Memphis Church Shuts Its Doors After Copper Theft
In the heart of Binghampton, Memphis, a local church has found itself in a troubling situation after a thief made off with vital copper wiring, leaving them in the dark. The Revival Tabernacle, a small place of worship located on Manhattan Avenue, has been unable to hold services ever since the unfortunate incident occurred.
A Shocking Discovery
Kimberly Sawyer, a dedicated member of the church, recently took the time to walk one of the local reporters through the facilities, which have been silent and dark since last Saturday. It all began when a member was notified through an ADT security system that power had been unexpectedly disconnected. “We canceled the service for Wednesday night because we don’t have any type of electricity,” Sawyer shared with a heavy heart, illustrating just how deeply this theft has impacted their community.
As the days passed, the church remained in limbo, grappling with the reality of their situation. It wasn’t until two days later that Sawyer discovered the shocking truth of what had happened, thanks to a neighbor’s ring camera footage. The video revealed a thief, early Monday morning, stealing copper wires and loading them into a car. “They started from this corner right here, then they went to the back and threw out all of the copper that they were stealing over there so they could come back,” Sawyer recounted, giving specific details that brought the crime to life.
The Price of Theft
While the thief may have gotten away with some quick cash, the repercussions on the community are substantial. The church is expected to incur over $3,000 in costs, as they now must hire an electrician to rewire the church and restore the much-needed power. This is certainly no small burden for a community-focused church that relies on the generosity and support of its members.
A Message of Forgiveness
Despite the devastating blow, Sawyer took the high road with a message for the perpetrator: “Bless them for taking from us.” It’s a testimony to the resilient spirit of the church members who refuse to lose their faith, even in dark times. “We’re still going to worship God, and if we have to do it on the grounds of the church while the sun is up, that’s what we’re going to do,” she declared with determination.
Community Support
In a heartwarming twist, news of the church’s plight has spurred community action. Since sharing this story with the public, a kind-hearted pastor from the area has stepped forward, agreeing to cover some of the repair costs. However, there’s still a long way to go, and Revival Tabernacle is reaching out for additional help to get back on its feet. If the goodness of your heart guides you, consider lending them a helping hand.
As the community rallies behind the Revival Tabernacle, it’s clear that while the church may be without power, its spirit remains bright. The church community continues to stand strong, finding ways to come together during this trying time.
Let’s hope that the kindness of neighbors and fellow congregants will help restore this cherished local sanctuary to its rightful glory.
