Massive blaze at Mount Zion church

One of Norwich’s biggest churches was severely damaged last night by a blaze that engulfed the whole building.

Up to 100 firefights from across Norfolk tackled the fire at the Mount Zion Family Life Centre on Heartsease Lane in Norwich.

But church leaders have responded to the blaze by saying that the church is about people and not a building and they already looking to the future.

Some 15 fire engines plus support units attended the blaze which quickly took hold of the timber-framed building.

Steve Mawston, one of the church’s leaders who attended the scene, told the Eastern Daily Press: "I got a call to come to the church at around 10pm and when I got here I was just shocked. It felt so surreal seeing the church going up in flames in this way.

Steve said the building had been closed for the night from about 9.45pm.

"It is a great tragedy what has happened here tonight but my feeling is that this will bring our church closer together and it will make us stronger,” he said.

"We believe we still have a great future. Our church is not a building - it is about people.

"We still have a lot to achieve and I know that we will all go forward from here."

Pictured is the cross on the top of the Family Life Centre engulfed by flames.

Feedback:

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	Pastor Tom Rawls (Guest)	23/02/2006 13:52
We were so shocked to hear the news of the fire and we wish to send our prayers and heart felt support to the church during this time. We will stand with you during this difficult time Trevor & Joyce. Our prayers are with you, the leadership and members of Mount Zion church. Tom & Denise Rawls, Pastors of Proclaimers Church
	Debbie Swaggart (Guest)	23/02/2006 14:29
Love and prayers for each of you!! God bless! Debbie Swaggart
	MurielBridge (Guest)	23/02/2006 15:29
Gage Road Chapel is shocked atyour tragedy - sending you love and prayers.
	Witard Road Baptist Church (Guest)	23/02/2006 16:01
What a tremendous shock for you all. Our love and prayers assured as you make important decisions over these next weeks.
	Warren Beemer, San Antonio, Tx (Guest)	23/02/2006 17:42
I will never forget carrying my miracle, my baby daughter, through the doors of your church as a fulfillment of prophecy from 10 years bafore. But even as I remember that wonderful time, I am reminded in my spirit that a church building can be burnt down, but the rock that it is built on will stand forever. FLC,THE POWER OF CHRIST THAT HAS BEEN EVIDENT IN YOUR MINISTRY, IS A ROCK FOR THE CITY OF NORWICH, GREAT BRITIAN AND THE WHOLE WORLD AND EVEN THROUGH THIS GREAT TRIAL GOD WILL BUILD HIS CHURCH ON THAT ROCK. Myself Susan and all of your family here at John Hagee Ministries want you to know that you are continually in our prayers. God bless you always. We Love You. Warren, Susan, Susie & Katie Beemer
	David Chamberlin, Cambridge (Guest)	23/02/2006 17:50
As a former guest at 'Friends in Ministry', I was shocked to see the fire on the Look East news. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this challenging time. In my Scripture reading the next morning was 1 Peter 2.4-10. Living stones, not bricks and mortar! May you continue to build on the Cornerstone of Christ. With love in the Lord David Chamberlin, Rector of All Saints Milton, Cambridge, formerly Vicar of Swardeston Group of Parishes, Norwich.
	Henry Hinn (Guest)	26/02/2006 17:44
Donna and I are saddened and shocked to about the fire at the church, we were so blessed being there for services and really enjoyed the ministry.our thoughts and prayers are with you pastor trevor and joyce and all the family of Mount Zion Church. We love you Pastor Henry,Donna Hinn
	shannon caldwell (baton rouge) (Guest)	27/02/2006 05:24
"when one of us weeps so should we all" So sorry for your loss. I know your attitude has been so positive during all of this, however, I cant imagine what you all are going through. FAITH what a time to test it. God is so amazing, I mean what Satan means to destroy God prevails through it. There are many people that are linked to your church through this person and that, by Christ, we are linked eternally. I am friends with Miriam, Ben, and Phillip Pimlott, and I just wanted to say I will be praying for your pastor, a new facility, and my brothers and sisters in mourning right now. Keep your chins up and keep pressing forward. The evil one can only take what you let him.
	Maryann Davison (Guest)	27/02/2006 09:00
After worshipping at Drayton Hall Sunday morning. I realised that the Church may have burnt very quickly Monday night. But the fire of Mount Zion people, is truely ablaze. And will blaze until King Jesus returns!
	marclaws (Guest)	01/03/2006 10:49
the zion church will rise up from this and look forward to the church to be build the church was a secound home to me i was sad to when i saw it in the edp i no the lord has got new plans my prayers are with the leaders of zion and may god bless you all

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