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'This young man, pray for him. Pray for his family' | Byron Church returns to worship following arson

Byron United Methodist Church gathered and worshiped on Sunday, only days after an arsonist set their administration building on fire.

MACON, Ga. — It was a full house at the Byron United Methodist Church on Sunday morning. 

This comes after Byron Police say an arsonist intentionally set their administration building on fire on the night of Aug. 20. 

Pastor Josh Bizzell told the congregation he was glad they were able to worship and not let the fire be a setback. Bizzell says he knows the suspect must be held accountable but hopes his congregation can give him grace and forgiveness. 

"Our church has experienced grief and tragedy together but our staff has experienced a special kind of grief this week." Bizzell said “I just want to remind us I know that we have been victims of a crime as a community. But too please pray for those who hurt you, pray for those who hurt you. This young man, pray for him. Pray for his family who is completely innocent and did not ask to be thrown into all of this.”

Bizzell says he is hopeful they will begin their regularly scheduled two services in the coming weeks. According to the Byron Police Department, Luke Westfield, the man who allegedly set the first was arrested. He is in custody in Columbia County.

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