Damaged Dome Hosts Huge Easter Service

"It's a miracle and we prayed for that!" That's how Audrey Hogg described being able to celebrate Easter Sunday at the Georgia Dome. She was one of more than 30-thousand worshippers at the annual New Birth Missionary Baptist Church service 9 days after a tornado hit much of downtown Atlanta, including the dome.

New Birth Senior Pastor Eddie Long and his members didn't know until just 4 days ago that the dome could still host their huge celebration. "Bishop didn't want to have 3 or 4 services today, just too many for him," church member Audrey Hogg said, "so we prayed that the dome would be ready for us to have service."

Among those attending and invited to sit on stage in the VIP section was rapper "T.I.", whose real name is Clifford Harris. Still facing trial on federal machine gun charges, Harris was allowed this one time exception to his confinement under house arrest.

He drew applause and some friendly laughter when he spoke about his purpose for observing Easter. "We're here to celebrate the death of our Lord and Savior," Harris said, "he was willing to give his life for us so that we may ask for forgiveness for our sins and be forgiven and saved...no matter how many times we have to ask...or how long it takes to get it right."