In a heart-stopping turn of events last Friday, Michael Oakes, the outreach minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, found himself and his family in the midst of a terrifying flash flood while vacationing at their river home along the Guadalupe River. This sudden natural disaster has claimed over 100 lives in Texas’s Hill Country, leaving many families in mourning.
Oakes, who serves under renowned pastor and author Max Lucado, shared the harrowing experience on social media, recounting how their planned Independence Day getaway quickly turned into a fight for survival. As they settled in for the night, the gentle patter of rain soon escalated into a torrential downpour that woke him around 1 a.m. By 2 a.m., water began flooding their home, which was situated about 200 feet from the river and 15 feet above its usual level.
In a gripping Instagram post, Oakes described the chaos: “We went to bed Thursday night to light rain. Heavy storms woke me about 1 a.m., and by 2 a.m., water was flooding our dining room.” The family, which includes three teenagers, quickly realized the severity of the situation. By 3:30 a.m., the water had reached their windowsills, prompting Oakes and his son Johan to spring into action.
With the water rising rapidly, they crawled through a window to find an escape route in what Oakes described as “chest-deep water.” They were guided by the flashlights of neighbors calling out from higher ground. Miraculously, just as they were pulling their mothers out of the window, the water receded slightly, allowing them to reach safety.
Once outside, they joined others seeking refuge on a neighbor’s screened porch, where they counted their blessings amid the chaos. Daylight revealed the extent of the devastation, with Oakes characterizing the scenes as “hair-raising.” His mother and mother-in-law were airlifted to safety by first responders, highlighting the perilous nature of the situation.
As Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported, at least 161 individuals are currently missing due to the flooding, with the private Christian camp Camp Mystic being the hardest hit. Tragically, 27 campers and counselors are confirmed dead or missing, underscoring the disaster’s impact on the community.
Despite the trauma, Oakes expressed gratitude for his family’s safety and urged his followers to pray for those affected. “Thank you to so many friends for your messages and prayers,” he wrote. “We are heartbroken for all those mourning a loss.” He emphasized the importance of community support during such trying times, reminding everyone to help where they can.
Oakes has been a dedicated outreach coordinator at Oak Hills Church since 2007, where he mobilizes volunteers to share the Gospel and serves those in need. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
As the community begins to recover from this devastating event, Oakes’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith and community. While the road ahead will be challenging, the resilience of the human spirit shines brightly in the face of adversity. For those wishing to assist the victims of this tragedy, many local organizations are accepting donations and support to help rebuild lives and restore hope in the affected areas.
In times of crisis, it’s essential to come together, support one another, and remember that even in the darkest moments, there is always light to be found.