Salvation Army Major Phil Swiers firsthand witnessed the devastation caused by the terrible floods of Texas this July, recounting the pain, suffering and miracles he personally saw.
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Much of the media is on the way, but people in central Texas are forced to continue picking up pieces after facing something unthinkable.
Swires, who has served in the Salvation Army for decades, told CBN News that the area is “still in recovery.”
“Our community lost so many lives,” he said. “People are sad…the deaths that happened, but also the damaged houses, some of which have fallen all the way down to the foundation.”
Swyers said his business has shifted from emergency response to providing cash assistance and addressing other needs. Soon, the situation once again moves to a longer-term plan for assistance.
Many people are unable to understand the extent of their earthly needs, and tragedy is now widely overlooked by media attention.
When the flood first broke out, Swires recalled how the Salvation Army arrived to comfort people and provide food, drinks and resources. Additionally, spiritual and idyllic care was given.
“We have a pastor on the ground and we are trained to comfort people and share Jesus’ love with individuals, especially in tragedy like this,” he said. “Through prayers, we can only reassure them of the love and providential care of them and of God.”
Swires spoke of the immeasurable pain that comes from losing everything and trying to deal with the aftermath. People struggle with the trauma and he says the Salvation Army is there to remind them.
One of the most traumatic elements of the flood was the 27 children and counselors killed at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. The horrific ordeals created complex and painful dynamics that mourned the nation and directly affected the community.
“There are still a lot of emotional scars from people who are still about to spend the day while the water is retreating,” Swiers said. “We are trying to help them and share Jesus’ love. We will let them know that and remind them that we can overcome today, that Jesus is with us, and that there is hope for tomorrow.”
He said the Salvation Army will be coming with these families and other families in the community to help them rebuild for the next few years. And part of that reorganization is to remind people that God loves them deeply and has plans for their lives.
“We know that God can be found, not only in our minds, but in our hearts, even in this devastation,” Swiers said. “There are breathtaking stories of God being there in people’s lives, and they testify that only God could have got them through this situation.”
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