WOODVILLE, Texas — A church in Tyler County is recovering after a fire on Saturday reduced their place of worship to rubble.
The congregation of Lakeside Apostolic Church says they're not letting the fire stop their services. Church members have been meeting outside by the building's ruins to continue worshipping.
Pastor Harold Davies and other members of the church say while a kitchen fire did destroy their church, their determination and faith will never go up in flames.
"This right here is where my life changed," said Church Member Darren Gilland.
Like other members, Gilland found redemption and love at Lakeside Apostolic Church.
"This was a really nice church before all this. It's painful. It's a nightmare," he said.
On Saturday, March 9 fire crews responded to the massive blaze.
"A problem with the stove, that's where the first flames were found," said Pastor Davies and his wife Beverly.
Beverly says a single member stepped away from the stove when it caught fire and it began to spread uncontrollably.
Thankfully nobody was hurt and their food bank was also unaffected by the fire.
"We didn't lose any food! We didn't lose anything!" The Davies said.
They believe there's no reason to look back now. They have already started clearing out an area for a new building.
"We've had many many of the people who got food from us come by and offer help," said the Davies.
The church will continue to worship on an awning-covered concrete slab until they can clear out the metal building and the next church is built.
"The bible says all things work together for good, to them who love God," said Pastor Davies and Beverly.
While their beloved church may be a total loss their hope and faith remains untarnished.
"We're gonna make it. We're gonna be alright," Pastor Davies told 12News.
While the church's food bank will continue its scheduled operations, Pastor Davies says future Sunday services will also continue to be held on-site.