May 18, 2007
Pastor Tim McGarvey could not have known that he would be watching the 117-year-old Altoona Alliance Church building in Pennsylvania burn to the ground just minutes after the Sunday service on May 6. But the sermon he preached, engage the congregation in Alliance missions could have been meant for his own church family. Some even may say it was prophetic.
“We had celebrated Great Commission Sunday,” says McGarvey, whose sermon was from 1 Samuel 17, citing David’s confrontation with Goliath. “I preached about The Alliance getting it done against all odds, never realizing the giant that awaited us a short time later.” Giving an altar call, he went on, “God thrives in impossible situations and triumphs through improbable people.” Three individuals came forward; one was a woman who said, “I want to get rid of this giant.” When McGarvey told her to give it to God, she said, “I don’t know who He is.” McGarvey prayed with the woman, who gave her heart to the Lord.
After the service, McGarvey and a few church members were praying when the fire alarm sounded. They quickly exited the building and were joined by about 50 more members. As the church burned, the Body of Christ joined hands, singing “How Great Thou Art.”
Everything was lost in the blaze, including McGarvey’s library, computer, and all the church records. He also kept many quotes, words he believed God had given to him for specific situations. “The quotes I had saved for 20 years are now in ashes,” he says. “But this is fresh from God as of last Sunday, ‘When you can do nothing—PRAY; when you can do everything—PRAY; at all times PRAY!’”
McGarvey expressed his gratitude for the many people who have contacted him, offering their prayers and help. “The outpouring of love has been tremendous,” says McGarvey. The congregation will show its appreciation next month when it hosts a “community thanks” party for firefighters, city officials, and neighbors who were there during its time of need.
Although the source of the fire is yet to be determined, the 255-member congregation agrees, “The church building burned, but the Altoona Alliance Church is very much alive.” Referring to David’s statement to Goliath, McGarvey paraphrased, saying, “And the whole world will know there is a living God in Altoona.”