Houses of worship across Los Angeles were struck by thieves this week, leaving communities rattled and without vital resources. Zion Temple Community Church in South LA was among the three churches that suffered at the hands of burglars. Their van, integral for delivering food to those in need, was reported stolen. "When I came out of work, it was gone," Pastor Vince Holmes told KTLA.
The van was central to a program called Fresh Food Fridays, a weekly event providing fresh produce to locals struggling with poverty and health issues. "I believe we are changing health outcomes because we’re high in cholesterol and heart disease and things like that," Holmes expressed to KTLA. Despite the setback, the community of Zion Temple rallied to rent a replacement van to continue their services. In a display of resilience, Pastor Holmes affirmed, "No, my faith has not been detoured... I am standing strong and believing God for either a new van or the return of the old van and for this to be an even better."
Simultaneously, Legacy Church in Sylmar faced the theft of a trailer containing a small tractor. During a pursuit after the church's pastor spotted the stolen trailer, the thieves lost control and crashed, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The pastor was unable to locate the tractor following the incident. Additionally, West Hills Church also became a target when a burglar broke in and was later apprehended by the police with assistance from an on-site security team.
The string of crimes point to a broader issue facing houses of faith, where their role as community pillars also makes them targets for petty criminals. Zion Temple's volunteers, affected yet undeterred, call out for repentance and the return of their stolen vehicle. "Jesus loves you but give us back the van. We have to have forgiveness there," said Rochelle Williams, a volunteer at Zion Temple, in a plea presented by NBC Los Angeles. The church, while reaching out for information on the missing van, continues to accept donations to ensure the longevity of their outreach programs.
Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department are on the cases, with no current evidence suggesting any connection between the three incidents.
