A Denver pastor is facing $200,000 in repairs after his church, where he lives with his family, was severely damaged in an arson fire early Jan. 26.
Good News Denver Church, started by Pastor Daniel Jeong and his wife three years ago, is believed to have caught fire after a homeless person started a fire outside to stay warm. The fire spread to the building and devastated Jeong’s office and several other sections of the church.
The Denver Fire Department confirmed the fire is being investigated as arson, but has not provided further details.
Jeong was asleep with his three children at the time of the fire. His wife was out of town.
“When I stepped into the hallway, thick smoke had already filled the air,” Jeong said. “When I opened my office door, I was overwhelmed by smoke and nearly lost consciousness.”
Jeong was able to safely evacuate with his children, but the church cat, who had been sleeping in Jeong’s office, died in the fire.
“My office was completely destroyed and firefighters had to open the roof to extinguish the fire,” Jeong said.
In addition to Jeong’s office, the church’s new daycare, in the basement, was also damaged by the fire. The daycare was set to be opened in June and would have provided free care to clients’ children.
Jeong did not have insurance at the time of the fire because of financial difficulties, so he’s facing the church’s estimated $200,000 in repairs without coverage.
“If any companies or any people are willing to help us, we’d really appreciate it,” Jeong said.
Jeong shares the building with Pastor Eric Zamora, who runs another church at the location. Zamora’s portion of the church was unharmed but he is helping Jeong to restore the church.
Jeong and his family are temporarily staying at a friend’s place until the church is livable again.
Despite the hardship Jeong and his family are facing, he emphasized that he does not blame the person who caused the fire.
“He just wanted to avoid the cold weather,” Jeong said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Jeong and his wife came to the United States as missionaries from South Korea 11 years ago, starting their first church in a two-bedroom apartment while struggling to make ends meet. Jeong said acquiring the Good News Denver Church was a blessing, and he wants to give back as much as possible.
Every year, the church donates over 3,000 pounds of produce grown in the community garden. The church also offers free classes to learn Korean and works with seniors through community outreach programs.
A GoFundMe has been started for Jeong to help rebuild the church. As of Feb. 12, $7,049 has been raised toward a goal of $200,000.
Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter.