On Friday, a Texas community was left in awe after a devastating fire ravished a Bridgeport church bringing everything to the ground — everything but a cross.
According to local reports, Wise County volunteer firefighters were responding to the church fire that quickly destroyed the building. Once the firefighters gained control of the fire and the smoke cleared, they spotted the small sign of hope still standing. A charred cross stood amongst the rubble of what once was Balsora Baptist Church.
Cross survives after massive fire destroys church: https://t.co/q9B11PprQV pic.twitter.com/5dILcz64tZ
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) June 20, 2022
Here’s what the fire department said:
“A devastating loss to our community, but a sight to behold. The fire took the structure, but not the cross. A symbol that the building was just that, a building. The Church is the congregation, and where two or more gather, there He shall be also.”
VIDEO: Balsora Baptist Church will host an outdoor service, today — two-days after a fire burned its church building to the ground.
“Shed some tears together over what was — but also create some excitement for what God plans for us in the future,” Pastor Sonny Smith said. @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/8vN79GtRZn
— David Sentendrey (@DavidSFOX4) June 19, 2022
According to the department, extreme temperatures tested the fire crew’s capabilities, requiring officials to ask at least 11 additional local and state agencies for assistance. Fire officials said Several firefighters were treated by Wise County EMS on the scene, as firefighters battled the blaze, the church roof began to collapse with crews still inside.
Incredible picture in the aftermath of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire with the Cross still intact… #NotreDameCathedral pic.twitter.com/XsTaJwVl8S
— Culper Ring (@MattWill_13) April 15, 2019
The church had 75 worshippers and was located around 45 miles west of Fort Worth, the church was insured and has already collected nearly $5,000 in donations to help rebuild.
66-year-old Smith, who is the wife of the Balsora Baptist Church’s pastor said:
“It’s sad, but it’s a happy time that we’re going to, we’re going to get through this and we know God’s in it. We’re just, we’re just going to be anxious to see what God has planned for us.”
However, the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Footage of the inside of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after the fire.
A cross still hangs in the background. pic.twitter.com/JtFp4ObeDO
— The Columbia Bugle (@ColumbiaBugle) April 15, 2019
Watch it here: Youtube/Misaha Black
Sources: Westernjournal, Local12, Breitbart