MIAMI (WSVN) — Members of two South Florida churches came together to worship on Sunday, days after, authorities said, one was targeted by burglars and another hit by a suspicious fire.
Services went on as scheduled at Refuge Life Community Church in Oakland Park and the 59th Street Pentecostal Church of God in Miami.
The pastor at Refuge Life said Sunday’s service are a sign, not just of his congregants’ faith but also of their fight to carry on. "I’m the leader. My job is to keep everybody strong when these things happen, to never happen again," said the Rev. Ebel Laine.
According to investigators, a fire that broke out at Refuge Life on Wednesday, just before 8 a.m., was the work of a reported arsonist.
Laine said, in addition to the damage the house of worship suffered due to the blaze, he found more than a dozen threatening scribblings written on the walls inside. Surveillance cameras may have captured the suspect.
Meanwhile, spirits were high at the Pentecostal Church of God on Sunday, two days after, church officials said, someone stole musical equipment, leaving mud all over the house of worship. "Everybody here, we’re in a spirit of jubilance, if you will. The devil is defeated; God is exalted," said Pastor Lavern Thornton Williamson.
Officials said the perpetrators took keyboards, amplifiers and a mixing board valued at about $5,000. Nevertheless, music director Maurice Moorer was able to get some backup equipment for Sunday’s service. "They took basically all of our stuff, so we just pieced together what we had at home and got a few things from my cousin’s garage," he said.
Friday’s break-in took place nearly two weeks after similar church burglaries in Miramar. According to Miramar Police, keyboards were taken from the Holiness Born Again Church on Pembroke Road and the Miramar Lutheran Church on Lasalle Boulevard, March 21.
These pastors are now leaning on their faith — and their faith in law enforcement — to give them peace. "In spite of losing the equipment, thanks to a wonderful, passionate, dedicated music director, he made everything happen," said Thornton Williamson. "We thank God for people who love God and love their church."
If you have any information on any of these incidents, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.