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Members Vow To Rebuild Church Destroyed By Arson

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- Hope is rising for one Baltimore County church after a fast-moving fire gutted their building.

Now, as Gigi Barnett reports, the investigation continues but the church and its members have found a temporary home.

Members of the Pleasant Zion Baptist Church in Baltimore County call this sanctuary a blessing.

"It's a blessing from the sky. The Lord blessed us," said Rev. James Gray, Jr., Pleasant Zion Baptist Church's pastor.

It has temporary shelter after a fast-moving fire ripped through their church, days after Easter services. Last week, fire investigators ruled the blaze an arson.

This Sunday's service almost didn't happen. Another church, Shiloh Baptist, donated space to Pleasant Zion in the nick of time.

"It's coming up on hard times here, Lord, but I know you're going to give us the strength to handle it," Gray said.

Now that the church has someplace to worship, the rebuilding begins. The pastor says that could take as long as five months.

"It will be fixed up, bigger and better," Gray said. "The Lord is able. We don't have to worry. The Lord is in charge."

Investigators say a break in the case could come later this week.

The church has set up a donation fund to help rebuild. If you'd like to contribute, the address is 4317 Northpoint Boulevard, Baltimore, Md 21222.

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