> ## Lightning Strikes Preacher Who Asked For Sign

> ### Bolt Hits Steeple, Travels Through Guest Evangelist's Microphone

> POSTED: 1:35 p.m. EDT July 3, 2003
> UPDATED: 1:45 p.m. EDT July 3, 2003
> FOREST, Ohio -- Damage to a church in Forest, Ohio, is estimated at $20,000 after a preacher asked God for a sign.

> A member of the First Baptist Church said a guest evangelist was preaching repentance and seeking a sign from God when lightning struck the steeple.

> Ronnie Cheney called the incident "awesome, just awesome!"

> Cheney said the lightning traveled through the microphone, blew out the sound system and enveloped the preacher, who wasn't hurt.

> Afterward, services resumed for about 20 minutes until the congregation realized the church was on fire. The building was evacuated.

> Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press.