Officials: Man Arrested, Faces Arson Charges In Connection To Fire At Reach Church In Delaware

BEAR, Del. (CBS) — Investigators in Delaware say they’ve caught the man wanted in connection to a fire at a church in Bear. Thomas Loftis III is accused of starting the fire at the Reach Church on Summit Bridge Road.

Investigators say multiple fires were ignited inside the sanctuary.

(credit: Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office)

No one was injured.

The fire caused about $250,000 in damages.

source: https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/07/23/officials-thomas-loftis-arrested-charged-in-delaware-church-fire/

>>10065532

Delaware community gathers in prayer for man accused of burning church

BEAR, Delaware (WPVI) – A Delaware community gathered on Thursday night to pray for a man accused of burning their church earlier this week.

It happened Monday night at the Reach Church in Bear.

Pastor Chuck Betters led a group in prayer saying, "Lord I pray for the individual who did this."

Jordan Schoenberger is a church elder and said, "We believe in redemption."

"The church is going to be forgiving," said Johnny Orejuela.

Thomas Loftis III is accused of setting fire to the church. He is now being charged with arson and burglary.

The church suffered extensive smoke and water damage.

"Several pews were set on fire throughout the building. There was equipment thrown off the balcony. When we got here, they were drilling through the steeple to release the smoke," said Betters.

Members gathering on Thursday night prayed for healing and for Loftis.

Pat Gardner of Bear said, "I think the church is going to grow and be stronger."

Schoenberger said, "This is really special to see. This is our church, the people are our church. We're more than a building."

"We would absolutely forgive him and welcome him. He needs Jesus," said Betters.

Betters says they will be back in their sanctuary soon, vowing that it will be rebuilt.

source: https://6abc.com/reach-church-fire-arson-delaware/6331909/

video captures: "no one really cares about his motive"

ummhhh, I do….no motive discovered, no connection to any groups revealed as of yet…

another weapon in the spiritual arsenal

for those praying against the evil being perpetuated in our country

Litany of St. Michael

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy, etc.

God the Holy Ghost,

Holy Trinity, one God,

Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels, pray for us, etc.

St. Michael, the Archangel,

Most glorious attendant of the Triune Divinity,

Standing at the right of the altar of Incense,

Ambassador of Paradise,

Glorious Prince of the Heavenly armies,

Leader of the Angelic hosts,

The standard-bearer of God’s armies,

Defender of Divine glory,

First defender of the Kingship of Christ,

Strength of God,

Invincible Prince and warrior,

Angel of Peace,

Guide of Christ,

Guardian of the Catholic Faith,

Champion of God’s people,

Guardian Angel of the Eucharist,

Defender of the Church,

Protector of the Sovereign Pontiff,

Angel of Catholic action,

Powerful intercessor of Christians,

Bravest defender of those who hope in God,

Guardian of our souls and bodies,

Healer of the sick,

Help of those in their agony,

Consoler of the Souls in Purgatory,

God’s messenger for the souls of the just,

Terror of the evil spirits,

Victorious in battle against evil,

Guardian and Patron of the universal Church,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

Relying, O Lord, upon the intercession of Thy blessed Archangel Michael, we humbly beg of Thee, that the Sacrament of the Eucharist which we have received may make our souls holy and pleasing to Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.