Monday, November 5, 2007

RBBC e-update for Saturday, November 3, 2007


Dear Friends and Church Family,


I drove within a 6 block radius of our church property. I counted 94 homes that have burned to the ground from the fire. Some have begun removing the debris with heavy equipment. There are multiple volunteers sifting through debris at home sites and laying "snakes" of straw on hills to prevent soil erosion. We've spent two Saturdays removing burned out brush and cutting down burned trees.

All of the contents in our main building have been removed, inventoried and evaluated for fire damage. Our worship center is now being gutted by a demolition team of 12 men. They will be working for at least a week to tear out sheet rock, plywood, rugs and fire damaged material. The entire interior of our building will be removed to the studs to facilitate drying and eliminate mold. This is a necessary process that must take place before reconstruction can take place.

It's funny. For the first time I've seen our church as a fire victim. We can't accept help from FEMA or other governmental agencies because we're a church. But even better we are part of a marvelous community of faith. We've received dozens of calls from churches and individuals around the country. They have pledged their support, prayers and financial support to help us through this transitional time. We're humbled and encouraged that we don't have to go through this alone. God is leading us and our brothers and sisters in Christ are behind us!

OUT OF THE ASHES COMES HOPE, BEAUTY AND GOD'S BLESSING!

When I have felt overwhelmed, I have found spiritual strength from Psalm 32:8:
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

Walking through the Fire with you,
Dan Maxton, Lead Pastor

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