The New Home Baptist Church near Warsaw, Missouri, recently faced a wave of vandalism, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damages, The Pathway reported.
Initially, a “blessing box” for the needy was targeted at the church in late November, followed by the destruction of historic stained glass windows and a subsequent ransacking of the church’s entire building.
Despite considerable damage, only a $100 was reportedly stolen.
Searching for answers
Pastor Paul Dawson, stumped by the senseless acts, emphasized the church’s determination to continue with Christmas celebrations despite disruptions. “It’s just things that are replaceable,” he noted.
While the insurance will cover most damages, Dawson expressed a desire for justice if suspects are apprehended. He questioned the motive behind the vandalism, and he urges the perpetrators to reflect on their actions.
Despite the challenges, the church remains resilient. Church leaders emphasize the message of Jesus continues to shine through the adversity.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was originally published by The Pathway, newsjournal of the Missouri Baptist Convention.
