Brier Creek church carries on as power outage darkens the area

Updated 2 hours ago
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Power was restored in the Brier Creek area after an outage Sunday morning left traffic lights dark and thousands of customers without electricity.

Traffic signals were out at Glenwood Avenue at Brier Creek Parkway and Glenwood Avenue at T.W. Alexander Drive. About 3,000 customers were affected, according to utility officials.

But one congregation refused to let the loss of electricity interrupt its worship.

At Victorious Praise Fellowship Church, the early service was already underway when the sanctuary suddenly went dark.

Pastor Wil Nicholas said the congregation quickly adapted.



"We are a very musical and lively church, so we had to go a cappella," Nicholas said. "Our praise and worship kept singing. I ministered, and normally I have a PA system and lights -- all of that went out."

With no power, church members opened the sanctuary curtains to let in sunlight. Some used phone flashlights to help illuminate the room.

"No power, but we do have the power of God," Nicholas said. "We really did feel His presence even though we didn't have our electrical power."

Despite the unexpected interruption, the service continued with clapping, singing and preaching.

"Whether we're in the light or the dark, we have the light of Jesus," Nicholas said.
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