Congregation sad but optimistic after fire guts church

A Baptist congregation in Devon mourning the destruction of their chapel in a fire say they are optimistic that God will use the calamity to allow a more fitting church to emerge.

The roof and part of the interior of Kilmington Baptist Church, built in 1832, were destroyed in a fire on the night of March 4. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

The pastor of the church, Darrell Holmes, witnessed the fire from the manse.

The following day he wrote to the congregation to let them know of the event. He said, “Just this week the deacons were discussing the possibility that we are under spiritual attack as a fellowship. If there was any doubt in our mind, there surely is no longer,” reports the Baptist Times.

However he added, “But we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.”

Despite the loss of the church building, Holmes said that the fire was also an opportunity to rebuild the church into a more suitable building for the 80-strong congregation.

Holmes said, “Though our building may be gutted, we are not. We look forward to the possibility of being a people on the move for the next 18 months.”

Speaking to the Baptist Times, Holmes said that before the fire broke out he had planned to deliver a sermon on Sunday entitled, “Where are you going?”, which he said would have reminded them “that God has a wonderful sense of humour”.

The congregation is expected to meet in the Kilmington Village Hall for the next few months.
News
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods

A day of prayer was observed across Texas on Sunday as the state continues to respond to devastating flash floods that have killed dozens, including a number of children who were attending a Christian summer camp. 

Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat
Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat

The challenge before the Christian Church is both stark and clear: to understand and engage a new generation if it is to have a future. 

What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?
What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?

The Welsh Revival of 1904 was anything but quiet, leading to the worldwide Pentecostal and charismatic movements. This is the story …

Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'
Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'

A deadly suicide bombing at a Damascus church on Sunday June 22 has reignited urgent calls for global recognition of the ongoing persecution of Syria’s religious minorities.