LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
Flooding in the Las Vegas Valley Wednesday caused major problems for a local church. About three feet of water gathered around its two buildings and leaked into the ground floors.
Hope Church, near Maryland Parkway and Cactus Avenue, was at one point covered in mud. Dozens of churchgoers and others came to the rescue, clearing the mud and debris.
"We came together and showed support. It's really a family here at Hope," said Hope Church member Eric Reinbolb.
At first, the flood waters had Lead Pastor Travis Ogle praying.
"We saw clearly there were cars underwater, people swimming to dry land. We were just overwhelmed with how much rain was flooding around our campus," Ogle said.
Floodwater was sufficient to puncture a hole in the foundation of one of the buildings, sending three feet of water crashing into the property.
"Firefighters showed up and said you've got to evacuate the building. They pulled the power on both buildings and said we need everyone to leave campus," Ogle said.
The water eventually receded, leaving a thick coating of mud on the church's courtyard. Six inches of rainwater filled both buildings. With chairs, guitar amps, music instruments and much more inside, the church said damages will exceed $500,000.
Despite the damage, Ogle said the church will be open for service on Sunday.
"We have been overwhelmed with the number of people who have come just to serve," Ogle said.
The church does not have flood insurance. They are accepting donations of time and flowers. All of the church's landscaping was destroyed.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
Hope Church near Cactus and Maryland sustained heavy damage during Wednesday's storms. (Doug Johnson/FOX5)
Several feet of water surrounded the church. (Doug Johnson/FOX5)
The courtyard was covered in mud. (Doug Johnson/FOX5)
