United Fellowship of Christians and Jews Extends Support to Families Devastated by Texas Flood at Camp Mystic

HUNT, Texas — July 6, 2025 — In the wake of the catastrophic flash floods that ravaged Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ summer camp along the Guadalupe River, the United Fellowship of Christians and Jews (UFCJ) has stepped forward to offer aid and solace to the families of the victims. The disaster, which struck in the early hours of July 4, has left at least 59 dead, including 15 children, and 27 girls from the camp still unaccounted for, according to Kerr County officials. Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old institution nestled in the Texas Hill Country, was hosting approximately 750 girls aged 7 to 17 when torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes, submerging cabins and sweeping away structures. The camp, known for fostering a “wholesome Christian atmosphere” and lifelong friendships, has been a cherished tradition for generations of Texas families. Among the confirmed losses are young campers Lila Bonner, Janie Hunt, Renee Smajstrla, and Sarah Marsh, with many others, including Eloise Peck, Wynne Naylor, and Hadley Hanna, still missing. The camp’s director, Richard “Dick” Eastland, also perished while attempting to save girls during the flood.The UFCJ, an interfaith organization dedicated to fostering unity and humanitarian efforts, announced its initiative to support the grieving families. “Our hearts are broken for the families enduring this unimaginable loss,” said Rabbi Sarah Cohen, a spokesperson for the UFCJ. “We are mobilizing resources to provide emotional, spiritual, and financial assistance to those affected by this tragedy.” The organization is coordinating with local churches, synagogues, and community groups to offer counseling services, prayer vigils, and emergency relief funds for families facing funeral costs and displacement. In Dallas, Park City Baptist Church, in collaboration with the UFCJ, hosted a special prayer event on Saturday, drawing hundreds to pray for the missing girls and their families. “We are surrounding these families with love and support,” the church stated on social media, emphasizing ongoing efforts to provide guidance and comfort. Similar interfaith gatherings are planned across Texas, with the UFCJ facilitating connections between affected families and local congregations.The floods, described as one of Texas’s deadliest in recent history, have prompted a massive rescue operation involving helicopters, boats, and drones. Texas Game Wardens and other first responders have rescued over 850 people, but the search for the missing continues amid fading hopes. Governor Greg Abbott has pledged a “relentless” effort to locate survivors, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick urged Texans to pray for the missing girls. Pope Leo XIV, in a rare English address at the Vatican, also offered condolences, specifically for the families of the Camp Mystic campers.The UFCJ’s efforts are part of a broader community response. Social media has been flooded with photos of missing girls, shared by desperate families hoping for news. Local Facebook groups have become hubs for updates, with Camp Mystic’s email to parents stating that those not contacted directly can assume their child is safe. However, for dozens of families, the agonizing wait continues. As the Texas Hill Country grapples with the aftermath, the UFCJ is calling for donations to support its relief fund, which will directly aid Camp Mystic families. “This is a time for Christians, Jews, and all people of faith to come together,” said Reverend Michael Thompson, a UFCJ coordinator. “We will stand with these families through their grief and beyond.”For more information on how to contribute, visit the UFCJ’s website or contact local faith communities involved in the relief effort. The search for the missing girls and the recovery process in Kerr County remain ongoing, with the nation watching and praying for resolution.