Thank you Dothan Fire Department

The abandoned building next to Love In Action was engulfed in flames this afternoon. We thank the brave firefighters of the Dothan Fire Department for their quick response and for protecting our buildings. We thank God for His protection of the firefighters and our buildings.

We are blessed to live in Dothan, Alabama, for so many reasons. I often tell people from all over the US and beyond that we live in one of the best places in the world because of the people.

Today was another great example as firefighters from the Dothan Fire Department battled a fully engulfed abandoned building next door to Love In Action. Not only did they bring an intense and dangerous fire under control, but they also protected our Love In Action buildings. Thank you, Dothan Fire Department.

Martha and I were out of town visiting our parents when we started receiving phone calls about the fire. The first was Barbie Nolan from Covenant UMC. She saw the billows of spoke darkening the sky near Love In Action. Mayor Mark Saliba called  right after that, and then Dothan Fire Department Deputy Chief Chris Etheredge called me. 

I quickly pulled up our security cameras and saw what was going on. The fire was very intense. I arrived a couple of hours later and they had the blaze under control. As I sat there and looked at the scene I marveled at God's protection. There'a a large oak tree on the other property, but it hangs over the drive thru at Love In Action. It was the grace and protection of God and the hard work of the firefighters that the tree didn't catch fire and spread. Praise God!

Rumors quickly swirled that Love In Action's building was on fire. I immediately took a photo with one of our security cameras and posted to our Facebook page and reported that it was not our building, but the one next door. I then called my brother from another mother, Mark Giles at The Joy FM, and asked him if they would announce the fire was not at LIA and that we were all fine. Russ and Nancy did an excellent job announcing that. 

Martha and I are very thankful tonight for God's protection. Not only did He protect our building, but most importantly, He protected all of the firefighters. We are thankful none of them were injured.

Thank you again, Dothan FD. Y'all are the best. The brave men and women who serve our city as first responders should be thanked often and prayed for daily. May God continue to bless each one and our wonderful city.

Dothan Firefighters working hard to put out the flames. Great work guys! God bless all of you.