LAKEHURST, NJ – If there was a day for God to answer prayers, it was on Wednesday as flames from the 4,000-acre Manchester forest fire encircled the Proving Ground Church on Proving Ground Road in Lakehurst.
In the early morning hours, fire from the quickly spreading blaze encircled the church but was stopped by firefighters who hosed down the building and started pushing the flames back.
In the end, the fire, which was put out Wednesday night, consumed 4,000 acres, but thanks to the hard work of area firefighters, there was no loss of life and no major damage reported to any houses or businesses in the path of the fire.
Late Wednesday night, most firefighters were released from the scene as several brush trucks from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service patrolled the area putting out minor flareups.
The church was one of those buildings saved by firefighters.
“The fire came to the edges of our parking lot, we are thankful for the first responders who hosed down our building and pushed back the fire.” said Brian Preiser, Campus Pastor.
“Our Easter services on Sunday was the largest in our short history, 300+ people. We are thankful to all the firefighters who protected our church.” said Nick Daleo, Lead Pastor.
Proving Ground Church (PGC) is dedicated to serving the local community. Our mission statement is “Loving people where they’re at because Christ loves us where we are.” They hold services on Sundays at 10am and have a variety of children’s programming.
For more information about the church visit www.provinggroundchurch.com
