Author: Texas Gospel

An Idaho congregation is repairing damage vandals caused over the weekend and making plans to replace around $10,000 in property stolen from the church.

Local News 8 reported the vandals tore up books, broke windows and stole items used for services including communion items and collection plates at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church.  The Post Register newspaper posted photos of the damage.  The damage included torn bibles, torn hymn books and a wooden cross stuck through a shattered window, according to a report from KPVI television.

A Bonneville County sheriff’s office spokesperson said the vandalism happened sometime between late Saturday and early Sunday before staff arrived.  The spokesperson did not have a motive for the vandalism.  Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Idaho Crime Stoppers at 208-522-1983.

A North Carolina church and several nearby businesses have been vandalized with spray- painted vulgar messages referencing the late Rev. Billy Graham.  The Pastor of the Upward Baptist Church told WLOS television the congregation will pray for the person or persons who painted vulgar words on the church building.

According to a report from WSPA, neighboring buildings belonging to Richard Hatch & Associates and Miller Construction were also vandalized with graffiti referencing Rev. Graham.  WYFF television posted a few photographs of the damage.

The Henderson County, NC sheriff’s office asks anyone with information about the vandalism to call 828-697-4911.

Mourners gathered Friday morning for the funeral of a man known to many as America’s Pastor.  The Rev. Billy Graham passed away at his North Carolina home last week after a lifetime of spreading the gospel to millions through television and revivals held at sports stadiums.  He was 99.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will live-stream the funeral.  Coverage of the event begins at 10 a.m. Eastern.  Here is the link.

The funeral will be held under a large tent similar to the one used by Rev. Graham early in his career known as the “canvas cathedral.”

The Charlotte Observer newspaper reports President Trump and representatives from at least 50 countries will attend the funeral.  An Associated Press report re-distributed by ABC News says music will include well-known gospel groups and singers including Linda McCrary-Fisher, Michael W. Smith and the Gaither Vocal Band.

A New York man accused of vandalizing the American Martyrs Parish in Oakland Gardens, NY is facing multiple charges including a hate crimes violation, according to a report from the Times Leger. The vandalism happened on Feb. 23.

A church member says the vandalism was caught on security camera.

An Oregon church congregation is making plans to re-open its church building after vandals heavily damaged the facility.  A report from KXL Radio says over $50,000 in damage was done by the anonymous attackers. The vandal’s motive remains unknown.

Church spokesperson Jonathan Russell said the church has been meeting in homes and other borrowed facilities since the damage was discovered on Feb. 10.  A report from KGW television the church has insurance and plans to resume using the building on Sat. March 2.

A spokesperson for the Silverton Police Department said anyone with information about the vandalism should call the department at 503-873-5326.