By BRIDGET SCOTT
HEARTLESS thieves have targeted two churches in Cranbourne and stolen up to $6000 worth of goods.
St Johns Anglican Church and Cranbourne Presbyterian Church had a number of goods stolen earlier this month.
Vicar David Powys said the Anglican church had a ride-on mower as well as three hand mowers and a leaf blower taken from the shed at the back of the church.
“It’s demoralising when these things happen,” he said.
“Sometimes there is a perception that a church can be a free loader on society.
“However, we pay for ourselves entirely.”
He said everything was locked up securely in the garage which members from the church built themselves.
The Cranbourne Presbyterian Church was also hit and The Reverend Peter Roberts said members from his church are praying for those who stole from them. This is the second time the church has been targeted.
This time mowing equipment was taken.
“We have been praying for them – they may have got some easy cash but the life they’re in will come to an end,” he said.
“We are saddened and we know that God can turn them around.”
Rev Roberts said he joined the church five years ago as a missionary when it was struggling.
“We put a lot of our personal time and money into it,” he said.
He said members of the church ramped up security measures after the first theft but it was obviously not enough.
He said he sympathises with the people involved because he can relate to their situation.
“I used to be a street kid, I became a Christian at 21, and I reflect on that,” he said.
“I got involved with the wrong people and was breaking into places – then I was converted.
“I walked away from it all, and I have a heart for these people.”
He said his emotions are mixed.
“I am angry but I pray that God will save them,” he said.
