Two men who pleaded guilty to setting a series of church fires in east Texas were sentenced to life in prison on Monday in Tyler, Texas.

Judge Christi Kennedy sentenced Jason Bork, 20, to life plus 20 years for eight counts of arson and attempted arson. Daniel McAllister, 22, received life in prison for four counts of arson and attempted arson.

Both men pleaded guilty last month to setting a string of fires at five Smith County churches. They also pleaded guilty to trying to break to several other churches during the 39-day arson spree.

Pastors of two of the targeted churches said they were praying for the young men.

"I ask you to get on your knees and ask forgiveness from God.and he'll use you in a mighty way. We forgive you," a member of the Pinebrook Baptist Church told the two men in court.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Bourque was an Eagle Scout, high school debate champion, and sometime college student. McAllister was an unemployed carpenter's helper who had been home-schooled by his late mother.