Houston church forced to relocate services

HOUSTON The stolen units did not prevent the congregation from worshipping. They just did it in a cooler place.

Deacon Randy Brown directed church members to a nearby fellowship hall at Cullen Missionary Baptist Church. The neighboring church welcomed them since they have no air conditioning at their church home.

In the past week, nine A/C units were stolen at Evangelist Temple Church of God and Christ, and this was not the only church that was targeted in the area. Police say criminals have recently hit at least three area churches.

The thieves even broke through security cages.

The church is working to get new A/C units, but they will also add security to help prevent this from happening again. They estimate the losses at as much as $50,000.

"We're not quite sure what the insurance company is going to do, but we have to have the air conditioners. It's impossible to have church without it. You know, God will make a way. God will make a way," Brown said. "It's going to be a tremendous expense."

Brown said they are hopeful they can have services back at their church next week, but that will depend on if they can get the air conditioning units replaced by then.

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