An Alabama pastor of a recently vandalized church offered a powerful and comforting reminder to his congregation — and community — in the wake of senseless destruction.
“The church building received some damage; our spirit did not,” Pastor Bill Becker of New Antioch Church of Christ in Lawrence County, Alabama, told WAAY-TV. “The building is hurt, but it’s not the church.”
Daily News. Christian Views. Listen and SUBSCRIBE to our PODCAST
Becker discovered pandemonium inside the church last Friday after vandals did thousands of dollars worth of damage, smashing equipment, ripping screens off TVs, toppling bookcases, and even spraying fire extinguishers throughout the building.
Two teens, aged 13 and 15, have reportedly been hit with burglary and criminal mischief charges. Another theft of property charge also follows the alleged stealing of a wheelchair.
Despite the tragic findings inside the church, Becker and others in the church community are offering uplifting commentary. Kyle Pankey, a church member, told WAAY-TV that he believes the incident will strengthen the church.
“Buildings can be repaired, cars can be replaced, but no one was hurt,” he said. “I think it’ll make us all stronger.”
And one anonymous individual associated with the church even offered mercy to the accused vandals, expressing sorrow for what their families now face.
“My thoughts are really with the tragedies within the family, having to deal and cope with this,” he said. “We can put a building back together. That’s a lot easier than putting a life or family back together.”
To emphasize how positive the church has been, consider that members came together last weekend to clean the pews so services could unfold Sunday.
The pastor and church are setting a powerful example of responding well amid difficult circumstances.
***As the number of voices facing big-tech censorship continues to grow, please sign up for Faithwire’s daily newsletter and download the CBN News app, developed by our parent company, to stay up-to-date with the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***