Episcopal Relief and Development is assisting 16 families of the Heavenly Rest parish in Abilene, Texas, following heavy flooding in the town. Many of the families were forced to evacuate their homes and some did not have flood insurance. ERD awarded a $25,000 emergency grant to the Diocese of Northwest Texas to set up a relief account for those families.

The Rev. James Scott Mayer, rector at Heavenly Rest, was one of the those whose family was affected by the floods. His family is now temporarily housed in the guest house of a fellow parishioner while their home is being repaired.

"I was amazed that eight inches of water in our home was so damaging," says Father Mayer. He is appreciative to Episcopalians for the financial assistance they provided. "We are so thankful and so grateful."