A burglar recently broke into a Corpus Christi church and stole valuable equipment. A reporter contacted the pastor and asked to interview him about the crime. (Watch the interview here). We can learn from his testimony in several different ways.
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Notice his concern is for the Gospel and his community. His concern for his community is very evident in his written comments below.
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His tone is gentle and loving.
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Yet, he also calls the offender to repentance.
Below is what Chris Deluna wrote about the incident.
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“I received a call from Crystal Jenkins of KRIS TV this morning requesting an interview because she had learned of our burglary over the weekend. I believe she also covered the burglary at Cristalina Baptist Church on 18th street in Corpus Christi. I must admit that I was initially reluctant because I didn’t want to make a big deal out of the situation, but I decided I’d grant the interview on two conditions. What were the conditions? I told Ms. Jenkins that Robstown usually gets a bad wrap often and that I really care about the community so I requested that she not report in a way that casts Robstown in a negative way. I didn’t think she would do that, but still mentioned it. Criminals broke into our church not all of Robstown. Secondly, I didn’t want to be portrayed as a victim. I wasn’t broken over the situation and neither was the church. I wasn’t crying, “Woe is me!” Yes, we are hurt emotionally and financially. We are not minimizing the evil nature of the act, but it isn’t going to control us. What I sought to communicate is that we wanted to live up to the Church of Grace name (Not Grace Baptist! Lol!) by extending grace and forgiveness should the thieves decide they want forgiveness. I wanted them to know that should they decide to return the items they could do so without fear of pressing charges on our part. The police are investigating and may find the persons responsible, but I wanted to extend an opportunity to them should there be any remorse. Who knows? That’s all we can do. God is in control. Unfortunately not everything we spoke about aired especially the parts where I spoke to Ms. Jenkins about how we, as a church, are applying what the gospel teaches us in this situation, but that’s understandable. They only have so much time. Ms. Jenkins was very professional. I was impressed. May the Lord bless her career. She kept her word. I’m thankful for that.
KRIS TV ran the piece as Robstown Pastor Forgives Burglars. I sought to apply what I learned about forgiveness through Chris Braun’s book Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds.”
