Thieves broke into Debert Baptist Church to steal audio and video equipment. The theft occurred Saturday night sometime bewteen dusk and dawn.
The main attraction was the church's new TV, a 50 inch flat screen monitor that was installed in the sanctuary.
Entry was gained by prying through the vestry door and it appears the thieves knew their target. The big TV was mounted on the pulpit and it took some effort to complete the theft. They cut through the locks and dismantled part of the mounting assembly to get the monitor from the pulpit.
Along with the TV, the theft included a pair of speakers that were used in the church's main sound system.
All this was discovered about 8:30 Sunday morning as the pastor was preparing for Sunday service.
The church was hosting a special Mother's Day breakfast and guests were expected earlier than the usual worship time.
One member of the congregation said, "It feels like I have been violated." Another added, "It must take a lot to steal from a church."
Waiting for the police to investigate, the pastor decided to move the service downstairs from the sanctuary to the site of the breakfast. Bill Martin said, "We finished the breakfast in our Fellowship Hall and just turned the chairs around to hold our worship service."
Many commented on the intimate setting that allowed the congregation to gather more closely. "It was spiritually uplifting," says the pastor, "We really felt close and it was a great occasion to better understand the Christian spirit."
During the service, Doug Ross led the congregation and asked for prayer for those involved in the theft. He asked God to care for those who felt "they needed the TV more than we do." Indeed, Pastor Bill asked the church to understand there was more at stake for the thieves than the TV. There is a grteater loss and a greater need in those who steal, especially those who steal from a church. "That need," he said, "Is an emptiness in their lives and that emptiness is felt by many in today's society."
A spokesman for the RCMP suggested that somebody in the community knows who is involved or where the TV is now located. He asked that anyone with any information call the Bible Hill Detachment at 893-6820. You do not have to give your name and the police will appreciate your assistance.
It is hard to imagine how this fits into God's plan, but it will make sense someday. Whether it is a test of the true Christian spirit at Debert Baptist or perhaps something more, it is in His hands. The pastor added, "You can take away the TV, you can take away the building, but that is only stuff. You cannot take away the church, because that is in the people." On this occasion, the people enjoyed their Sunday service with a greater intensity and a stronger purpose.