Marquee message carries Oklahoma City church through wildfire, rebuild delays

For the congregation at Harrison Bethel Baptist Church, the sounds of drills and hammers are as sweet as a church hymn.

Construction is finally underway on the sanctuary after the 2011 wildfire destroyed it.

"To see the walls come up, the excitement is just overwhelming," said Pastor Johnny Moore. "God is able to cause beauty out of ashes and certainly these walls are very beautiful."

A heavy reliance on fundraising and permit delays have prolonged the rebuild and the church still needs to raise at least $100,000 to complete construction, said Moore.

The congregation, which once met at Northeast 71st and St. Bernard, has relied on area churches and community spaces to worship.

Though, continuing their ministry without a permanent home has been tough, congregation leaders say the challenges strengthened their faith.

"This is just a building," said member Melissa Ward. "We, the people, are the church so we carry God's word in us."

For the last 3 years, seven simple words carried the congregation. The church marquee and its message - posted just days before the fire - was the only thing to survive the flames.

It reads "God will keep his promise. Trust Him."

"As the marquee says, 'God will keep his promise,'" said Moore. "I know it's been 3 years, but this [building] gives people a ray of hope that things can happen for them and for the community if we pull together, if we stay together."

Go here to see the original:
Marquee message carries Oklahoma City church through wildfire, rebuild delays