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Days after devastating vandalism, church holds Easter Sunday service

They did it in just six days.
Credit: KUSA

Sunday’s service in Thornton was one not even a pastor could plan and some didn’t expect to attend.

The service may have been the perfect setting to share the story of Easter.

On Sunday, the Thornton church shared by Destiny Outreach Ministries and North Huron Christian Center held its first joint service since vandals broke in on Monday.

Sarah Crawford was one of several members of the community who heard the story and wanted to help.

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“I can’t explain it other than just feeling like they’re part of my family and I wanted to be there for them in any way that I could help,” she said.

Thornton police say three 15-year-old boys broke into the church on Monday.

Credit: KUSA

“Our sound equipment was destroyed,” said Pastor Walter Coventry. “Our grand piano was flipped over on its top.”

The teens damaged walls and carpeting, broke dishes and cabinet doors. They even sprayed a fire extinguisher inside the church.

“Somewhere between $80,000 and $100,000 in damage,” Coventry said.

Cleanup had barely started on Monday when calls came in from people like Sarah Crawford.

“My heart went out to them and I just thought, ‘how can I help?’” Crawford said.

Crawford and others from her own church volunteered their time to help clean up the church in Thornton. Community members donated sound equipment and a projector. They restored the vandalized church in time for Easter Sunday.

Credit: KUSA

“That’s what the body of Christ did,” Coventry said. “They came around, supported us and chipped in and they brought newness of life back to this congregation.”

They did it in just six days.

“It’s just pretty fantastic to see people come together so quickly,” Crawford said.

Sunday’s service was one no one could have planned but a community made possible.

“We’re always going to be there and available for whatever they need,” Crawford said.

Thornton Police say the three boys they arrested are from Thornton. They face felony charges of second-degree burglary and criminal mischief for the break-in.

If you’d like to help the church, visit: Godsdestiny4u.net.

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