A Bible.

The cover will be gone and the sides may be singed, but the foundation is still there.

For Laura Harrington’s family, their foundation and faith is all that remains after a fire took everything they owned.

The family lost all of their possessions when lightning struck their house and ignited a fire.

The Rev. Doug Hefner said it was a blessing that Harrington’s two children, Devin and Daniel, weren’t home that night.

“Her sons are always with her, and they just happened to be staying at a friend’s house. It was a sleep-over party. She (Laura) woke up to feel the heat from the flames,” Hefner said.

While the family lost everything that night, Hefner said it is inspiring how they are rebuilding their lives from the tragedy.

After a member of Hefner’s church, St. Peter’s Lutheran, brought the family’s need to the congregation, Hefner said everyone was eager to help them.

He said the Aid Association for Lutherans will match any funds the church collects to give to the family.

“It really makes you feel good because even $10 comes out to be $20,” Hefner said. The funds donated will also be matched by the Lutheran Brotherhood Branch 8140.

Some specific items the family needs are: living room and dining room furniture, a bed and clothes. The oldest son, 13, wears adult small shirts, 16-18 pants and a size 9 shoe. The younger son, 11, wears 14-16 shirt, 10-12 pants and size 7 1

Hefner said it would be better to call the church at 279-5054 to ask about more specific items. You can send donations to St. Peters Lutheran Church, 2570 St. Peters Church Road, Salisbury, N.C. 28146, or you can take items by the church.

The Harringtons are not the first family the church has assisted. In January, church members raised more than $5,000 for family that lost its house to a fire. Hefner said the congregation and the community pulled together to help the family when they needed it most.

He hopes the same is true for the Harrington family.