Carlos Correa's tale of survival in the waters of Lake Minnetonka is as gripping as any thriller, but it's also a story of faith and resilience. Last summer, Correa found himself battling not just the elements but also his own physical limits.
His hamstrings and quads were cramping, his stamina waning, and he was halfway between the shore and his boat. With his 3-year-old son, Kylo, clinging to his neck, Correa was in a fight for his life.
Without a life jacket, Correa spotted a buoy nearby and knew it was his lifeline. Kylo, safely wearing a life jacket, innocently asked if they would be okay.
Correa reassured him, offering a prayer for salvation. He promised, "'Lord, save me.
I will serve you forever.'"
Reaching the buoy, Correa slipped off, injuring his left hand but clung on with determination. With Kylo on his shoulders, he alternated hands to stay afloat, shouting for help.
His father-in-law, hearing his cries, swam over with a life jacket, which Correa managed to grab with his pinkie. It was a moment of relief and a turning point in his life.
From that day, Correa committed to his faith with renewed vigor. He shared his story with senior citizens in Houston and later with a reporter during Spring Training.
The incident deepened his religious conviction, leading him to host a Bible study at his Houston home. What started with eight people grew to 60, becoming a vibrant community gathering.
“We did really fun stuff, and people felt attracted to it,” Correa explained. The gatherings became a highlight, and although he missed them during Spring Training, he hoped to continue similar activities during the season.
His newfound devotion extended to clubhouse discussions, sparking deep conversations with teammates like Jesús Sánchez. “The more I dove into scripture, I realized how diverse perspectives are,” Correa noted.
Correa’s faith journey led him to become more active in his church, Champions Forest Baptist Church in Houston. Encouraged by pastor Jarrett Stephens, Correa delivered a sermon at a retirement home, sharing his lake ordeal and connecting it to scripture. His message resonated with the audience, leaving them eager for his return.
During his sermon, Correa reflected on his career challenges, including a significant ankle injury in the Minor Leagues and the subsequent impact on potential deals with the Giants and Mets. Despite these setbacks, he signed with the Twins after leaving the Astros in 2021, only to be traded back to Houston shortly after his lake incident.
Correa's experience in Minnesota's waters taught him a profound lesson about faith in adversity. “It's easier to have faith when things are going well,” he preached, “but true faith is tested during life's trials.”
In the end, Correa and Kylo emerged from the lake with a purpose, a testament to resilience and the power of belief.