Building Damage Doesn't Keep Garland Churchgoers Away
GARLAND (CBSDFW.COM) - A lot of residents in the city of Garland are still cleaning up from last night's powerful storm. But while the air-conditioning units of the South Garland Baptist Church lay smashed on the ground, church members spent the evening right where they wanted.
Sounds of praise rang out even more than usual tonight. There were occasional raindrops that seemed to try and prevent church leaders and members from holding the weekly Wednesday evening service outside -- the damp conditions were ignored.
The weather is the reason the inside of the sanctuary is under repair from water damage caused by a hole in the roof. That hole is where the central a/c unit was anchored before a fierce storm blew it down onto the parking lot Tuesday night.
Church member Janice McMenamy never thought about not being there Wednesday. "We don't need the building," she said. "We're the church."
During the short prayer service, members expressed their relief no one was injured. Pastor Larry Davis said, "I felt like it was appropriate to pray tonight, especially the thanksgiving, especially considering 35 to 40 people were on the parking lot only minutes before this [storm] came through."
After the severe weather passed, the storm left widespread damage. Mostly trees and fences in the neighborhood surrounding the church were damaged.
It will most likely be weeks before repairs on South Garland Baptist will be completed, but members are not letting it test their patience or faith. "We realize that the church is not exempt from trials," the Pastor said, adding, "It's just like anybody's life."
Pastor Davis said he's open to ideas or invitations from other churches or anyone who has an indoor gathering place that can accommodate his 750 members. The churchgoers would only need a place to meet for the next two weeks.
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