Updated 11/22/2009 9:37:13 PM
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. -- With joyful voices and open arms, members of New Testament Baptist Church gave a warm welcome to the congregation of Calvary Baptist Church, which was destroyed by fire one week ago.
"It's a camaraderie, it's a love that God puts in our hearts for each other," said Pastor Fred Tag of New Testament. "And that's why we're here."
"They've just been so generous and so loving," said Calvary Pastor Mike Mullins. "We couldn't have asked for more."
Calvary Baptist was in crisis mode last Sunday after an early morning fire destroyed the sanctuary.
Days later, investigators confirmed the fears of church members by ruling the fire was deliberately set.
"I feel so sorry for the people that done it, just to think they would do something like that," said Lucy Teasley, one of the founding members of Calvary. "I ask God to forgive them, because they don't realize what they're doing."
The one thing the fire didn't do was destroy Calvary's spirit.
The congregation still standing strong, together.
"We've got a lot to be thankful for today," Pastor Mullins said. "That's when you really praise the Lord, when you're down and out."
The fire at Calvary was the second church arson in two weeks in metro Atlanta, prompting state officials to issue a warning to other churches across the area to beef up security.
The state fire safety commissioner is offering a $10,000 reward in the Calvary case.
Investigators are also checking for any connections between that fire and another one on November 6 at East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church.
