Fort Gibson Couple's Church Family Helping Them Rebuild From The Ashes

A Fort Gibson family overcomes tragedy through friendship from their church family.  Mike and Kris Raubinger's mobile home was destroyed by fire on Christmas Day.

The Raubinger's were at church Christmas morning when the fire destroyed their home.

It's their church family who they're now leaning on as they begin to rebuild.

The mission is underway at Mike and Kris Raubinger's farm.

"We love them. They're our best friends," said friend Joyce Gauntt.

The Raubinger's mobile home nearly burned to the ground Sunday morning, Christmas Day while the couple was attending the First Freewill Baptist Church in Fort Gibson.

"I guess I didn't know what to think," said Kris Raubinger.

The Fort Gibson fire chief says it was caused by a wood stove that was left burning.

"It's particularly distressing," said Mike Raubinger.

But distress turned to action thanks to a blanket of support from friends.

"You know what, I didn't cry when it burned down but I've cried plenty with the outpouring of love from people. I just, it's overwhelming," said Kris Raubinger.

The Raubinger's are well known around Fort Gibson.

The couple is famous for their Clydesdales, Tony and Gilman, who they use to give carriage rides in parades and other Muskogee area functions.

They've only lived in Fort Gibson a few years but say this land is now home. It didn't take long after the fire for their church friends to reach out with a helping hand.

They first moved the burned shell of the trailer to a different part of the land and they're now preparing the site for a temporary camper for the Ruabingers to stay in until they find something permanent.

"I'm still in awe of the kind generosity of my Oklahoma neighbors here and my church family. I just can't say enough about them, to praise them. They've really made the difference for us," said Mike Raubinger.

Their friends say there never was a second thought to whether they would help, afterall, they say, they're all family.

"They'll be alright. We all take care of each other, that's what we do," said Joyce Gauntt.

"And the Lord takes care of us," said Carla Cooper.

The Raubinger's did not have insurance but their church has started a fund to help them through this difficult time.

The First Freewill Baptist Church in Fort Gibson is accepting financial contributions and donations for Kris and Mike Raubinger.

The church is located at 1487 East Poplar Street in Fort Gibson. The church's telephone number is 918- 478-4767.