In the early hours of October 2, 2024, a devastating fire tore through the Butler family’s trailer in rural Jonesville, Louisiana. But thanks to a five-year-old boy who says he was following a message from God, a tragedy was narrowly avoided from becoming even worse.
Michael Butler had been sound asleep when he suddenly woke up.
“Michael told us he received a message from God that said he needed to go wake his mama and daddy up,” his mother, Chaya Butler, told Upworthy.
“We were woken up by him screaming,” added his father, Trenten.
The young boy ran from one end of the trailer to the other—through flames—to reach his parents’ bedroom. On the way, he suffered burns from melting nails in the roof and fell into a melted plastic laundry basket, injuring his face. His hand was scalded from opening the hot bedroom door. Still, he pushed through.
“After he woke us up, we struggled to get out of the bedroom. The smoke was so thick we couldn’t see a thing,” Chaya recalled. “We went to the wrong door three times thinking it was the way out.”
“It was terrifying,” Trenten added. “The only thing on my mind was getting my family out.”
Despite the chaos and flames, the family managed to escape. Chaya and Trenten rescued Michael’s younger sister and two other relatives who were staying with them. Tragically, two other family members and four pets didn’t survive.
Still, they credit Michael’s courage—and his unwavering faith—with saving their lives.
“We never missed church. We’d just been baptized. Michael was always praising the Lord, praying at meals, and going to the altar,” Trenten said. “His faith was strong.”
A Miraculous Escape
Michael sustained serious burns that required four surgeries and skin grafts at The Manning Family Children’s Burn Center in New Orleans. His parents also suffered burns that left lasting scars.
But in what they consider a miracle, Michael’s feet were completely unscathed.
“He was barefoot,” Trenten said. “There’s no way he walked through that burning house without burns on his feet unless God protected him. God had him covered.”
Throughout his recovery, Michael showed remarkable strength.
“He had a cast on for a while, but he didn’t let it stop him,” his father said. “He’s resilient.”
Rebuilding and Reflecting
The Butlers are now working to rebuild their lives. Though the physical and emotional scars remain, they are leaning on their faith—and their son’s bravery—to move forward. The family has launched a GoFundMe to help with medical bills and rebuilding costs.
“It’s been a journey,” Trenten said. “There are still so many questions—why us? But we believe God gives His toughest battles to His strongest warriors.”
“We may never be ‘normal’ again, but we’re creating a new normal,” he added. “Rock bottom isn’t always the bottom. You can come back from it. We’re proof of that.”
Despite the pain, the Butlers hope their story—and Michael’s spiritual connection—will inspire others.
“Even if your faith is the size of a mustard seed,” said Chaya, “God is always with you.”
