Local church stunned after AC unit stolen

HOUSTON The building has been constructed over the last ten months by volunteers of the Promised Land congregation. In an effort to help the growing congregation, another local church donated a 20 ton air conditioning unit that has now since been destroyed by a copper thief.

Promised Land church members who just clocked out from their day jobs now volunteer their time constructing the growing congregation's new building. But over the last ten months, burglars have dealt the church several setbacks.

"They stole some of the materials for this new building that we're working on and they took some tools and equipment," said Antonio Cardenas, Promise Land Church Finance Director.

Each time they would just reach deeper into their pockets to replace supplies, but on January 15 copper thieves shredded their most expensive piece of equipment - a $10,000 AC unit donated by another church.

"That's money we don't have," said Cardenas.

Their faith still moves them forward. Volunteers continue construction despite knowing that right now there's no AC for the building upon its completion.

"Until the moment that someone decided to break in and take our AC unit, we do believe that God has a plan. Even the worst things are for the best," said church member Linda Cardenas.

As their new sanctuary takes shape, one of the first prayers made under its fresh roof is for the burglar responsible for leaving them with no AC unit.

"I hope he's using the money the right way and God bless him and his family," said Antonio Cardenas.

The church congregation said despite having no AC unit they still plan to open somehow, some way by their deadline in April.