Miracles and the power of Jesus Christ simply cannot be explained, but it’s a testament that Jesus is real and very much among us.
A massive fire broke out at the First Baptist Church of Wakefield in Massachusetts Tuesday night, completely destroying the church. The 150-year-old historic building was described as a total loss, but as workers were clearing the ashy remains of the church the next day, they found a painting of Jesus intact.
Photos from the scene of the fire show a building inspector removing a practically pristine painting of Jesus standing in a white robe with hands, bearing the marks of crucifixion, extended.
The painting, which once hung just inside the church’s front doors, survived the hellish flames nearly untouched with only a few drops of water on it.
The image of Jesus emerging from the charred church gave worshipers some solace during the difficult time and serve as a comforting memento for worshipers after their loss.
“It’s a beautiful sign of hope and a reminder that Jesus is with us,” church member Maria Kakolowski told Boston 25 in an interview. “I am personally just taking it as a sign and a reminder that the Jesus, the Christ that we serve is still alive and even though our church building is gone, our church is here. The God that we serve is still here.”
First Baptist Church Pastor Norm Bendroth told WCVB: “Our faith is one of hope and resurrection. We believe you can rise from the ashes, and joy comes in the morning.”
Crews began dismantling the remnants of the historic building Wednesday morning. The fire was reported after powerful thunderstorms passed through the Greater Boston area, and it was reported that the official cause of the fire was lightning that struck the 180-foot steeple.
Church officials expressed their gratitude no parishioners were hurt and thanked the fire department for battling the blaze.
“We know that we serve a God who specializes in restoring brokenness and who can bring beauty even from ashes,” they stated. “So we move into the future with trust, hope, and gratitude.”
By: Maytinee Kramer
