Fire destroys Indiana church
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Lebanon, Indiana
By NCN News Staff
Fire destroyed the Lebanon, Indiana, First Church of the Nazarene Sunday morning before the church's services. No one was injured in the blaze.

Around 5:45 a.m., a church member who lives nearby saw flames rising above the empty building. According to the church website, lightning from a severe thunderstorm caused the fire.

Firefighters knocked down some of the church's brick walls in order to fight the fire. After several hours, the fire was extinguished, but the building is considered a total loss. 

Lebanon Fire Chief Jason Lee said smaller items could be saved but not much else.

The church held an 11 a.m. service at Lebanon Middle School, which sustained air conditioner damage from the storm.

Pastor Richard Burdett has served at Lebanon First for more than 12 years.

"At first I was numb, but then I think of the church," Burdett said to WTHR. "... the church itself is in the parking lot or wherever God's people who gather are. My hope is in Christ, not brick and mortar."

WRTV Indianapolis reported from the scene of the fire.

"The building is gone, like our pastor said, but the church still stands," Laura Trafford told WRTV. "The church stands in all of us, so we know that we'll be able to rebuild by God's good graces."

Northwest Indiana District Superintendent David Bartley met with Burdett to survey the damage.

"I left encouraged by the heart and faith of the church," Bartley said. "Despite the loss of a building, they have gained an opportunity for the gospel. God has already begun to redeem this for his kingdom and his mission. The church plans to seize the opportunities that God opens to them in order to bring unity to the community and peace to the heart and lives of those in Lebanon."

Burdett told WTHR the church has insurance and hopes to rebuild on the same property.

"We ask for your prayers and support during this difficult time," the church's website read.

For related video, see firehouse.com.
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  • Sorry to hear of the loss and the troubles at hand. The Kirbyville Church here in Deep East Texas... PATBOZEMAN on 08/12/12