Following the Central Texas flooding over the July 4 weekend, many families in the region faced ongoing recovery during the holiday season. However, what once felt uncertain became a moment of hope for a real Christmas in Kerrville, following grueling months of rebuilding.
The flooding, which spread across five counties, became one of the worst natural disasters in Texas history, claiming an estimated 138 lives, including children at Camp Mystic. In the aftermath, families faced widespread loss and long-term recovery challenges.
The KCM Disaster Relief team was among those who returned repeatedly to Kerrville and surrounding communities to provide prayer, outreach and practical assistance. In December, the focus shifted to restoring joy through a special outreach: Christmas in Kerrville.
Working alongside longtime Partners Gates of the City Christian Fellowship, KCM organized a Christmas store at the church’s chapel. On Dec. 1, trucks arrived carrying toys and supplies, allowing families in need to select gifts for their children and participate in a Christmas celebration.
Pastors Bert and Becky Wimberly have partnered with KCM for many years and have played a key role in coordinating community outreach across Kerr County.
“The mission of Christ to comfort those who mourn and heal the brokenhearted is never temporary, which is why Kenneth Copeland Ministries continues to visit Kerr County,” said Riley Stephenson, director of KCM Disaster Relief. “Recovery takes time, which is why we partner with amazing Partners like Pastors Bert and Becky to help a local church have an eternal impact.”
Christmas In Kerrville Was a Gift To Remember
For three days, families in need of a holiday blessing from across Central Texas registered for gifts and stayed for Sunday church service.
Kenneth Copeland Ministries invested nearly $200,000 in the relief effort, providing over 3,000 gifts to approximately 800 children, with 150 from foster homes in the five-county region.
In addition to meeting physical needs, the Kerr County outreach has had a lasting spiritual impact. A total of 192 people gave their lives to the Lord during the event. To close the Christmas in Kerrville outreach, Gates of the City Christian Fellowship hosted an exceptional service focused on prayer, healing and continued recovery for the community.
Attendance exceeded expectations, requiring the church to borrow more than 100 additional seats from a neighboring congregation. According to Pastor Wimberly, the response reflected the community’s desire for connection and hope.
“It was unlike anything I have seen in this fellowship for quite some time,” he said. “We welcomed more than 400% of our typical attendance that Sunday, and we prayed for 172 children. God was there, and it truly felt like Christmas in Kerrville.”
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