NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — New Jerusalem Apostolic Faith Church has served the North Little Rock community for 24 years. After a fire destroyed the facility Wednesday morning, they are now looking to the community for support in efforts of getting back to what they love.
"I got the phone call at 8:19 this morning, and [was told] the church is on fire and I immediately jumped up out my bed," said Andrea Laster, daughter of Pastor Laster. "I was asleep, I didn't brush my teeth and then I just grabbed my keys and my wallet and ran down the stairs and called my daddy while running down the stairs."
Chief Shoemaker with the North Little Rock Fire Department (NLRFD) said they received the call around 8:14 a.m. on Wednesday morning. By the time they arrived on the scene, Shoemaker said the flames became quite extensive.
"They arrived on scene to heavy smoke and fire conditions. Attempted to make an interior tag, but the fire was too far gone at the time, so we had to back out, set up an aerial apparatus and finish extinguishing the fire from the outside," Chief Shoemaker said.
New Jerusalem Apostolic Faith Church is a church led by Bishop Tony Laster. It's a church that is a second home for his family. Now, the dedication they poured into it is reduced to ashes.
Andrea Laster told THV11 that her parents recently celebrated their 29th anniversary of preaching the gospel. New Jerusalem was also in the middle of expanding — looking to provide even more for the community.
"We were just really wanting to do more outreach, and we still are wanting to do outreach to the community. So we that so we can reach more people, and not just about coming to the church, but about giving back what we can, how we can benefit the community," Trena Bronson said.
In the aftermath of the fire, the group was able to salvage a few items and memories such as the drum set, keyboard and additional keepsakes.
Through their tribulations, Bishop Laster exuded optimism and most of all faith — showing his relentless trust in the Lord's ability to turn one obstacle into something extraordinary.
"You got to believe the word of God that it's planted in your heart that you might not sin against the Lord and that's what God is trying to do. God is trying to plant something positive in this neighborhood," Pastor Laster said.
While North Little Rock fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire, there are still ways you can help.
Andrea Laster said a GoFundMe would be available to provide donations towards the church's efforts of picking up the pieces again.
"We're stronger together and so what is happening here is not going to stop us," said Assistant Pastor Janice Washington. "We will come together as a family, and we will, we will rebuild and do what God has called for us to do."