On July 4th, the city of Kerrville, TX got hit with incredible floods, that rose to 30 feet in just 45 minutes. The damage is beyond words, and the heart of Texas is grieving for lost lives and homes. I lived in Kerrville for 8 months before coming to where I am now, so the devastation is near and dear to my heart. Thankfully, my mother and brother who lived along the Guadeloupe River, moved closer to Houston last Fall, so they were safe, too. But the tragedy it created for so many families is unbearable.
My friend, Amy, and I had considered going there to help, but then felt God had a plan for us later in the aftermath. At the end of July, He directed us to go, to love on those hurting and redeem the land.
As you know, redeeming land is my mantle, and when God connected me with leaders of the Empty Cross, I was excited for what He had in store. The Empty Cross is a beautiful prayer sanctuary, high on the hills of Kerrville, overlooking the town. It boasts a towering iron cross, 77.7 feet high, and is surrounded by beautiful sculptures. The staff had become overwhelmed with need there, and were providing food, supplies, and prayer for flood victims and first responders. The pastor also shared that he wanted to redeem the River.
On August 13th, Amy and I set off to Kerrville, but prior to arriving, we first went to Washington-On-the-Brazos where God had called me to open the wells of revival in January 2024. Washington-On-the-Brazos was where the Declaration of Independence for the Republic of Texas was signed in 1836. After the signing, Texas was its own nation for almost 10 years before joining the United States in 1845. During that time, though, in 1840, revival broke out! And people were baptized in the Brazos River that runs along side it.
Now, the Brazos River is important, because it’s full name is Rio de los Brazos de Dios — “River of the Arms of God”. When Spanish settlers found the river, they were literally at their last string. They thought they were going to die, and when they fell upon it, they thought they had fallen into the Arms of God.
The Guadeloupe River in Kerrville, that took so many lives, means “River of the Valley of Wolves”. And, being the Christian town that Kerrville is, so many who died were the Lord’s sheep. As part of redeeming those waters, the Lord led us to take water from the Arms of God and pour it into the Guadeloupe. Praise Him! His arms are not too short for any of us! He wants nothing more than to hold the hurting in His arms, love on them, and breathe NEW LIFE. Amen.
Click here to VIEW VIDEO: Redeeming the Guadalupe River
TOP: Slave quarters at Washington-On-the-Brazos. BOTTOM: Jugs of water from the Brazos River.
