The Forest Level Baptist Church, a 151-year-old church in Virginia, is calling for community prayers following a massive explosion that severely damaged it on Monday night.
Marcin Wilson, pastor of the Forest Level Baptist Church, expressed his concerns to WDBJ 7, stating, “Right now, we are just asking for the community to pray for us. Of course, we are early in our planning period.” He mentioned that a meeting is being scheduled with the church’s leadership team to devise a way forward.
The Bedford Fire Department responded to reports of the explosion at the church on Bateman Bridge Road around 11 p.m. Firefighters discovered smoke and fire in the basement, along with a large hole in the first floor.
Bedford Fire Marshal Leo George informed ABC 13 that the explosion resulted from a liquid petroleum gas leak that had filled the basement and partially reached the church's first floor. “When something kicked on and ignited, it gave that spark,” George explained, noting that fire officials were attempting to identify which appliance may have sparked the fire.
“We are working to get the building secure and stable so we can get in and find out which component of which device was leaking the LP gas. We don’t have any reason to believe it was anything other than an accident,” he added.
Despite the explosion causing significant structural damage and partially blowing out some of the church's walls, no injuries were reported. George commented, “We know things are going to happen; we are just happy no one was injured. Buildings can be replaced. We wish the church the best.”
Pastor Wilson acknowledged that while the explosion “made our hearts sad,” it would not hinder the work God is doing through the church. “It’s got a rich heritage, and we thank God for it,” he said. “We intend to rebuild and refocus and to continue to do what God has purposed for the church.”
