Building is gone, community spirit lives on
One week following a devastating fire, approximately 570 people attended Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church services Sunday morning to praise God and comfort one another.
The 10 a.m. services were held in Brown Gymnasium.
Pastor Bruce Porter encouraged the congregation to continue to have faith during this transition period.
"The building burned, but we're still here — and so is God," Porter said.
Porter continued, saying their faith may be tested but the congregation must keep their perspective about what's important.
Salvation and the community of faith are the only things that truly matter, added Porter.
Following the Sunday service, Porter was asked his reaction.
"It was a great event," said Porter. "It was a fantastic time to reflect our thanks both to God and our community for sustaining us."
When asked what the community could do for him and the congregation, Porter answered to continue praying.
"Continue to honor God in whatever we do."
Porter has been the faith leader at the Hillsboro church for three and one-half years, and has been a minister since 1976.
"I've been a part of several building programs but never a forced building program," Porter said with a smile.
The minister said he anticipates all of the usual things that come with the stress of building a new facility.
"We're very excited about the possibilities. We're going to have as many ideas as we have members," said Porter.
Until the insurance company finishes its investigation, no decision will be made on demolition and reconstruction.
Since the March 7 fire, every church in the city has offered their facilities for funerals and weddings, Porter commented.
A fund has been established at Emprise Bank to meet some immediate needs in purchasing the necessary equipment that may not be covered by insurance.
Donations also may be used for new facilities, once decisions are made.
Porter is extremely pleased with the way things were handled in his absence.
"I can't thank our leadership enough," said Porter. "Don Ratzlaff and the leadership team did so much."
Porter and his wife, Janice, were en route to a conference in California when the fire occurred.
"I had checked to make sure the cell phone's voice mail was working before we left," said Porter. "We checked our voice mail for messages every couple of hours and there were no messages. So, we relaxed and enjoyed the trip."
When they arrived at their destination, hotel personnel informed them of an emergency message from Rod Jost, youth minister.
"It was God's intervention that kept the phone from working," said Porter. "I don't know what we would have done on the road anyway." Porter added they were able to get a couple of good nights' sleep anyway.
Porter is grateful to the hotel for allowing them to cancel their rooms at no cost.
Sunday school classes will be held in the Hillsboro High School/Middle School facilities, said Porter.
"First Mennonite Church has offered their facilities for Wednesday evenings," said Porter.
The 10 a.m. Sunday church services will continue in the high school gymnasium indefinitely.
Church offices are temporarily located at Tabor College in the science building.
Telephone service for the church has been established at the Tabor College office. The main office number is 947-3144 and 947-5454 is the information and prayer line.
Expressing the importance of community involvement, Porter said the church enjoyed having the facilities available for use by the community.
"We regret not having that to give to the community. We hope as we begin to plan and rebuild, we'll be able to provide for the community again."
