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Wasilla Bible Church receives overwhelming support

by Leyla Santiago
Thursday, January 22, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Wasilla Bible Church has not had an easy year.

The vice presidential nomination of Gov. Sarah Palin, who is a fellow church member, put the church's beliefs under national scrutiny. And just as things started to settle down, a fire last month sparked more headlines.

But with one visit to the church, one can learn that from all the bad, comes some good.

Wasilla Bible Church is moving forward and is counting its blessings.

Fire damage is still visible, especially in the back corner, where Pastor Larry Kroon remembers watching the destruction of the blaze from outside.

"You can see where the accelerant was laid and where it inched up on the side of those doors," Kroon said. "It's a setback, but we've had the encouragement from so many different people."

Letters of encouragement have poured in from every state and other countries, he said. Kroon said the fire is now used as a lesson in geography and humanity.

"We had a couple of kids from the church post it and try to locate the city or town where it came from," Kroon said. "It's just tremendously encouraging. I don't know if I can explain it real well, but when you got that many people praying for you, you almost feel it. In fact you do feel it."

Along with the letters many have sent donations, but Kroon said the church has very good insurance that will cover the damages, so they're not short on cash right now.

"Somebody lit a match and God came back with a whole lot of grace," Kroon said.

The pastor expects to start holding services back in the church on Feb. 1.

The church has multiple volunteers responding to the letters, including women and children who are making thank you cards by hand.