News

Actions

Vandalized KCK church prepares to rebuild

Posted at 2:17 PM, Jun 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-26 17:59:12-04

On Monday, cleaning crews came in to clean and clear out the debris at Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The church was vandalized in early June, and the pastor says it's been a long process to get things back on track.

"It's like moving everything that was in the church. Every pencil, every bible, every hymnal has to be taken from the church and cleaned and processed," said Pastor Bryan Mann.

Mann says it's been an extensive process.

"The carpets are going to be taken out today and tomorrow, and hopefully then we'll start the process of rebuilding, but it takes time to order materials. You can't just go and buy the lighting that was damaged," he said. 

The food pantry also remains closed because of all the food that had to be thrown out. In the meantime, church members have been cleaning out the pantry. 

Pastor Mann says the mass giveaway with Harvester's will still be happening each month at 3321 Garfield Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.

He says the community's support through this tragedy is what has kept him and other church members going.

"They've been so generous, and the hurt of this is mitigated by the love that people have shown, so we're just so grateful," said Mann. "We're moving forward with that love."

As of right now, we're waiting on an update from KCK police on any suspect or arrest information. 41 Action News will keep you updated as that information becomes available. 

Rae Daniel is a reporter for 41 Action News. Hear her full report at 4 p.m. and check back here for updates.