Local Congregation Recovers After Fireworks Set Off Fire
The congregation of Bethel Christian Church in Kansas City, Kan., continues to recover after a costly explosion in late December. A video shows a vandal setting off illegal fireworks on a windowsill and then running away.
“It’s going to be a couple thousand just to fix that window,” Pastor Walter Rosalez says. “And then everything that was inside we have to throw away, because it’s got some glass.”
The blast forced the church to throw away furniture and various items used in the care of babies. It could cost thousands of dollars to repair the damage, he said.
The church was founded 16 years ago, and Rosalez has served as pastor for the past five years. He is grateful that the building was empty when the explosion occurred early on Sunday morning.
“The emotions came up, because if there was anybody in this room, any children in this room, it would be worse,” he said. “Thanks to God that all this is concrete block, but if it was on a house or a building with siding and it caught on with fire, then, it could be more damaged. This is just a property, but more thinking about the people. The people that come to the church.”
The church has continued to hold services despite the damage. Rosalez has a message for the person responsible for the damage.
“Think about it before they do something like that and where they be doing that,” Rosalez said. “Because if it was a place that was built with siding or a lot of wood, like the framing, then it could cause a lot more damage.”
The KCK police and fire departments cointinue investigating the crime. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS.
–Dwight Widaman
