A fire broke out in the ceiling of the Grace International Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Friday, March 20, during an evening prayer meeting. Six adults and two children were present at the time of the incident. No one was injured.
The Central District sent out an email on Monday, March 23, sharing news of the fire and words from Samuel Hailemariam, the church’s lead pastor and U.S. Mennonite Brethren leadership board member.
“Indeed, God is merciful and gracious,” Hailemariam says.
According to Hailemariam, an individual outside noticed the fire and alerted the building occupants of the danger by knocking on a window. Everyone was able to evacuate immediately without injury.
In a local news report, multiple 911 callers reported seeing flames around 8:20 p.m. Friday from the church roof.
The building sustained significant damage, and church leadership has already notified their insurance provider. A Facebook post from the Indianapolis Fire Department shows firefighters on the scene as well as interior damage of the building.
“We are sharing this news to ask for your continued prayers during this challenging time,” Hailemariam shares.
-Information provided from Central District of MB Churches
This article has been posted by Christian Leader staff. The Christian Leader is the magazine of U.S. Mennonite Brethren.
