Cowboy Junction Church Members Hold Service Day After Fire

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

VINITA, Oklahoma -- Folks near Vinita are still stunned by Sunday's devastating fire that destroyed a cowboy church ministry, Christian school and popular restaurant. But they're already promising to overcome.

7/24/2011 Related Story: Vinita Church Deemed Total Loss After Large Fire 

Cowboy Junction Church members celebrated their regular Monday night service where the ministry began more than 20 years ago, in an old veterinary barn.

"We are going back to our roots. This is where started Cowboy Junction in 1989," said Louise Markham, pastor's wife.

The air conditioning struggled to keep the small rooms cool -- but the July heat and the smoldering remains of what used to be -- couldn't freeze the hearts of the congregation.

"A lot of people go here. A lot of people depend on this church," said Vinita resident Josh Parrish.

Cowboy Junction's Pastor Wade Markham says the church's motto is "putting people in touch with the god of hope." They say that message has never been more true.

"We are going to rebound, we are going to flourish and be ok," Louise Markham said.

Cleanup work begins in the day ahead as preschool will begin very soon.