Grace in Action: Riverbend’s Central Texas Flood Response
Early Friday morning on July 4, 2025, our Texas Hill Country was struck by catastrophic flash floods that upended lives, damaged homes and businesses, and tragically took the lives of friends and neighbors — including families, tourists from Texas and around the country, young summer campers, and many others. While we are heartbroken for the community, we continue to stand strong with our neighbors and we are committed to walking with them together, to do what we can to assist in any way we can, and show our love and support as long as we’re needed.
A Night of Beauty for the Heart of Texas Benefit Concert
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, 10 local musicians, 12 artists, and 1 poet came together to share their talents, using the power of art and music to bring hope to the hurting. All proceeds from the evening, including ticket sales, art sales, T-shirt sales, and donations, went to benefit our two partner organizations: Austin Disaster Relief Network and Convoy of Hope.
Thank you for your support! This evening was a beautiful conclusion to a month of response efforts. God’s goodness was on full display!
Photos: Nathan Rylander & Alec Nicolet
Original Poetry by Cassidy Edison
Dedicated to the 2025 Central Texas/Texas Hill Country flood victims
To The Children, By The Children
To the children in the sky.
It’s not fair we didn’t get to say Goodbye.
It not fair that storm came to take you away.
Or that there’s one less friend on the playground today.
To the children on the land.
We will always hold each other’s hand.
When you’re out in the field running wild and free
We will be the butterflies fluttering beside your feet.
To the children in the sky.
It’s not fair we didn’t get to say Goodbye.
It’s not fair that storm woke you up from your dreams
Or that now when it rains, we won’t be able to sleep.
To the children on the land.
We will always hold each other’s hand.
Say a special prayer for us when you go to bed
And we will shield you with your blanket once you lay your head.
To the children in the sky.
It’s not fair we didn’t get to say Goodbye.
It’s not fair the storm took your happily ever after
Or that we can no longer see your smile or hear your laughter.
To the children on the land.
We will always hold each other’s hand.
When you look in the mirror every day before school
Share your funniest joke, then imagine us laughing right there with you.
To the children in the sky.
It’s not fair we didn’t get to say Goodbye.
It’s not fair to have to leave you behind
Or hold onto you now as just a memory in our mind.
To the children on the land.
We will always hold each other’s hand.
Go to the beach, write our names in the sand
And when water tries to erase it,
Promise to write it again. And again.
To the children in the sky.
It’s not fair we didn’t get to say Goodbye.
It’s not fair that you had to leave all of us so soon
But we know you’re in Heaven and that God is with you.
So, Goodbye.
And see you later, Alligator.
To the children on the land.
We will always hold each other’s hand.
So, until we meet again…
After a while, Crocodile.
Healing Is Happening
Hope, hoped for help.
Unsure if there was enough kindness in the world left.
Unsure if there were any humans who were self-less.
Unsure if there could still be life,
After experiencing so much death.
Help, helped heal.
Unsure if any grieving hearts could ever find a will.
Unsure if any shattered homes could ever be re-built.
Unsure if one would ever comprehend,
How losing so much could feel.
But healing is happening.
It is the movement of love being poured out
From every corner of the map.
It is the flow of light-hearted interactions
During a heavy-hearted situation.
It is the flood of emotions we are forced to face
While anchoring our souls into God’s grace.
Just thankful,
That WE were somehow still chosen to be here.
So as long as WE are present,
WE -despite the unexpected,
Can still offer our time.
Can still lend a hand.
Can still send a smile.
Can still give a hug.
Can still share a kiss.
Can still loan a shoulder.
Can still lift up spirits.
Can still feel the pain.
WE, can still make a difference.
Hope, hoped for help.
Unsure if there was enough kindness in the world left.
Unsure if there were any humans who were self-less.
Unsure if there could still be life,
After experiencing so much death.
Help, helped heal.
Unsure if any grieving hearts could ever find a will.
Unsure if any shattered homes could ever be re-built.
Unsure if one would ever comprehend,
How losing so much could feel.
One thing was certain,
Healing is happening.
Thank you to Alec Nicolet Productions for capturing our evening at “A Night of Beauty for the Heart of Texas” so beautifully:
Ways You Can Still Help
1) In-Kind Donations
We are collecting in-kind donations to help families get back on their feet. We’re currently accepting items like cleaning supplies, hygiene products, non-perishable food, bottled water, diapers, new socks and underwear, and gently used clothing. We will be transporting all donated items in coordination with ADRN. See list below for more specific needs.
You can drop off donations in Quad 1 at Riverbend Church M-F from 9A-6P; Sat. from 1P-5P; & Sun. from 8A -12P. Please see map below to locate Quad 1.
List of items include*:
Bottled water
New socks (all sizes, children and adult)
Toiletries** (i.e.: shampoo, facewash, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.)
New bed pillows
New blankets
Adult and baby diapers
Cleanup supplies**
Black trash bags**
Mops and buckets**
Utility knives
Leather work gloves**
Inflatable mattresses
Hand sanitizer**
Pet food
*Please note, while we are grateful for your donations, we kindly ask you to please ONLY bring items listed above. If it is not listed, it has not been requested by ADRN.
**Priority items needed.
2) Volunteer
We are partnering with Austin Blessings Co-op, Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) and Texans on Mission to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities both at the ADRN headquarters in Austin and in the Hill Country disaster areas. There are so many ways to serve our neighbors who are suffering in the Texas Hill Country. If you’re ready to step in, sign up at either of the links below.
For additional information on ADRN volunteer opportunities, please contact Riverbend’s ADRN coordinator, Joe Stinus at joe.stinus@gmail.com.
For additional information on Texans on Mission volunteer opportunities, please contact Riverbend’s Texans on Mission coordinator, Keith Arnold at keith@theboxergroup.com.
For general questions on missions initiatives at Riverbend, please contact our Missions Pastor, Brian Rawson at brawson@riverbend.com.