Bristow Church Vandalized, Pastor Says Their Spirit Is Not Damaged
BRISTOW, Okla. -
A Bristow church is cleaning up a lot of damage after police say a group of kids broke in one day and came the next, vandalizing nearly every room in the building.
The senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Bristow said the vandals may have ruined their carpet, walls and possessions, but not their spirit.
Kira Calhoun was greeted at her church to destruction.
"You can see how the carpet is different colors," she said.
Calhoun was named senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Bristow just three weeks ago.
"I have truly learned blood, sweat and tears have been poured into this church," Calhoun said.
Much of that hard work was destroyed, after Bristow police say a group of kids broke in yesterday and painted the walls and knocked over books and toys.
"This wasn't just a church building. It was a place for children to come," she said.
They shattered glass and broke doors.
"The door was kicked in and broken," Calhoun said. "You can see on this side it was fully destroyed."
They even lit a fire.
"They did burn a curtain," Calhoun said. "It looks like a tornado came through and ruptured in the middle of things.”
Calhoun said despite the devastation, she has been preaching a message of creating hope out of brokenness.
"We are broken vessels, literally," she said.
And she said, with the help of her community, they will get through it.
"We are going to be stronger and rise up much better," said Calhoun
Bristow police said they have four suspects in custody. Two 12-year-olds, a 13 and 14-year-old in custody.
