The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

IN THE wake of a devastating fire that destroyed the Living Water Assembly of God Church, Pastor Eddie and Margo Victor have vowed to rebuild the sanctuary on Chesapeake Drive.

The Victors said that rebuilding cost is around $500,000. They have established a building fund and are asking for support and donations from throughout the Bahamas to assist them.

Everything was lost in the fire last Tuesday, including a $25,000 Hammond organ, which was donated to the church from supporters in Florida.  

“We lost our sanctuary, offices, fellowship hall, fully equipped kitchen and had just constructed an area as a recording studio,” Pastor Victor said yesterday in the parking lot of the fire-gutted church.

“Although we lost everything in the building fire, we have not lost our trust and faith in God,” he said.

On Sunday, Pastor Victor and his congregation gathered in the parking lot where worship service is held under a tent. Clean up has already started at the property and they are expecting to receive approval for rebuilding soon.  

“We will initially work on the sanctuary section of the building; our plan is to get the roof on and install the windows and doors so we can move worship service back inside,” he said. “We will be able to worship and continue work to complete the building.”

The Living Water Assembly of God Church was founded 23 years ago, but the church building in Chesapeake was built 17 years ago.

Around 4pm last Tuesday, hot embers from a massive bush fire in the area ignited the roof. Pastor Victor watched helplessly as the fire consumed the church building.  

The ministry, he said, has been very active over the years in the Grand Bahama community preaching and teaching the Word of God, in children and youth ministries, distributing clothing, shoes and food, and starting community outreach programmes, establishing a Lincoln Park Crime Watch group six months ago.

The church has also served as an active hurricane shelter for approximately ten years.  Pastor Victor said during Hurricanes Wilma and Sandy they were able to not only shelter many persons but fed hundreds  displaced by the storms and distributed clothing to those who were in need.

The pastor stated that they were just planning to set up a computer learning centre and after school programme for young people.

Pastor Victor said they plan to transform the building into a multi-purpose facility with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment. They want to expand the fellowship hall section to house various ministries.

“We need the help of people from throughout The Bahamas ... we need financial donations, donations of materials and volunteer labourers,” he said.

Pastor Victor thanked Grand Bahama Christian Council president Pastor Peter Pinder and his congregation of Zion Baptist Church, who also lost their church to a fire two years ago, for making a significant donation to the building fund.

Pastor Nelson Bain, of New Beginning Life Church, supports Pastor Victor and his wife. “We came and saw the fire and we want to continue to support them in the midst of what seemed to be the worst thing that could possibly happen. I want to say to fellow colleagues to support them.” 

Mr Victor said they will hold a special Praise service on Sunday, April 26, at 11am when they will be taking pledges and special offering for the building fund. They are inviting the public to attend.

People may make financial donations to the building fund at the Royal Bank of Canada, Freeport. The account information is: Living Water Assembly, Royal Bank of Canada – Freeport, Account number 168-239-2.