A massive fire broke out Sunday afternoon and destroyed a home on Old State Road in northern Vanderburgh County. But through the flames is the story of a church and a community rallying behind one of their own.
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Fires can test your faith and losing it all can test your resolve.
"I stood in disbelief," said Mark Riggs. "I don't think my mind has been off of it yet. It was kind of a sleepless night last night."
Mark Riggs' mind is still churning while what remains of his house is still burning. Like Sunday's fire itself, the news spread quickly at Blue Grass Church.
"I was crushed," said Doug Heiman, pastor of Blue Grass Church. "We were here in our new building celebrating and to hear one of our members lost their home was absolutely devastating."
You could see the devastation in the roof, the windows and the attic of Riggs' home on Sunday. But the fire also sparked a steady outpouring of support.
"They're just one of the families that represent our church and our faith so well," Pastor Heiman said.
"The church is just a tight knit church all the way around," Riggs said. "It's growing in size but still very personable and and everybody supports everybody.
Mark Riggs, his wife Rachel and their three sons dedicate much of their time to the church and community. It's a family that gives so much only to lose so much.
"The biggest loss was our dog," Riggs said. "He was a rescue dog. We loved him."
Even after this test of faith the family vows to rebuild because, well, they've done it before.
It was November 6th, 2005.
"After the tornado came through Angel mounds, we were the first small community that got hit," Riggs said. "The difference now is we had stuff back then we could still see and remember even though it might have been damaged or ruined. This time, everything is pretty much gone."
Rebuilding will be their burden to bear but through faith and resolve, the Riggs family won't have to do it alone.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Blue Grass Church is accepting donations to help out the Riggs family. Here's a link.
