Powhatan Mennonite Church

P.O. Box 220, 3540 Old Buckingham Rd. 

  Powhatan, Virginia  23139-0220

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Ken, Midge, Rachel and Christina Ranck of Harrisonburg lost their home and possessions in a devastating house fire Thursday evening, January 4th. Ken is the oldest son of Art and Phoebe Ranck.

The Rancks who lived in an old homestead that had suffered water damage in past years flooding were in the process of building a new home on a nearby hill. Fire had always been an unsettling fear for them.

On this particular evening after stoking the wood stove and cleaning up the dirt, they left at 7 PM to attend a Bird Club meeting at Heritage Haven in Park View.

As they pulled off interstate on returning home at 9 PM they noticed the ominous orange glow in the direction of their home. As they raced homeward, the unsettling fear gave way to sheer horror as they saw the fire trucks and crowd of concerned onlookers surrounding their home. The fire marshal traced the fire back to the trash can.

The next day as they began to sort through the ashes they found a melted clock set at 7:30 PM. They realized the fire had very quickly raced through the timber dry structure. In the face of the devastation it is amazing how many things are salvageable.

Until their new home is completed in the spring, they will be living in a nearby house that had just been vacated. It had just been cleaned and was ready for new occupants.

The Rancks are so touched and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love shown to them. God was merciful and no lives were lost. Pray for them as they begin to cope with the lost, not only of their belongings but of personal treasures and keepsakes.

For questions or comments you may email the pastor at timbev2@yahoo.com or the webmaster at hffinc@i-c.net