LOGANSPORT, LA (KSLA) -
Sunday's Christmas service was business as usual for the people of First Baptist Church in Logansport, Louisiana. They held service in the fellowship hall.
"It's nice for people to come back together. We even had people that weren't church members that are here," says Greg Burns.
"I'm so glad we had already planned to have services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and we're continuing in the leading that God has given us," adds Juanita Campbell.
The pastor's wife, Sarah Cypert, says this brings the old saying to life that the church is not the building, but the people-"That building over there, just like Lance has said, is a building. But He lives in us, and we just gotta keep his light shining through this and we're going to start over."
Though the sanctuary they've known for years has burned down, and they've had to turn the fellowship hall into a temporary sanctuary, Sunday's message from Pastor Lance Cypert is the same as it was when the fire first happened Saturday: God is and always has been in control.
"When He created the Earth, He knew this day was going to happen. He already prepared a plan for us in the midst of it," Cypert says.
The Louisiana Fire Marshal's Office says the fire that destroyed their building may have been arson.
"If that is true, it does sadden me. But in the same sense, I'm praying for that person's salvation," Lance Cypert says. "They need to know the Lord, and they need to know that the same forgiveness the Lord has given us, we're going to forgive in the same way."
Church members are looking at this tragedy as a ministry moment.
"I think it's given us an opportunity to actually get our message out to the community, so this may actually be a blessing in disguise," Greg Burns says.
Pastor Cypert says the church is planning to rebuild. They will continue holding services in the fellowship hall for the immediate future.
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