JACKSONVILLE, Fla --- New life is coming to a Jacksonville shopping mall, which seems to be struggling.
A well known church has plans to move into Regency Mall in the Arlington area.
Impact Church plans to bring business back to Regency and restore it to it's former glory.
"I think there were folks out there screaming and yelling maybe louder than they will be later today over in California for the Super Bowl," said Pastor George Davis.
Pastor George Davis says moving into the former Belk building was not by luck or chance, but an answered prayer.
"We've been all praying for Regency. Because, we really believe that the heart of Arlington and the direction of Arlington kind of hinges on what happens at Regency Mall," said Pastor Davis.
Over the years, business owners have left and closed their doors at Regency with no signs of new life.
Pastor Davis noticed. "Imagine the impact on mall business when several thousand potential shoppers are dropped off at their doorstep every week with the heart to breathe the life of God into a valley of dry bones," explained Pastor Davis.
Pastor Davis says the church that started with humble beginnings in 1996, now has more than 5,500 and three church services.
They needed the space, but they also wanted to be true to their name.
"Our church is Impact Church and our heart is to impact our community. We don't want be a church stuffed behind four walls. We want to be in the community, touching the community, helping the community," added Pastor Davis.
The new 200,000 square foot church won't be closed off. If you're not a church member, you will still be able to experience Impact Church as you shop.
"People will still be able to go from the east side to the west side and pass through our lobby space to get there..because we want to be a part of the community there at Regency Mall," said Pastor Davis.
A true impact for an area, that some say, was in need of a miracle.