HOUSTON, TX – A Southwest Houston church is working to repair and restore its sanctuary after a recent break-in left behind significant damage. The incident occurred at the Bethel’s Family Church, located near Sandpaper Road and Highway 90, just hours before the congregation was set to gather for services.
Founded with a small group of fewer than a dozen worshippers, Bethel’s Family Church has since grown to a thriving community of over 6,000 members. Despite its success and outreach efforts, the church found itself vulnerable to an unexpected act of vandalism.
Surveillance footage captured two individuals entering the church in the early hours of Thursday morning. The suspects made their way through the kitchen, a space often used as a food pantry for those in need, before heading upstairs with a crowbar in hand. Their actions resulted in the destruction of a vending machine and significant damage to the church’s alarm system, which remains inoperative.
The estimated cost of the damages is around $100,000, a substantial burden for the church community. Edgar White, the facilities manager, expressed disappointment over the incident, noting the church’s mission to provide support and resources to those in need. “If they needed food or clothing, we had it,” White said, emphasizing the church’s open-door policy for assistance.
Despite the setback, the church community remains steadfast in its commitment to forgiveness and love. White hopes that those responsible for the damage will receive the care and compassion they need to change their path. “Love is always present,” he said, “but it needs to be activated.”
The church offers a range of services, including a clothing store and daycare, aimed at supporting the local community. As they work to repair the damage, church leaders remain focused on their mission to serve and uplift others.
The incident, though disruptive, has not deterred the church’s dedication to its work. Services will continue as scheduled, with the congregation standing united in faith and resilience.