'We forgive you': Pastor says after burglar caught on video breaking into church in The Heights area
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A church in The Heights was broken into last week, again, and the masked suspect was caught on surveillance video.
The break-in happened on Jan. 16 at LifeBrook Church located at 1822 West 18th St.
"Sadly, our church was robbed this past Monday early in the morning. The incident and all pertinent videos have been submitted to the authorities. If you can help us identify the individual in the video below, please message us," LifeBrook said in a post on Facebook.
Surveillance video posted to social media shows a masked person sneaking in through the building door. The suspect goes behind a desk and begins scurrying through drawers.
The suspect can be seen removing a computer camera but doesn't notice the actual surveillance camera in the corner of the room.
It wasn't immediately clear what the suspect took or how they gained access to the building, but Lead Pastor Zach Bracket said everything inside of the church's safe was gone.
"The safe had all of our tithes and offerings from the previous Sunday service. So, we don't know how much (the suspect stole)," Bracket said.
Bracket said the thief also broke into their lock boxes, where they keep keys to their vans.
In the video, the suspect can be seen wearing dark clothing with a backpack, a black bandana as a mask, and a black hat with blonde hair peeking through the back.
The church has had other recent setbacks, including a lightning strike, flooding, and a previous break-in, according to Bracket.
"It's been three years of hit, after hit, after hit for our church," Bracket said.
He told Eyewitness News that the adversity has only brought members closer together and more committed.
"The first thing that went through my mind was, 'Really? Again?'" Bracket said. "During our service, we spent time praying for that individual because that's someone who needs hope."
Bracket said it has been interesting for him to see how these incidents have encouraged members to focus on love and serving the community.
"When I see that video, I feel sorry for that individual, really," Bracket said. "We forgive you. God loves you. He cares for you."
SEE ALSO: Houston pastor wants suspected thief to be brought to justice and to Jesus: 'We forgive him'
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