Last night, as many throughout Belfast slept in preparation for a new week, an individual, or individuals, cut a screen leading into our sanctuary and entered the church. In the darkness of the night, they collected a variety of small items (computers to coffee makers), money from the preschool downstairs as well as the food cupboard, and then loaded them into a vehicle. When the first person for the preschool arrived, they found the damage and losses.
When I was called at 6:10am, I headed for the church and arrived just before the local police. Over the next few hours we looked at doors broken by big feet, possible pieces of evidence, and discussed what had happened. Feelings of anger, guilt, frustration, and violation were common. There were tears as well as words of comfort. The church staff gathered in the sanctuary for prayer.
As we reflected on the events of the evening, our prayers were of thanksgiving that no one was in the facility when the individual(s) was there, that there was no real damage to the building, and that no one was hurt. We also prayed for the stranger whom we may never meet. We prayed for healing, for understanding, for guidance, and for peace.
It's sad that the building was broken into but God will restore the sanctity of the space just as God, through Christ, restores us when we've been violated. It's going to be strange to walk into the facility and not feel safe but I know that the real enemy is the One who is evil, not those who get lost in evil ways.
I don't know why, but as soon as I heard about the stranger and walked through the building seeing the damage, I prayed that one day we would meet and that we might be able to walk through the process of restorative justice together. I know there are people who are just evil and may never enjoy the healing presence of Christ, but I think they are the distinct minority and that many have stories, that once told, can lead to a new life of hope.
Wherever you are stranger, know that tonight there is at least one person praying for you...
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