Hope emerges after fire destroys Bethlehem church

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (FOX 29) - Officials in Bethlehem are investigating a fire that tore through the inside of a church in Lehigh County Sunday night.

The blaze erupted at the Iglesia Pentecostal De Bethlehem church on the 1000 block of Pembroke Road in Bethlehem around midnight.

The parish was established by the late Reverend Dario Cruz, but is now run by his daughter, Nitza Colon.

"I know that he's not here but I know that he watches us," said Colon. "There's a God that's watching what's happening so, in due time, God will bring justice to what happened."

The fire is being investigated by police and fire officials, as well as Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm agents.

"It was devastating because I saw my Dad here for hours and hours working on the church," said Colon.

While the church has been reduced to burned pews and scorched musical instruments, hope comes from the items that made it out of the blaze unscathed.

A portrait of Rev. Cruz, a large bible and the name of the parish serve as harbingers of good things to come for members of the parish.

"The name of the church "of the glory of God" is still right there, and that's very important for us. That means that God is still here, no matter what," a church member said.

Church leaders say they will either rebuild the current church or move to a new location. Neighboring chapels have reached out to provide assistance.