The lingering smell of smoke kept McMurray Gospel Assembly from holding worship services for five weeks, but on June 12th the church was finally able to conduct public services for the first time since the devastating wildfires that swept through the area in early May.
Robert Parmenter, associate pastor at MGA, reports that about half of the city’s population has since returned. He says that while the church building itself did not sustain any physical damage, it had taken a while to “almost” clear up the smoke.
Their first gathering was a great service with a time of communion and a lunch together afterwards.
“We still have lots to do,” Parmenter says. “We have identified over 41 families in our church who have lost everything.” While their entire lives have been shaken more than those who lost little or nothing, Parmenter notes than none escaped entirely. “We have all been affected in one way or another,” he says, “but God is still on the throne and his name will be glorified.”
Out of the ashes, good things come.
Parmenter has heard stories of the fire reuniting families who had not spoken for a long time but are now rebuilding their relationships. Others have surrendered their lives to God in the aftermath, recognizing that Someone was watching over them.
A father and his three sons, separated for many years, reconnected because of the fire. They were finally able to forgive each other. “This story was particularly touching,” says Parmenter. “After being back in Fort McMurray just over a week, the father passed away from a heart attack. The fire made it possible for him to reconcile with his boys.”
Parmenter had the privilege of doing the funeral service June 14th. “Out of the raging fire came a reconciliation that brought the family back together,” he says. “We are believing God for great things in the coming weeks and months.”
“We can look at all the devastation of the fire,” says Parmenter, “or we can look at positive things. New growth is already taking place, both in nature and in the church.”
Some looked at burnt trees and destruction; others saw new growth.
McMurray Gospel Assembly saw new people attending worship in God’s house this past Sunday, “and it is only the beginning,” says Parmenter. The church is believing God will be glorified as people who lost everything will receive new houses and a new start—both spiritually and materially.
The church asks for continued prayer. “We still have a long road ahead of us,” says Parmenter. People in some areas with houses still standing have not yet been allowed back home to live. It could be September or longer before restrictions are lifted.
So for all the challenging days ahead, the people of McMurray Gospel Assembly appreciate your prayers.
