Abel Vega
Director of Connectional Ministries, Rio Texas Conference
In recent years, communities across the Rio Texas Conference have faced repeated and devastating disasters—from historic flooding in 2015 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to the most recent flooding events in 2025. While immediate emergency response often fades from public view, the work of recovery continues long after the waters recede.
As emergency response transitions into long-term recovery, sustained support is essential to help families fully rebuild, regain stability, and move forward after a disaster.
Through the faithful work of local churches, Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs), and conference leadership, the Rio Texas Conference remains committed to restoring not only homes, but hope.
A LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM MEMBER EVALUATING A HOME.
Ongoing Long-Term Recovery Work
Across the conference, disaster recovery efforts continue in partnership with local communities and organizations. These efforts include:
· Coordinating case management services for affected families
· Supporting home repairs and rebuilding efforts
· Strengthening local recovery infrastructure through trained leaders and volunteers
· Partnering with UMCOR and other organizations to provide financial and logistical support
While significant progress has been made, many families are still navigating complex recovery processes months—and even years—after disaster strikes.
RIO TEXAS 2025 DISASTER RECOVERY MAP
2025 flooding impacted communities across the Rio Texas Conference, including San Angelo, Kerr County, Williamson County, and the Rio Grande Valley.
VIEW DISASTER IMPACT MAP (PDF)
How You Can Continue Supporting Recovery Efforts
As we enter 2026 together, there are several meaningful ways churches and individuals can continue supporting long-term disaster recovery efforts across the Rio Texas Conference:
PRAY - Please continue to pray for:
· Families still rebuilding their homes and lives
· Local leaders and volunteers serving in recovery efforts
· Communities navigating long-term healing and resilience
Prayer remains a powerful and essential part of this work.
GIVE - Financial support is critical to sustaining long-term recovery. Donations help provide materials, case management, and rebuilding assistance for families who may not qualify for federal aid or insurance coverage. Gifts designated for disaster recovery ensure that support reaches communities where the need remains greatest.
LONG-TERM recovery (LTR) team from farmers branch, tx, SAYS goodbye to a Las Milpas family whose home they helped rebuild. Photo courtesy of Rosa villanueva.
Emergency response team (ERT) works at a home in voca, tx in july, 2025.
PREPARE TO SERVE - Churches and individuals are encouraged to begin organizing volunteer teams for rebuild efforts in 2026. Opportunities to serve will be shared in the coming months as projects are identified and scheduled.
For more information about volunteer preparation and upcoming opportunities, please contact:
Lamar Davis, Rio Texas Conference Disaster Recovery Coordinator
Email: ldavis@riotexas.org | Call: 210.408.4514
Moving Forward Together
Long-term disaster recovery is not a short journey—it is a sustained commitment rooted in compassion, perseverance, and faith. Through prayer, generosity, and service, the people of the Rio Texas Conference continue to embody Christ’s love in communities working toward healing and restoration.
Thank you for standing with our neighbors and for being part of God’s work of renewal across Rio Texas.
See how long-term recovery is taking shape in the Rio Texas community, thanks to the collaborative efforts of a church from the Horizon Texas Conference of the UMC.
Stories from the Mission Field.
Clik here to read the Las Milpas Recovery story.
Read the Las Milpas Recovery Story
Rio Texas: At A Glance brings together select stories, key dates, and conference-wide updates in one monthly email. Some stories are shared there first. Click here to sign up to receive Rio Texas: At A Glance.