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DETROIT (WXYZ) – Greater New Life Missionary Baptist Church just celebrated its 29th anniversary but today members are feeling anything but joyful.

When members of the Greater New Life Missionary Baptist Church stopped by their house of worship they were devastated to see more damage to the building this morning.

Church member Cedric Johnson says, “I’m ticked.” He says it’s the third time in the past week the building has been broken into.

On Wednesday someone tied a chain to a vehicle and yanked the front door off the building located on Linwood near Joy Road. Days later, robbers took the P.A. system and speakers.

This time, someone came back and took an additional speaker. Church members say they beat off the deadbolt on the back door to get in.

Once the thieves were inside they ripped out the security system. They also went into the basement and tore out a pay phone.

“Years ago, you did not mess with churches. Nowadays they don’t care about a church. They break in a church and eat food while they’re in there,” says Johnson. “I’m ticked. I’m tired of it.”

What makes this crime more upsetting to church members; they say they would have gladly given the crooks whatever they needed. Church members tell Action News they are having a hard time understanding why their building had to be damaged.

One of the church’s Reverends, Pamela Johnson, says “We have breakfast every Sunday morning for the community, we do things at Thanksgiving, we do things at Christmas, and we pass out gifts to the community.”

Members gathered and prayed for their church and to stay strong. They say they are praying for the people responsible for the crimes.

Those who worship at the church tell Action News this is the fourth break-in in the past year. Member Bill Thomas says moving the church to a new location is not an option. “The fight is within us it’s already alright. We’re not going to leave here; they can hit us with their best shot we can take it.”

While police continue to investigate this case, those who belong to the church are looking into other ways to secure the building.



Read more: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/detroit/church-members-stunned-to-find-their-churched-for-the-third-time-in-one-week#ixzz2e1ZMTOGY

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