More than 40 people were poured into a small gray and brick church in the middle of a rain pouring to gather and worship God. The Congregation assembled hands and sang hymns as people continued to flow from the side entrance.
Christian Center for Rescue Lake Avenue in AltadeniCalifornia, in which some people have been home for more than a decade, was destroyed by Eaton Fire in early January. Now his congregations are encountered in the host church about 2 miles.
The Shield of Faith Christian Center in Pasadena serves as the host church for the Christian center of the rescue line after being destroyed by the Eaton Fire. (Ashley Carnahan / Fox News Digital)
AND Sunday Message theme was “Beauty for ashes.” Pastor Charles Dorsey led the church in prayer for the third time since his childhood church burned down.
Margaret and Simeon Alexander, an older couple from Altadena, told Fox News Digital that they had attended Lifeline for 15 years.
“We were devastated,” Margaret said after hearing that their longtime worship was reduced to the ruins. “We miss our church. Lifeline is our spiritual family.”
“Soon faced with reality That all things work on good, “her husband Simeon stuck from the seat in front.
The Congregates of the now destroyed Christian Rescue Center gather during a rainy Sunday afternoon to worship. (Ashley Carnahan / Fox News Digital)
Theo Hawkins, who led the church in worship, admitted that he did not want to come at first because of the “new norm”.
Lifeline was part of Altadena community 19 years and regularly serves free food to people every other Wednesday, twice a month.
“It’s a great community, very diverse, diligent people. Families possessed property in the area, they conveyed it to their sons, sons and grandchildren and daughters. And that is just a beautiful place to live and to raise a family And a great place for the church, “Pastor Dorsey said.
He estimated that 19 people from Lifelina had been displaced for fire, and 13 more lost their homes.
More than 9,000 The structures are destroyed More than 14,000 hectares were burned, according to Cal Fire, which is Eaton flamteo to one of the most deadly fires in Golden State history.
Maps show the scope of fire destruction, houses destroyed
Dr. Lisa Dorsey told Fox News Digital that there are currently phases that allow residents to return to their homes. The first phase is removal of dangerous waste and The second is debris Removal, although the schedule for the procedure is unclear.
The only thing left of the church of Lifeline is the purple and white cross that stands on a rectangular structure.
Move the white strip to see the damage from the fire
“The cross still stands,” Pastor Dorsey said. “It gave me hope, and I felt strength. And I was happy that the cross still stands because it is the work of the cross we are able to forgive. It is the love of the cross, working on the cross, which we are able to be redeemed.
“Currently, Physical building Lifeline goes down to the ashes. But the Lord promised to give it beauty. And so we were directed to – we raise from it. Let’s grow out of that. And we are grateful for that, “he told Fox News Digital.
The Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center burned down with an Eaton fire in Altadeni. (Fox News Digital / Ashley Carnahan)
The slightly burned purple and white cross stands at the top of the Christian center of Lifeline Fellowship in Altadeni. (Fox News Digital / Ashley Carnahan)
Some members of the church could see what was left of their home to worship last week after the service, while others have yet to return. Lifeline is waiting for the following steps to Start the renovation processBut the Church dreams of bringing chairs and tents to the parking lot of old locations and watching a new building rising while singing, praying and preaching.
Fox News Digital traveled to the evacuation zone to see the damage to Eaton fire. Here’s what we saw
“We are looking for that day … where we can look and see the process of construction, looking at Neighbors’ homes and communities and see them build. People who drive down the street, stopping because they hear the word of God or hear music. Feeding people, loving people, listening to people, all things that make a rich community, “said Pastor Dorsey.” And Altadena is, and so is the paste. “
Pastor Charles Dorsey preaches from the shield of the faithful Christian center after the church she led was burned. (Ashley Carnahan / Fox News Digital)
Before the Eaton fire devastated his community, the father of four times called at the end of last year that he began in 2025 with a message to move forward. Was not very sure at the time, but it became clearer After the flames devastated Home after home and building after a building.
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“We lost our homes and our church, but we have each other,” Pastor Dorsey said from Lectern on the front of the host church as he continued his message of finding beauty from destruction.
“Amen,” the community shouted. “Amen.”
