The Dobbins church holds special meaning for its 39 members. Nestled in a wooded area 30 miles Northeast of Yuba City, Calif., and led by Pastor Albert Beierle, the Dobbins church was “home” to its members. Recently, however, the church sustained a major devastation.

At 5:15 a.m. on June 7, a passerby called the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention to report that the Dobbins Seventh-day Adventist Church had caught fire. In response to the call, seven fire engines and a water tinder arrived at the church to extinguish the fire. According to the CDF, the fire caused $300,000 in damages, and marshals are still investigating to ascertain the cause of the fire. Authorities have declared the church to be a total loss. Fortunately, however, no one was injured.

“It was 5:30 a.m. when I got the phone call about the fire,” said Jim Pappas, head elder. “Essentially, the church is built in an elongated U-shape, with the sanctuary going East and West and the classrooms and social rooms going parallel to the sanctuary. That whole center of the church was totally destroyed.”

Despite the setback, the members have continued to move forward. “Ultimately, we want to build a structure in the glory of God,” said Beierle. “We will regroup and reorganize to build a better structure; we are confident because we know that ‘All things work together for good for them that love God.’”

“We’re of good courage,” said Vivian Johnson. “The community has rallied to our cause, and many of the churches have offered the use of their buildings free of charge. It seems like the community has grown closer because of this experience.”

Members were further encouraged by a unique occurrence. After the fire, a large, white dove was seen at the church. “The dove came down and landed on the roof as the men were working and shoveling debris out,” said member Linda Pappas. “It walked along the roof, stopped and looked down at the men working and just stayed there for several hours. The CDF and investigators assumed it was a church pet that was used for our church services, because it just wouldn’t go away.”

In the aftermath of the fire, the congregation will meet at the Pappas’ home for Sabbath school, church services and prayer meetings. Regardless of the meeting place, however, Beierle and his members are confident that God will work things out. “Our church is praying that God will help the church to grow,” said Beierle. “We want to keep a light shining within the community.”