Our Response | Texas Flood
What Can I Do?
Our hearts are heavy. The devastating floods across Texas have left families grieving, homes destroyed, and communities reeling. At Woodcreek Church, we want to say clearly: we are mourning with you.
This isnโt something happening โout there.โ This is our state. These are our neighbors. And we are heartbroken.
As a church family, we believe our first response is presenceโgrieving with those who grieve, praying with the hurting, and stepping in with hope thatโs rooted in Christ.
โThe Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.โ
โ Psalm 34:18, ESV
If Youโve Been Affected
If you or someone you love has been impactedโwhether through loss, fear, or financial hardshipโour Care Ministry is here to walk with you. A trauma response to events like this is expected, and you donโt have to navigate it alone.
You can share your needs or prayer requestsโeither confidentially or publiclyโat woodcreekchurch.com/prayer. Our staff and prayer team are actively lifting up every request.
You’re also welcome to connect directly with our Care Ministry team.
Sharon Spaulding (Care Director) and Michelle Trippe (Care Coordinator) would be honored to help guide you toward the support you need.
Reach out anytime at care@woodcreekchurch.com or visit woodcreekchurch.com/care to explore helpful resources. You are always invited to call Sharon or Michelle directly at 972.238.8722.
How You Can Help
Southern Oaks Church โ Select โRiver Flood Relief Fundโ in the drop-down menu. This local church is actively serving in the affected area with hands-on care.
Texans on Mission (formerly Texas Baptist Men) โ Your donation helps deploy trained volunteers to assist with relief and recovery efforts across the state.
At this time, the region is still in the search and recovery phase, and our physical presence is not yet needed. However, Woodcreek is actively exploring opportunities to send teams in the coming weeks to assist with cleanup, rebuilding, and care. Stay tuned for updates.
Please note: Woodcreek is not collecting physical items. We encourage you to support one of the trusted local partners above who are better positioned to distribute supplies directly. If this changes, we will clearly communicate collection opportunities through our usual channels.
Pray Intentionally
Prayer is our first responseโand one of the most powerful ways we can walk with those affected by trauma. Below is a Prayer Guide adapted from Spiritual First Aid to help us support trauma survivors through prayer and Scripture:
Pray for Healing and Comfort
Psalm 147:3 โ โHe heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.โ
2 Corinthians 1:3โ4 โ โ…who comforts us in all our affliction…โ
Pray for Strength and Resilience
Isaiah 40:29โ31 โ โ…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength…โ
Philippians 4:13 โ โI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.โ
2 Corinthians 4:8โ9 โ โWe are afflicted in every way, but not crushed…โ
Pray for Support and Understanding
Galatians 6:2 โ โBear one anotherโs burdens.โ
Romans 12:15 โ โWeep with those who weep.โ
Pray for Spiritual Connection
Jeremiah 29:13 โ โYou will seek me and find me…โ
Romans 8:38โ39 โ โ…nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God…โ
Psalm 34:18 โ โThe Lord is near to the brokenhearted…โ
Pray for Safety and Protection
Psalm 91:1โ2 โ โHe who dwells in the shelter of the Most High…โ
Isaiah 41:10 โ โFear not, for I am with you…โ
Pray for Hope and Restoration
Romans 15:13 โ โMay the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…โ
Revelation 21:4 โ โHe will wipe every tear from their eyes…โ
Pray for Wisdom and Discernment
James 1:5 โ โIf any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…โ
Proverbs 3:5โ6 โ โTrust in the Lord with all your heart…โ
Pray for Care and Support
Philippians 2:4 โ โ…look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.โ
Hebrews 10:24โ25 โ โ…stir up one another to love and good works…โ
Matthew 25:40 โ โ…as you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to me.โ
Pray for Spiritual Fortitude to Endure
2 Corinthians 4:8โ9 โ โWe are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed…โ
Talking with Children-
Resourced with permission from Sparrow House Counseling
In the wake of the Texas floods, some of the most tender hearts processing loss are those of our children. Whether they personally knew someone impacted or are simply feeling the weight of the tragedy, children need special care when navigating grief.
Our friends at Sparrow House Counseling have created a thoughtful resource to help parents and caregivers have these important conversations. Here are some key principles:
Be Simple and Straightforward โค
Use clear words like โdeath,โ โdie,โ or โdying.โ Avoid phrases like โpassed awayโ or โthey went to sleep,โ which can be confusing for children.
Be Brief and Patient โค
Children may ask the same questions multiple times. Repeating key truths gently is part of helping them understand.
Listen Without Judgment โค
Acknowledge their feelingsโeven fears of losing you as a parentโand offer calm reassurance that their emotions are normal.
Follow Their Lead โค
When your child has taken in all they can, theyโll show it. If they pause or disengage, take that as a cue to pause the conversation and return later.
Model Emotional Openness โค
Share your own sadness calmly and appropriately. It helps children know itโs okay to cry, pray, and process together as a family.
Validate Their Mourning Process โค
Thereโs no โrightโ way to grieve. Children may process through tears, silence, art, or play. The goal is to be a safe place where they can express their hearts.
Use Gentle Words to Start โค
If someone your child knew has passed, Sparrow House offers a sample script you might adapt:
โI have some hard news to tell you. Our friend ________ died last night. I feel so sad for the ________ family, and I know you do, too. We are praying for them right now and will do what we can to care for their family. Do you have questions?โ
Stay Present and Prayerful โค
Let your child know they can ask questions anytime. Remind them you are there to listen. Pray together for the families affected and continue the conversation gently in the days and weeks ahead.
Staying Updated
Weโll continue to share updates as needs unfold. Look for updates through our weekly communications and be sure youโre subscribed to receive ENEWS. You can verify by visiting woodcreekchurch.com/subscribe.
โBear one anotherโs burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.โ
โ Galatians 6:2, ESV
A Final Word
This is a moment to be the Church.
To mourn with those who mourn.
To show up for the brokenhearted, the overwhelmed, and the weary.
Letโs each ask:
Lord, how do You want me to respond?