The people of our area have faced hardship before, but the devastation and mud left in the wake of the recent flood is beyond what most have seen in a lifetime. Homes and businesses flooded, roads washed away and families displaced. Some have lost everything but their faith, while others have lost far more.

Our hearts are heavy as we hear stories of neighbors trapped by rising waters, of families desperately salvaging what little they could before their homes filled with mud and debris. We ache for those who could do nothing but stand and watch, for those who waited through the night for help that, for a time, could not come.

And we grieve for the lives lost across Kentucky—14 souls taken too soon by the force of these waters.

Yet even in tragedy, we see the indomitable spirit of the Appalachian community. In the darkest of moments, the hands of neighbors, first responders, and rescue teams have reached out to pull one another from the floodwaters.

The Kentucky National Guard, local emergency crews, and volunteers from across the region have worked tirelessly to bring people to safety.

Churches, shelters, and relief organizations are stepping up to provide food, clothing and a place to rest.

These acts of compassion remind us that while the waters may rise, so too does the strength of the people who call this place home.

For those who have suffered loss, words cannot mend what has been broken. But we can offer our unwavering support, our commitment to stand with them in the days ahead, and our prayers for healing and comfort.

We pray for the families who return to homes that are no longer livable and for those who have lost all but the clothes on their backs.

The first responders, the volunteers, and the rescue teams who have risked their own safety to save others will be in our prayers.

We pray for those grieving the loss of loved ones.

And we pray for the long road ahead, knowing that recovery will not come easily but trusting that our community will walk it together.

Now is the time to give—to donate, to lend a hand, to show up for those who need it most. This is a time for patience, for compassion, for unity.

As the floodwaters recede, may our love for one another rise even higher.

To all who are suffering: You are not alone. We stand with you. We pray for you.