CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There's been little sign of physical progress nearly one year after someone intentionally set an east Charlotte church on fire.
The rear of the Briar Creek Road Baptist Church stands as a skeleton of what it once was, with only the foundation standing from the church's kitchen, fellowship hall and youth building.
The arson last June followed a string of church fires across the country and came one week after nine black worshippers were gunned down at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Investigators have yet to make an arrest in the case. No one was injured in the fire.
"Although lives weren't taken, lives were hurt and affected," said church co-pastor Rhonda Kinsey.
"You look at that area and see it could have been worse," Rhonda Kinsey said.
Rhonda Kinsey and husband Mannix Kinsey, lead pastor, said they both forgive the person responsible for setting the fire.
"Hearing that sound of the wood burning and seeing the gulp of flames here when I actually got here, it still resonates in my mind to see that," Mannix Kinsey said.
Church officials are relying on donations and fundraisers to kick-start the near half-million dollar rebuild.
The building destroyed also housed a summer youth camp, Camp Son Shine.
Leaders welcomed nearly 30 campers back to the church although in a different space after relocating last June.
"I truly believe that even though the fire happened, God is still letting the people that share this congregation and us know, that listen, let me tell you something, this will not stop my move," Mannix Kinsey said.
The ATF has been working to find the arsonist and is offering a $5,000 reward for an arrest in the case.
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