Flames tore through a Georgia church late Monday night, reducing much of the beloved Prayer City Eagles Chapel to ash and rubble.

A woman has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after a fire destroyed a major portion of a church in Austell, Georgia, following a series of warning messages sent to its leaders, as The Christian Post reports.

The fire ignited between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday at Prayer City Eagles Chapel, a large worship facility located in Austell. Crews responded quickly and battled the flames for several hours, but the damage was catastrophic. Approximately 20,000 square feet of the church’s structure were destroyed in the blaze.

Officials say suspect entered church unlawfully

Investigators searching through the charred remains found a plastic container filled with a flammable liquid. This discovery fueled suspicions of arson and led law enforcement to a suspect just two days later. Aries Maliah Jordan, a 26-year-old woman, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the incident.

Authorities allege Jordan had unlawfully entered the building before the fire and had sent a string of alarming messages to church members in the days beforehand. The messages included language threatening to burn the building down and cause harm to people inside. Some warned of shootings and implied the facility’s destruction.

Jacky Tamo, whose husband serves as an assistant pastor at the church, said one such message claimed that the church was already “gone.” At first, members believed she was joking, but the seriousness became evident once the fire erupted.

Arson suspect held without bond

Jordan now faces an array of felony charges, including first-degree arson, burglary, criminal damage, and making terroristic threats. She is also charged with vandalizing a place of worship and possessing tools used for committing a crime. A magistrate judge has chosen not to set a bond, citing the severe nature of the alleged offenses.

Police and fire investigators emphasized that the timing of the fire could have led to even greater tragedy, possibly endangering lives had there been worshipers or staff inside the building at the time. Fortunately, the facility was unoccupied when the blaze occurred.

Prayer City Eagles Chapel had only recently recovered from another disaster—flood damage that required extensive rebuilding. The congregation had been looking forward to a period of stability and growth until this latest setback.

Church members react with determination

Pastor Raphael Grant said he found out about the fire from one of his church leaders. “She asked me, ‘What happened? Is everyone OK?’ Then she told me the church is on fire, it’s on the news,” Grant recalled.

He added that the extent of the destruction and the intent behind the act were devastating. “You have to be possessed by a demon to do something like that,” the pastor said. “You cannot be a logical, rational human being to do that.”

Despite the loss, church leaders and members have expressed a strong intention to keep moving forward. Justice Asante, the church’s head of media, emphasized the central role the building played in the congregation’s life, describing it as “the house of God” and a place he had attended for ten years.

Congregation turns to community for support

Determined not to let the fire end their ministry, the church has turned to the community for support. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise $4 million. The funds will go toward rebuilding the church structure and replacing damaged items such as flooring, roofing materials, furniture, and technical equipment.

The fundraising page, signed by Pastor Grant, expresses hope and faith despite the hardship. In his message, Grant wrote, “The God of heaven will give us success.” The campaign reflects a community united in grief and faith, seeking a way forward after devastation.

While investigators continue to examine the details of the case, church members have been left to find temporary places of worship. Leaders indicate that, regardless of where they meet, their mission and spirit remain unchanged.

Ongoing investigation amid public concern

This incident has raised questions in the community about safety and how such situations can be prevented. Law enforcement officials have reassured church members that the investigation is a priority and that continued efforts will be made to ensure justice is served.

As more details emerge, residents and fellow worshippers across the area have expressed shock and sadness at the events. The congregation, shattered by both physical damage and the emotional toll of targeted threats, is determined to rebuild stronger than before.

Prayer City Eagles Chapel joins a growing number of religious institutions across the country that have recently faced arson, vandalism, or threats, prompting greater discussion about protections for places of worship. The outcome of this case may influence how future threats are assessed and addressed.