A local church is still grappling with the effects of a break-in. Security cameras captured the moments two men broke into and vandalized Redemption Ministries of Kansas City late last week. A nearby restaurant in South Kansas City also was vandalized.
“We have cameras that we do our livestream with,” Senior Pastor Thuston Packnett Sr. told KCTV-5. “They stole the cameras in my office, and they stole the computer and the camera there.”
The church depends on the technology to reach an aging congregation, and thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment must be replaced. “Our only source of income is what the people generously give us their tithes and offerings,” he said. “They are not obligated to do that. I would just want to know why.”
Early in the week, Equal Minded Cafe experienced a similar crime. Two men broke the front window and stole the cash register, phones and commercial panini press. “It was really shocking and surprising,” co-owner Dontavious Young said. “It definitely hurts. and it makes you wonder what their intentions were and who it was,”
Both the cafe and church have received support from people offering to tighten their security measures. Equal Minded Cafe also is raising funds to help cover repair costs. Young hopes to create change for the area, just as he has with his business.
“If you see something, say something,” he said. “We need to have a neighborhood watch. I think that we just need to do better at securing our community ourselves.”
Packnett said his church is accepting donations and that he hopes the insurance settlement is fair. Meanwhile, the congregation will keep worshipping just as they have for the last 22 years. “God is in control, so you know so you know the devil is not going to win,” he said
Equal Minded Café has reopened with coffee and card sales as it works to restore full operations, Redemption Ministries continues to hold services each Sunday.
Here is more information about the church and how to help them recover.
–Alan Gofortho | Metro Voice