Investigators do, however, believe these ten arson attacks against are linked, Giles notes. "They do have some connections in tire prints, and they've got connections in footprints," he says. Also, he points out, "They've got the FBI profilers in" and, in addition to local authorities, more than 40 federal agents are involved in the investigation.

Nevertheless, people are uneasy, the Christian spokesman observes. Believers statewide are on edge, he says, "because some of these churches in rural areas are their second home. They go to work, they spend time with their family and do chores around their property, and they go to church. It's just part of their three-legged stool way of life, and [the church is] just a major pillar in the community."

But despite their worry, Giles says Alabama Christians are hanging tough. "The resiliency and the message and the sentiments of these people are strong," he contends.

Echoing the feelings of one member of an affected congregation in Bibb County, where five of the recent arson attacks took place, the Alabama Christian Coalition leader notes, "One of the ministers said to me, 'You can burn down our church, but you cannot burn down the body of Christ. We will march on.'"

Giles says the Christian Coalition of Alabama is helping to beef up the rewards being offered by authorities for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for these fires. The organization recently announced that it would match the $10,000 reward put up by Governor Bob Riley and Alfa Insurance.

(c) 2006, Agape Press