Church of God Agencies Moving Into Texas
Cleveland, TN—Church of God benevolent agencies Men and Women of Action and Operation Compassion are on their way to staging areas and relief locations in central Texas in response to the devastating floods that have claimed the lives of more than one hundred in and around Kerr County.
Search and rescue operations entered their fifth day on Tuesday after heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to overflow to devastating levels in minutes. Bridges and roads leading into the primary disaster zones have been destroyed or heavily damaged hampering immediate relief efforts.
Church of God General Overseer Gary Lewis was joined by Assistant General Overseer and liaison to the Division of Care Wayne Dority to receive updates from Kelvin Page, executive director of OC and Phil Thompson who leads MWOA.
“As always, the Church of God is stepping up in this tragedy, and both MWOA and OC are mobilized, loaded and just waiting for the green light,” Lewis stated. He asked Dority the best way for the Church of God family to assist and he explained the most effective method is through giving, funds of which will be funneled directly to OC and MWOA to increase relief efforts.
Thompson stated they have trailers that will provide showers, shelter, and sanitation, while Page said a stocked 53-foot trailer of supplies is on the way. Thompson also stated the availability of 1,000 cots needed for both victims and volunteers.
A staging area has been offered at the Leander Church of God in Texas, about 30 miles north of Austin, and one of the hardest-hit areas. The worst came early in the morning on July 4, between 3:30 and 4 a.m., when a flash flood emergency was declared as the Guadalupe River surged over 20 feet in less than two hours.
The Church of God in Texas, led by Administrative Bishop Rob Bailey, as well as Administrative Bishop Luis Rodriguez of the Church of God South Central Hispanic region, and Bishop Eliezer Bonilla, who leads the Gulf/Rio Grande region, are all coordinating efforts to support the rescue and relief operations being conducted by various agencies. They have been in touch with the leadership at both OC and MWOA and expressed appreciation.
“I deeply appreciate their steady leadership in moments like these,” Bailey said. “Right now, we have disaster relief teams staged and ready, along with shower trailers, laundry units, water and filtration systems, and full cleanup crews through God’s Pit Crew and our Texas Men and Women of Action.”
South Central and Gulf/Rio Grande Hispanic regions have affirmed the commitment of the Spanish-speaking churches in the area to help those affected by the crisis through financial contributions, supplies, and volunteer efforts. The regional leaders are encouraging their congregations and the broader community to contribute to relief efforts, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion during this challenging time. Local churches are organizing fundraising events and collection drives to gather essential supplies for those affected by the floods.
Further updates will be posted as warranted. Please follow the Church of God on Facebook and Instagram (@COGHQ) to receive updates.
To give to Church of God relief efforts, please visit coggive.com and designate your gifts to Disaster Relief. One hundred percent of donations will be applied toward Texas flood relief.
