KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – More than a year after an early morning fire damaged the entrance of Eternal Life Harvest Center in Knoxville, investigators are still searching for the person responsible, and rewards totaling up to $4,500 are being offered for information that helps solve the case.
According to church leaders, the Knoxville Fire Department responded to the church on July 9, 2025, at approximately 3 a.m. after someone intentionally set fire to the entrance of the building.
Ashly Kariuki said she and her husband were awakened by phone calls from authorities and neighbors informing them of the fire.
“Unfortunately, someone had tried to light our entire entrance of our main tabernacle or auditorium, the doors, to set them on fire,” Kariuki said.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed a person pouring what appeared to be gasoline on the church’s front entrance before igniting the fire and fleeing the scene.
“We were pretty shocked,” Kariuki said. “We’ve always been a resource in the community, to love our community and love those around us.”
Damage Exceeded $5,000
Church officials said the blaze caused more than $5,000 in damage to the entrance.
While repairs have made the entryway functional again, Kariuki said the church continues to pursue additional restoration work and security upgrades.
The incident prompted church leaders to increase security measures around the property and work closely with local law enforcement whenever concerns arise.
Despite the damage, the congregation resumed normal operations immediately. Kariuki said volunteers spent the day cleaning up, allowing the church to hold its regularly scheduled service that same evening.
FBI and Crime Stoppers Offering Rewards
Investigators continue to treat the case as an active arson investigation.
Because of the nature of the crime, the FBI joined the investigation and is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is also offering up to $2,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 877-363-8847 or submit information through the organization’s tips line.
Church Continues Community Outreach
Although the investigation remains unsolved, Kariuki said the church has remained focused on its mission of serving the Knoxville community.
Eternal Life Harvest Center continues to host grocery giveaways, youth outreach programs, warming centers, Vacation Bible School events and other community activities.
The ministry has operated in the area for more than 30 years and has occupied its current location for approximately 15 to 20 years.
Kariuki said the church’s response to the crime is rooted in faith and forgiveness, though she also believes the person responsible should be held accountable.
“Of course, us being believers, forgiveness is our first and foremost priority,” Kariuki said. “But we also believe that it doesn’t excuse from consequence.”
More than a year after the fire, church leaders remain hopeful that new information will help investigators identify the person responsible and bring closure to the congregation.
Eternal Life Harvest Center (WVLT) FBI joins fire investigation
