The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:18

The Anglican Communion and the Compass Rose Society are part of the body of Christ, and each member is a part of our extended family.  The Diocese of West Texas and the Diocese of Texas hold a special place in my life and ministry, not only as foundational members of the Society but also because of the deep authenticity of the people, places, family, and faith.  I am from New Mexico, and Suzanne is from Texas, and we have friends and family in proximity to the disaster that continues to unfold in the Texas Hill Country.  When one suffers, we all suffer, and when one weeps, we all weep.  

We have learned that two institutional churches in the Diocese of West Texas suffered profound loss in this disaster.  Our family at St David’s in San Antonio is holding the life and memory of a young camper who entered the arms of Christ.  A long-time member of St Peter’s and owner of Camp Mystic (a Christian Camp), passed into eternal life attempting to assist older campers.   Our dear family members in the CRS, who mean a great deal to our family, Bob and Punkie Kinnan, had five granddaughters in the camp; one of them was swept five miles down river, all the while clinging to a log.  This beautiful child was rescued hours later.

We know that there are no words to soothe the pain of loss.  But we give thanks that we share with them that sometimes silent faith that assures us that the darkness cannot overcome the light, a faith that leads every pilgrim to the dawn of new life, even when the gate of death is at hand.  We trust God is leading them to that new dawn.  Let us pray for St. Peter’s, St. David’s, and all those who are afraid, lost, and grieving.  We join with the church in that prayerful expression of hope, even amid death:  "Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant with thy saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting."  Let us also pray for the First Responders and those serving the lost and broken-hearted.  

Yours in Christ,
+Daniel Gutiérrez

Let Our Cries Come Unto You
Most merciful and compassionate God,
Giver of Life and Love, hear our prayers and let our cries come unto you.
We weep with your people
We hear the cries of orphaned children and laments of bereaved parents
We feel the desperation of those searching for loved ones
We behold the silence of vanished villages.
We see the devastation.
We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.
Our hearts are hushed, our minds are numb.
Let not our hands be stopped, our voices dumb.
God of the universe,
Open our hearts to feel your compassion
Galvanize in us the act of continued giving
Bond us to our sisters and brothers in need
Comfort and heal the injured, the bereaved, the lost
Strengthen the aid workers and medical personnel
Bolster the resolve of governments and those with power to help
Open through this tragedy pathways to partnerships and peace
In Your Name of mercy and healing and compassion we pray. Amen.