The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department announced this week that it has returned $36,000 in goods that were stolen from Forest Grove Baptist Church. The items taken from the church in a recent burglary included musical instruments, electronics, maintenance equipment, clothing and health products. The place of worship also suffered $500 in property damage.
“While property crimes don’t often grab headlines, we know that they not only leave victims feeling violated but they create a real financial hardship on working families, businesses and communities,” the department said “Today, thanks to a tip, we located thousands of dollars in property stolen from one of our KCK churches and returned it to their congregation — and man, did that feel great.”
Enrique Martinez Vasquez, 22, faces felony charges of burglary, theft and criminal damage to property and is being detained in the Wyandotte County Jail on $35,000 bond.
The Rev. Desmond Lamb, pastor of Forest Grove, spoke about the damage sustained by the church in an interview with KSHB-TV, specifically highlighting the vandalism of his office. Lamb said the door window was broken and there was glass everywhere. He said the facility also suffered a damaged floor when “they were dropping stuff and breaking up the floor tile.”
Lamb’s iPhone tracked his stolen iPad to a nearby home, where nearly 70 percent of the stolen goods were discovered. Although acknowledging that he felt “violated” by the robbery, he asserted that the congregation has decided to pray for the suspect. In a post on the church’s Facebook page last Sunday, Lamb expressed “heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and kindness you have shown during this challenging time.”
“While the loss we experienced was significant, your support was nothing short of inspiring,” he said. “Your calls, texts and expressions of love have reminded us of the strength and unity that exists within our community. It is in moments like these that we truly see the love and compassion that binds us together. Thank you for standing by us, for your prayers and for your unwavering support. Your actions are helping not only to restore what was lost but they are also reinforcing our faith in God, one another and in the mission of our church. Together, Forest Grove Baptist Church we will recover, rebuild and we will emerge stronger than ever.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice