By Message Staff
DUBACH, La. (LBM)– Louisiana Baptists donated $10,000 to the Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Dubach to help offset expenses incurred after a fire destroyed most of the congregation’s facilities on Saturday.
A check from the Louisiana Baptist Convention was presented on Tuesday.
John Hebert, Louisiana Baptists missions and ministry team director, presented Pastor Greg Tipton with the funds from the LBC disaster relief ministry. He said he hopes the gift will encourage the congregation as they rebuild.
“Our friends at Mineral Springs where Pastor Greg Tipton serves have experienced a tremendous tragedy in the loss of their church,” Hebert told the Baptist Message. “The thoughts and prayers of Louisiana Baptists are with them and this money from the Disaster Relief Fund is a symbol of our support. We pray that this money will help them in the short term take care of some things that are needed so that they can continue to worship together as a congregation.”
The fire was discovered around 9:30 a.m. Saturday, and despite valiant efforts to extinguish it, the flames destroyed the congregation’s worship center, sound room, office space and nursery. The fellowship hall received smoke damage. The following day, members gathered for a brief worship and prayer time on the campus parking lot.
Since then, the church has received a number of offers to meet in other congregations’ facilities for worship services. Despite the gracious invitations, Mineral Springs Baptist members plan to meet for worship this Sunday on the parking under the protection of a tent.
“We appreciate the prayers and support by the Louisiana Baptist Convention, other churches, businesses and individuals,” Tipton said. “Please pray for us as we make choices moving forward — that we use wisdom as we build and reach others for Christ.”
