Texas Flood Disaster Turns Eyes to the Empty Cross in Kerrville
On July 4, what began as a celebratory weekend in Kerrville, Texas quickly turned into a devastating tragedy. Overnight, torrential rain gave way to a deadly flash flood along the Guadalupe River, sweeping through beloved Christian camps, including the historic Camp Mystic, and leaving many dead and dozens missing. However, amid the heartbreak, one local Christian leader says God is moving in the midst of the storm.
Max Greiner, a sculptor and founder of The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Gardens in Kerrville, recounted the events firsthand in a recent interview on the Strang Report podcast with Charisma Media founder, Stephen Strang.
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“Everything was beautiful,” Greiner said of the days leading up to the flood. “It was one of the best places in Texas to live. Then after midnight, it started to rain.” Greiner and his wife were safe on higher ground, but when he noticed three inches of water in his limestone atrium the next morning, he knew something was seriously wrong.
The Guadalupe River rose rapidly—up to 27 feet in some areas within 45 minutes, according to Greiner. Camps that had stood safely for a century were overwhelmed. “There was no negligence,” he explained. “This was a 500-year flood. The cabins were never expected to be in danger.”
Camp Mystic, known for its deep Christian roots, was especially hard hit. Among the victims was the camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, who died trying to save the girls under his care. “He tried to save the little girls and lost his life,” Greiner said.
As the magnitude of the tragedy became clear, people began flooding—not just the riverbanks—but Greiner’s hilltop prayer garden. The site, famous for its 77-foot 7-inch Empty Cross sculpture, has long served as a place of peace, healing and salvation. Now, it has become a spiritual refuge for grieving families, rescue workers and media crews alike.
“I told our board right away, people are going to flood to the cross,” said Greiner. “We’ve got 50 trained chaplain volunteers, and they’re out there ministering to people every hour they can.” Churches across Texas, including those affiliated with Pastor John Hagee and others, are now partnering with The Coming King Foundation to provide spiritual support.
“We’re not giving out bottled water or blankets,” Greiner added. “We’re giving the Living Water and the Bread of Life. That’s our role in this.”
One of the most touching moments came when a grieving father, still searching for his teenage daughter, arrived at the garden. “He was emotionally destroyed,” said Greiner. After praying together, Greiner gave the man a box of “free tickets to heaven”—a gospel tract he created—and commissioned him to spread hope among others affected by the tragedy. “His eyes lit up,” Greiner said. “He knew he could bring something good out of this nightmare.”
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As national media converges on Kerrville, many are struck by the towering cross on the hill—a symbol Greiner believes God positioned for such a time as this. “All eyes are on Kerrville. And now, they’re being drawn to the cross.”
In the midst of unimaginable loss, the message of hope rings clear: what the enemy meant for evil, God is using for good—turning mourning into ministry, and tragedy into testimony.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
