a small step toward hope and recovery for residents who have lost nearly everything. The group plans to stay as long as needed, helping communities rebuild both physically and emotionally.

Communities Rally With Hope After Tragedy

Samaritan’s Purse works without regard to the faith of the victims, approaching every household with the same compassionate mission. Their inclusive support model ensures no one feels left behind during their moment of need.

As the region begins to dry and recovery efforts intensify, stories of strength and resilience are emerging from the destruction. Many volunteers find themselves transformed by the experience as well, moved by the spirit of perseverance they encounter.

For now, the task is far from over. With hundreds of homes still in need of cleaning, thousands of residents dealing with grief and anxiety, and a community searching for firm ground, the efforts of Samaritan’s Purse offer light and comfort amid overwhelming loss.