Local Church Victim Of Vandalism

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A North Tulsa church was the victim of vandalism. The Sanctuary Fellowship of Christ says the vandals caused $20,000 in damages. The vandals broke windows, as well as an air conditioner.

Church leaders say they have never had any problems in the past, and they are not sure why they are being targeted now.

When Pastor Dana Sisson showed up to her Sanctuary of Praise Church on Saturday morning, she discovered six shattered windows and a busted air conditioner.

"They stomped down on them. They took something and jammed the blades down," said Pastor Dana Sisson.

The vandals did not actually steal anything from Sanctuary of Praise. Still, Pastor Sisson estimates that they did $20,000 in damages. She's not sure why anyone would deface her church.

"We've never had a problem.  Never have had a problem.  No type of vandalism or meanness," said Pastor Sisson.

Sisson also says that the timing of this was unfortunate. The church had been looking forward to celebrating the ninth anniversary of its founding this weekend.

"They just cried. Men, women, children, it was a very sad thing.  But they rallied, and we got the church ready for our celebration, and we go on," said Pastor Sisson.

With the broken windows boarded up, services did go on Sunday morning. The pastor and her congregation say they don't harbor any anger towards the vandals, but they are hurt and confused by what they did.

"This is just a building.  The people inside the church are the church.  But it does make me wonder what type of people would do that," said Pastor Sisson.

The church plans to repair all of the damages as soon as possible.

Church leaders say the vandalism is particularly tough on their congregation because they have contributed their hard-earned money to improving the church.