Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
7 9 2025
Continuing the Vigil: A Prayer for Texas
Today, I simply want to continue the vigil so many across our country have taken up—lifting up the people of Texas, especially those who lost children and loved ones in the devastating flooding.
Words fail in moments like this. But prayer does not.
Prayer reaches beyond the limits of language. It stretches across grief, sorrow, fear, and confusion.
Prayers upon prayers are rising to heaven—calling out for comfort, for healing, and for peace in a time when peace feels impossible.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
The tremendous rains on July 4th caused the Guadalupe River to surge violently, rising to 35 feet in less than an hour in the middle of the night. Over 100 were killed.
Among the most heart-wrenching images: two young girls who were at a Christian youth camp were found 15 miles downriver, still holding hands.
Fathers and strangers risked their lives—some even lost them—to save others from the raging waters.
There are no words for that kind of sacrifice. Only awe, only sorrow… and prayer.
We remember the camp’s owner, Richard “Dick” Eastland, whose final act was spent trying to save the campers he loved.
We honor young Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskin, who on his very first mission helped rescue 165 people from the flooded grounds of Camp Mystic. “I had about 200 kids—scared, cold, and terrified,” he said. “Probably the worst day of their lives.” Yet even in their fear, he called them the heroes.
“Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example…” — 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
We grieve for the Lawrence family of Midland, Texas—five members lost, spanning generations: a mother, her husband, an aunt, the aunt’s husband, and a cousin. Swept away when the Guadalupe River swallowed their campsite.
Governor Abbott called the scene at the girls’ camp “horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster.” Rushing waters reached the tops of cabins. His promise to grieving families:
“We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.”
So far, at least 105 people have lost their lives in this flash flood.
Among them, 28 children and counselors from Camp Mystic, a Christian camp along the Guadalupe River. More remain missing. Many more are brokenhearted.
And yet, even in tragedy, we hear echoes of courage:
Blake Sheldon, part of a rescue raft team, found a young girl clinging to a tree, screaming, “I can’t hold on much longer!” He calmly said: “Look at me, darlin’. You can do it. Just grab the jacket, put it on. And when you’re ready—let go. I’m right here to catch you. Come on, hold my hand. You can do it.”
In one family, two 8-year-old twins were lost—but their 14-year-old sister survived.
Yet we must be thankful, amid the heartbreak, that more than 850 people were rescued—each life a miracle.
Former President George W. Bush said it best: “Our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.” So we continue praying.
A Prayer for Texas and families who lost loved ones.
Heavenly Father,
We cry out to You for the families suffering unimaginable loss. Wrap them in Your mercy. Be near to the brokenhearted. Strengthen the rescuers still searching. Comfort the volunteers, the parents, the counselors, and the children trying to make sense of it all.
We thank You for those who gave so selflessly—time, resources, and even their lives. Lord, may their sacrifice never be forgotten.
You are the God of all comfort, who walks with us through every flood and fire.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…” — 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
“We can do all this through Him who gives us strength.” — Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Lord, hold Texas in Your hands. Amen.
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