The All Saints Mission Church in Oakland Park, known for its charitable soup kitchen, has been hit by vandals once more, continuing a series of attacks over the years. Two crucifixes were recently found damaged, an unwelcome sight for Father Bob Caudill, who has been running the church's feeding program for three decades. According to a report by WSVN, the church is no stranger to such incidents, having previously encountered theft and other forms of vandalism.
Last year, the church faced the brazen theft of a Jesus Christ figurine, taken just one day before Thanksgiving, as per WSVN. Back in 2018, another act of vandalism occurred when the statue of the Virgin Mary was overturned. This was alongside a legal tussle with the city over an ordinance that challenged the church's feeding program.
Father Caudill has responded to these acts with a message of forgiveness and continues to spearhead the service to the community, which feeds more than 200 individuals daily. "I just came out and I saw this one down here and then I saw him, this was under a bench over there, and then I saw the cross down and I was like ‘Wow,'" Father Caudill told WSVN, after discovering the recent vandalism. Despite the setbacks, Caudill remains focused on his mission to help those less fortunate.
In a display of resilience, the church encourages the community to move forward with positive actions. Father Caudill emphasizes the need for more positivity and help against the current backdrop of distress in society. Whoever did this needs volunteers and food to continue their work, Caudill said, as reported by BNN Breaking News. The church's doors remain open, inviting all who wish to contribute to their efforts to rise above hate and continue to serve the people of Oakland Park.
