Three central air units worth $55,000 were gutted for the copper that thieves were intent on stealing. It happened at night on July 28. The next morning was Sunday services at St. Luke's Missionary Baptist Church, also known as The Luke.
"That's when I found out we were gonna be a little warm that morning," Pastor Timothy Sloan said.
Once was not enough for the copper thieves apparently. Three nights ago they returned, taking two more units. They timed their visit after a security guard ended his shift.
"They come back for more. No regard, no sacred regard whatsoever," said Pastor Sloan.
Lightning was about to strike a third time Wednesday night, but security ran them off before they could steal any more copper.
Throughout all this, the church has never missed a service. Attendance is said to be at an all-time high, although the building isn't at full AC power.
Doctrine teaches forgiveness for one's enemies, but it also promises justice and consequences. You see, a security guard managed to get a license plate number from the attempted theft.
"We have turned in their license plate number to local authorities and hopefully they're investigating it right now," said Pastor Sloan.
This story was brought to you through our partnership with Houston Community Newspapers. You can read more about the church thefts in The Humble Observer.
