Beyonce's message to Hurricane Harvey victims: 'Today is a celebration of survival'
— -- Beyonce returned to her hometown of Houston to show support to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
The powerful hurricane, which was a Category 4 storm when it hit Texas on Aug. 25, caused historic devastation and widespread flooding. It also prompted over a million people to evacuate their homes in the state and was responsible for at least 60 deaths.
The singer visited her childhood church, St. John's Church, in Houston, Texas, Friday. She was accompanied by her mother, Tina Knowles Lawson, daughter Blue Ivy, and former Destiny's Child bandmate Michelle Williams, according to photos posted on social media.
"This today is a celebration of survival," Bey told the congregation while standing next to her mother, according to one fan site's video.
"Y'all are my family. Houston is my home," she continued. "I thank God that y'all are safe; that your children are safe. The thing that really matters is your health and your children and your family. And you got it."
Beyonce, 36, added to applause, "I just want to say that I love you. I'm so grateful to God that I've been blessed so I can bless other people. And I ask you guys to continue to bless other people."
Earlier this week, the pop star's mother shared a video detailing Houston's devastation.
Lawson, 63, also teased in a caption that Beyonce and her team were planning to work with Pastor Rudy Rasmus, the head of St. John's Church, "to see whats the best way to help the good people who have lost everything."
Beyonce also announced last week that she's aiding Hurricane Harvey victims through her BeyGOOD Houston relief initiative.
She's partnered with Houston-based nonprofits Bread of Life and Greater Houston Community Foundation along with Texas Southern University to "continue relied efforts on the ground," according to her website.
