Church Group Encounters Grief On Mission Trip

A local youth group is trying to overcome a big roadblock on their mission to spread the word of God in Mexico.<br><br>Robbers in San Diego, California broke into their vans and got away with most of their

Saturday, July 1st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A local youth group is trying to overcome a big roadblock on their mission to spread the word of God in Mexico.

Robbers in San Diego, California broke into their vans and got away with most of their supplies.

The youth group is supposed to be in charge of the music during their mission with other teenagers in Mexico, but the thieves got away with their instruments.

The teenagers and their pastor back home, say the detour will only make them stronger.

During a quiet prayer, members of the Verdigris Assembly of God youth group held hands in the parking lot of a San Diego hotel.

"Their attitude was, we are not to be defeated," says Rev. Scott Price, Verdigris Assembly of God Church.

Thursday night robbers in San Diego broke the locks on the groupâ€™s vans.

"They stole our keyboard, a lot of our drum equipment, bass guitar. They stole just about everything we needed," says Brian Rush, Verdigris Assembly of God.

The 17 teenagers and four adults flew to San Diego on Thursday. They each raised about 750 dollars a piece for the trip. The thieves also got away with some of the kids' cash. So the group decided to pool their money together in order to finish the trip.

â€œI think that showed a lot of character, camaraderie and what they are made of when they face obstacles," says Rev. Price.

The Verdigris First Assembly of God youth group prepared, practiced and prepped for the trip to Ensanada since January. They even learned how to perform in Spanish for their puppet show.

The robbers even got away with the puppets.

So now the group is looking for new ones, because the show will go on.

â€œWe were wondering why, but we know God has a plan for us," says Twila McKinney, church youth.

"It just fuels the fire. The opposition causes them to raise the bar. They are not going to let this defeat them,â€ says Rev. Price.

The CBS affiliate in San Diego says some of their viewers have already offered the youth group money.

Reverend Price is hoping someone there will donate a keyboard and drums so the group can still perform their music.

They say replacing the puppets shouldn't be a problem. Police have no solid leads.