Parishioners at Wasilla Church Destroyed by Arson Say the Tragedy Has Brought Them Together
"The definition of the Church is the Body of Christ, made up of God's people. The Church is still there. We are the Church."
(Wasilla, Alaska)—Arson caused about $1 million damage to Wasilla Bible Church last week. The church is one Alaska governor Sara Palin attends when she is home. Undaunted by the destruction to their church, 1,200 parishioners gathered on Sunday at a local middle school to worship.
"The definition of the Church is the Body of Christ, made up of God's people," said associate pastor John Doak. "The Church is still there. We are the Church."
A report on Fox News quoted Patsy Inks as saying the news initially shocked and frustrated her, but by Sunday, she was feeling blessed. "This tragedy has brought us all together," she said.
Governor Palin reportedly stopped by Saturday to say she was sorry if the fire was connected to the "undeserved negative attention" the church has received since she became the vice presidential candidate Aug. 29.
Pastor of Wasilla Bible Church, Rev. Larry Kroon was asked what he had told his congregation on Sunday, he replied, "We have a simple calling…to give witness to the reality of Jesus, and we can do that any time, any place, anywhere. This really doesn't change what we do…"
