Cleanup begins at Midwest City church after severe storms

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR) – Cleanup efforts are underway at the Charity Free Will Baptist Church in Midwest City after Saturday’s storms.

Troy Stengrim, the church’s Director of Christian Education said he’s still in shock at the destruction.

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“My heart just sank when I saw that,” said Stengrim.

The building at SE 29th and Westminster, built in 1986, is where about 50 members gather to worship.

“We’re a church family and this would be like our family home,” said Stengrim. “So, seeing your family home damaged like that, yeah, it’s a little crushing.”

Oklahoma County Residential Field Appraiser Mike Slepko said in the Midwest City area, the church suffered the worst damage he’s seen.

“On this property, the church is about what we would consider a 50% adjustment,” said Slepko.

There’s water damage, electrical issues, the back wall needs to be rebuilt and the entire roof needs to be replaced.

Although it may take a while, the church promises to rebuild.

“We’re not going to give up on this church. We’re still going to build it. We’re still going to have services,” said Stengrim. “Might not be the greatest of services, but we’re still going to have service.”

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Stengrim said he’s blown away by all of the support they’ve gotten from the community and other churches. He said right now they only need one thing.

“Prayers,” said Stengrim. “You know, pray for the church, but also pray for Sulphur and Holdenville and we want to be able to get to a place where we can help other churches, like they’re helping us.”

Fortunately the church is insured. An insurance assessor is coming on Wednesday.

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