by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – A sudden and violent flash flood in the Texas Hill Country has left at least 24 people dead and dozens more missing–many of them young girls attending Camp Mystic, a beloved Christian summer camp–after relentless storms swelled the Guadalupe River early Friday morning, washing away cabins, homes, and vehicles in its path.
What began as a joyful Fourth of July weekend filled with worship, friendships, and outdoor fun turned into a nightmare for families and campers when the river surged more than 20 feet in under two hours–an event meteorologists called historic and unpredictable. Authorities confirmed that between 23 and 25 of the missing are girls who had been attending the Christian camp nestled along the riverbanks in Hunt, Texas.
“It was terrifying,” said 13-year-old Elinor Lester, one of the rescued campers. “We woke up to the storm and water everywhere. A helicopter came, and we had to cross a bridge with ropes tied for us while the water whipped around our knees.”
Camp Mystic, known for fostering a deep sense of faith and community among girls ages 7 to 17, was devastated. Many families are still awaiting word on their daughters, while others have posted urgent pleas and prayers across social media. “The camp was completely destroyed,” Lester added, her voice trembling.
A Night of Terror and Faith
Rescue operations began in the predawn darkness, with at least 237 people pulled to safety, including 167 airlifted by helicopter. Nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones have joined the massive effort. Officials say that many of the missing may still be clinging to trees or stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged families not to lose hope. “Just because they haven’t been located doesn’t mean they’re lost. We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.”
At Camp Mystic’s reunification site in Ingram, families cried, embraced, and worshipped together as children were brought in by truck and boat. One girl in a drenched Camp Mystic T-shirt stood sobbing in her mother’s arms, while others joined hands in prayer.
Caught Off Guard
Officials admitted they were not prepared for the scale of the rainfall. While forecasts had predicted 3 to 6 inches, nearly a foot fell within hours. “No one could have expected this,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly. “We didn’t have a warning system in place, but this storm was unlike anything we’ve seen in decades.”
Campers and local residents had little time to react. Erin Burgess of Ingram recounted how she and her son clung to a tree as floodwaters engulfed their home. “It was the grace of God that saved us,” she said. “We floated away, but the Lord brought us back together.”
Barry Adelman of Kerrville, who was sheltering with his 94-year-old grandmother and young grandson, said, “I kept telling my grandson, ‘God is with us. We’re going to make it.’ But inside, I was crying out to the Lord for mercy.”
A Christian Community Grieves–and Clings to Hope
Camp Mystic has long been a spiritual refuge for young girls, offering Bible study, worship, and Christian fellowship. As news of the disaster spread, churches across Texas held prayer vigils and began mobilizing support for the affected families.
Austin Dickson of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country said the organization is partnering with faith-based nonprofits to provide immediate relief. “This isn’t just a natural disaster–it’s a spiritual moment. The body of Christ is rising to respond in love.”
Despite the devastation, there are testimonies of miraculous survival and acts of courage. One soldier carried an elderly woman to safety on his back. Rescuers reported pulling children from trees and rooftops. Amid the destruction, the Christian faith at the heart of Camp Mystic continues to shine.
As names of the missing girls begin to emerge, families are holding on to their faith. One mother, waiting in hope, whispered: “God sees them. He knows where they are. And we’re trusting Him to bring them home.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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