Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Fire


dad's office, bottom right boarded up





the main front door, black at the base of every door where karosine was poured


heading upstairs to view the damage


reconstruction begins!


dad's commentaries and books, those that were not burned were destroyed by water damage, his office was completely encased in ice the next day


more of dad's books and Bible studies


my dad's computer



A week ago Friday my home church, Wasilla Bible, was partially burned. Someone poured karosine around the perimeter of the building and at all the entrances. A group of women and some children were inside at the time doing a craft/project night. My family called me the next morning to let me know as I started my road trip west. The news hit me hard but at the same time I wondered equally as much how God will use this for His glory.

Three years ago this past October WBC began a financial campaign giving project with the goal and prayer of building our new place debt free. This past October (2008) marked the end of the campaign and the first phase completed nearly debt free. Two months after WBC's celebration Sunday of God's provision (land and a new building) it was lit up in flames. Who and why would someone do something like this? I don't know but I do know that this fire was not a surprise to God. He prompted the church to give like never before to get the building done and He will provide a means for it to be rebuilt and used to impact this community.

They have already begun the renovation on the building, gutting the lower and upper levels that were burned the most. The basement is being used as office space already . . . a very make shift set up, but the staff are pressing on not missing a beat. Because of the recent campaign and Palin publicity, the fire at WBC has made national news and churches around the nation have been responding in an overwhelming and encouraging manner. Hundreds of letters of encouragement have been read, sorted through and are being responded to. Being a member of WBC for the past 16 years I have to say this is an event like no other and I am excited to see how God will use this to further HIS Kingdom and bring Him glory.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

1 comment:

Kari Smith said...

Wow! That is crazy and very sad. I'm guessing no one was hurt since You didn't mention it. Who would do something like that, especially when people were inside. That church must be doing something right up there for an attack like this!

P.S. I finally updated my blog! A miracle, I know! :)