Abilene family of 13 displaced by house fire, Church community steps in to help
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Abilene firefighters arrived at a house fire on the 5000 block of Llano Street in West Abilene at about 10:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. First responders reported heavy smoke from the two-story structure and mounted an attack from the inside. Everyone in the home at the time was able to escape, though one person was stated to have sustained minor burn injuries. Now, this family of 13 has lost their home of two years and is reeling from the shock.
1 person injured in Abilene house fire
“He (The father) was traumatized by the fire. And when I came in, we prayed for him, and I started counseling them. And now he is doing much better; he’s okay,” said Abilene Pastor Ali Mitachi.
Mitachi is the pastor of this family’s home church, Portland Ave. Free Methodist Church. He says he rushed to the home when he heard of the fire, hoping to offer whatever help he could to the family. And his congregation followed.
“For now, as the church, we are trying to help them wherever we can… I called the members of the church to come help after the firefighters allowed us to remove some stuff,” Mitachi said.
Together, they helped salvage and pack what they could. The church has opened its doors for the family while they wait for the Red Cross or the International Rescue Committee to assist in their relocation.
Mitachi said he was moved, though not surprised, to see his congregation stepping up to put actions to their words and helping out their brothers and sisters in Christ in a true display of neighborly love.
“That’s the good thing we are preaching every time. When somebody is in need or in trouble…Step in and help. That’s a good thing,” said Mitachi.
A news release from the Abilene Fire Department states that the fire was started by an electrical arc in an upstairs wall. The damage has been estimated to total $50,000. It is currently unknown if the family will be able to salvage the interior of their home.
Pastor Mitachi shared that their main need right now is for food. After that, they are in need of clothing and mattresses to replace what was damaged in the fire.
If you want to help, Mitachi said donations can be dropped off at the Portland Ave. Free Methodist Church. You can also get in contact by phone at (325) 232-2371.
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