Arsonists may have torn down the insides of the new Mind of Christ of the Living God Ministries building in Coffee County but the foundation still stands strong, including the congregation.
Bishop Troy Moore says although he was shocked to receive a call saying his church that's been in the building process for a year and a half was more than 70% ruined, the experience has only made the family stronger.
Members don't mind spending an extra 2-3 months in the building they've used for the past 17 years and say the fire only makes them appreciate the new $300,000 building -- funded entirely by donations -- more.
Members say they're focusing on the positives, including the $10,000 reward offered by State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens for information leading to an arrest. Bishop Moore and his staff at the church say times are perilous and a money reward may help speed up the process of catching the arsonists.
For now the church is waiting on investigators to provide an estimate on the damages that wiped out most of the inside, including the sheetrock, insulation, pews, altar, tiles and more. Moore says the State Fire Marshall's Office and Coffee County Sheriff's Office plan to have those estimates this week so the church can be up and running in the next 3-4 months.
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