Pastor says “God is good even in the midst of trouble” after church sustains significant damage in fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Piney Woods Baptist Church Pastor says “God is good even in the midst of trouble” after church sustains significant damage in fire.

Chattanooga Fire Department official Chris Warren says the fire was reported at 11:38 Sunday night.

The pastor says he was hoping for the best, but got news that it was worst that he ever imagined when he walked through the building this morning.

The fire started in the back of the building and spread to the front, but he says somethings can’t be destroyed by fire.

Pastor Hall told us, “Heart aching. We’ve been going through a lot here but I know God is able. This is just another test of our faith.”

That was Piney Woods Baptist Church Pastor Phynis Hall’s reaction to the news last night after learning about the fire.

Through the shattered glass door, you can see the significant damage caused by the fire, but some things remained in tact while surrounded by charred pews and burned walls.

UPDATE: Today we are getting to look inside the church. The pastor was hoping for good news, but he didn’t receive that when he went inside this morning. pic.twitter.com/9esHkXFU8X

— Amber Worthy (@AWorthyNews) September 3, 2018

Pastor Hall believes that these untouched bibles are a testament to the strength of their faith.

“God is good in the midst of trouble. God is still good. I will pray about it and Move On I know the Lord has something in store for us,” says Hall.

Can you believe it?! There are bibles that were in tact. “No matter how much you try to destroy the word of God… you can’t,” says Pastor Hall. Several bibles were like that. Untouched. When everything around them were burned. ??? pic.twitter.com/INlW0SR6UI

— Amber Worthy (@AWorthyNews) September 3, 2018

Chattanooga Fire Department officials say flames were visible coming from the front of the building.

Several crews responded due to it being a second alarm fire. However, all the units weren’t utilized.

Battalion Chief Chris Warren says, “The commander deck calls for second alarm due to the heat and we like to have as much help as we can get. Have fresh people in case we need to do more”

The fire was out in 20 minutes. EPB was called to the scene a short time later and could be seen working on nearby lines.

Minister Uhonta McFarland says… this is just another step along the path that God had for their congregation.

Minister McFarland says, “Lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will direct your path so he’s directing our path. Our steps are ordered by the Lord.”

Minister McFarland says this is just another step along the path that God has for their congregation. @wdefnews12 #PineyWoodsBaptistChurch #ChurchFire pic.twitter.com/P0K2xthLOZ

— Amber Worthy (@AWorthyNews) September 3, 2018

Before leaving the scene Monday night, Pastor all was sure that they wouldn’t be displaced for long.

“God will open the door somewhere else someway somehow so I’m not even worried about that”

The pastor says they will be meeting Monday to figure out where they will have service this upcoming Wednesday and how ever many days after that.

Members say “Nothing” is going to keep them from worshiping God.

#BREAKING I’m at the scene of a church fire at Piney Woods Baptist Church. @ChattFireDept and @ChattanoogaPD is on scene. @wdefnews12 pic.twitter.com/yct1YlDgnc

— Amber Worthy (@AWorthyNews) September 3, 2018