Recent Theft in Abilene Churches Strengthens Pastor's Misson
By: Victor Sotelo
Updated: January 17, 2012
At a place reserved for asking forgiveness for your sins, sins, in the last several weeks, have been committed.
Several Abilene churches have reported to police that purses have come up missing during church activates.
It's a recent trend that has not shaken some churches, but instead strengthened their resolve and their mission.
Stolen purses at grocery stores are taken from cars, sure, but not what you expect to happen at church.
"The police came out and they gave me several instances, especially on Wednesday night when this was happening," said Pastor Clifford Stewart of First Central Presbyterian.
Pastor Clifford Stewart at First Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Abilene says it happened here in recent weeks.
"The crime is not different but the impact is when we meet here in the sanctity of one another's fellowship, and it does, it feels different," said Minister Michael Bailey of Woodlawn Church of Christ.
At Woodlawn Church of Christ minister Michael Bailey says they have also recently filed a police report.
"We were in the fellowship hall, we were sharing a meal together, and of course we welcome everyone from the community," said Bailey.
"We are open to the public and people can come off the street," said Stewart.
Both churches say it has happened when someone looking for help, who is not a regular member, enters the church.
They also say it wont stop them from offering their help.
"Every Tuesday we have a food pantry that is very important and feeds many many hungry people," said Stewart.
Bailey said, "And so all of those scriptures and all of those occasion and all of those parables come to the surface and were reminded."
Instead minister Bailey said it has only reminded them of their mission "If somebody comes to our services or any event, we have to be close to them. That takes care of safety, that takes care of the mission of the church, it takes care of what Christ would do if it were him, is to give attention to the sinner."
At least four Abilene churches have reported purses missing, in one, credit cards were used immediately after the theft.
Several Abilene churches have reported to police that purses have come up missing during church activates.
It's a recent trend that has not shaken some churches, but instead strengthened their resolve and their mission.
Stolen purses at grocery stores are taken from cars, sure, but not what you expect to happen at church.
"The police came out and they gave me several instances, especially on Wednesday night when this was happening," said Pastor Clifford Stewart of First Central Presbyterian.
Pastor Clifford Stewart at First Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Abilene says it happened here in recent weeks.
"The crime is not different but the impact is when we meet here in the sanctity of one another's fellowship, and it does, it feels different," said Minister Michael Bailey of Woodlawn Church of Christ.
At Woodlawn Church of Christ minister Michael Bailey says they have also recently filed a police report.
"We were in the fellowship hall, we were sharing a meal together, and of course we welcome everyone from the community," said Bailey.
"We are open to the public and people can come off the street," said Stewart.
Both churches say it has happened when someone looking for help, who is not a regular member, enters the church.
They also say it wont stop them from offering their help.
"Every Tuesday we have a food pantry that is very important and feeds many many hungry people," said Stewart.
Bailey said, "And so all of those scriptures and all of those occasion and all of those parables come to the surface and were reminded."
Instead minister Bailey said it has only reminded them of their mission "If somebody comes to our services or any event, we have to be close to them. That takes care of safety, that takes care of the mission of the church, it takes care of what Christ would do if it were him, is to give attention to the sinner."
At least four Abilene churches have reported purses missing, in one, credit cards were used immediately after the theft.
