Sunday, less than a week after their church was damaged by fire, the congregation of Spring Valley Baptist Church in Sumter County met for service. Only this time they met in a district building.

The building of Spring Valley Baptist Church is still not being used after being damaged by fire. But ask anyone here and they'll tell you that the church is just as strong as ever. It's a sentiment that has resonated from each of the churches damaged or destroyed by fire: "The building can be taken away, but the church remains in the congregation." And, as devastating as these fires have been, Church officials say that everything will work out.

"God is in control and we know that if God allows something to happen, God is going to bring something good out of it. Evil never wins over right. And we know, ultimately, right is going to win and so that keeps us going," said Pastor Glenn Harris.

Harris says that the congregation 'feels strong and is encouraged.' Life-long church member Clara Smith says that Spring Valley Baptist Church was her life.

"My heart broke. I've never been so sad in all the days of my life. I was sadder about the church than when either one of my parents died," said Smith.

From the pastor to church members and everyone in between, it is apparent that they are all relying on God to get them through this hard time.

"Well, God is in charge, He's going to make it good for us, He's going to stand by, He's not going to let us down, He hasn't let us down. He ain't gonna let us down now," said Deacon John Rogers Loeng.

Reverend Harris says he's not sure when the church will meet in their own building, but that the damage is already being cleaned up.