Church Shares Prayers with Teen Rescued in Flood Waters

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Edmond teen, who was rescued in Monday's flood waters with the help of SkyNEWS 9 HD, received a special service at her church Sunday.

Raquel Dawson was stuck clinging to trees and branches for over two hours before she was spotted after being swept away in flood waters. Pilot Mason Dunn helped rescuers find her and get the 17-year-old to safety.

Dawson said she's thankful she's here today and grateful for all the prayers at Sunday morning's service.

"God provided everything you needed all along the way. He provided trees for you to grab a hold of, he provided prayers from people just for you, he provided a rescue boat, provided you a helicopter that could spot you in the trees wearing a green shirt which wasn't a good idea," Pastor Mark McAdow said.

The congregation at First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City watched a clip from SkyNEWS 9 HD of Dawson's dramatic rescue from the floods and Pastor McAdow said it was a miracle and shows the true power of prayer.

"As a parent, it's terrifying. It's terrifying to see your child in a situation you have no control over. All you can do is pray really and that's the best thing you can do," Pastor McAdow said. "A lot of people were working together on her behalf but everything she needed God provided. God's been faithful and we're thankful for that."

The teen said thinking of the people she loved and cared for is what helped her get through until she was rescued.

"I just got these random boosts of strength just thinking about like my family and friends, it just helped," the 17-year-old said. "I'm glad to know people were praying for me because I definitely needed it."

Dawson said she came in contact with some poison ivy after swimming in that water for hours but she has taken a shot and will be healed soon.

More: 17-year-old Recalls Dramatic Rescue from Flood Waters | Amazing Flood Rescues Caught on Video