MIAMI (WSVN) - Thieves stole nearly $7,000 of sound equipment and music instruments from Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, Wednesday morning.
When Church Youth Leader Pamela Andrews arrived at the church, Wednesday, she realized someone had broken in overnight.
“I called my pastor first,” Andrews said, “and then I called the police.”
Crooks appeared to have used a piece of concrete to smash a window of the church off Northwest 54th Street. The window lead right to the church’s media cabinet.
Now, students who attend a summer camp at the church will be without the equipment they need to play music.
“People don’t respect God’s house anymore,” Andrews said.
The theft happened nearly a week after $30,000 of music equipment was stolen from Bethesda Church Ministries In Northwest Miami-Dade. That equipment was also used for a children’s choir.
Missionary Baptist Church Deacon Herman Harden said the theft hurt him.
“I feel hurt, I feel hurt, because we’re a loving church, you know what I mean?” Harden said. “Very sad. I didn’t like it when they called me. I didn’t like it one bit.”
Church Choir member Joseph Lamonthe showed 7News where some of the music equipment was.
“And right here was the keyboard,” Lamonthe said.
Andrews said she will pray for the robbers.
“I’m gonna pray for them. I pray that God touch their heart. I don’t wish anything bad on anyone,” Andrews said. “I’ll let God deal with that.”
Neither case has been solved yet.
Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church has set up a GoFundMe page for donations at www.gofundme.com/2firnec.
If you have any information on this theft, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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