Community help needed at burglarized churches in Cathedral City
Calvary Christian Center in Cathedral City wastes no time getting back on its feet after burglars strike twice in the span of a week.
First, on January 24:
“The church had three doors kicked in, most of the rooms vandalized, some profanities spraypainted on some mirrors and then our church van was stolen,” said Chuck Vasquez, the church’s business manager.
Three days later California Highway Patrol found the van torched and completely destroyed.
Then, this past Friday, another break in:
“They had taken bolt cutters and cut the locks off the front of the sanctuary, gone in ransacked, trashed the officers and stole most of our audio visual equipment that we use for services,” Vasquez said.
Instead of worshipping, churchgoers are now left cleaning up the damage. Their prayers go out to the Community Presbyterian Church of Cathedral City, which was burglarized on the same day.
It’s unknown if the burglaries are related.
“It makes me sad because they’re hurting the community that they live in, because we serve the community,” Vasquez said.
Calvary Christian estimates its total loss exceeds $10,000.
“We are still finding every day that things are missing. We only have liability insurance, so none of these losses are covered under insurance,” Vasquez said.
Churchgoers came together and held a rummage sale and car wash to try to recoup some of the financial loss. They say these incidents have brought the congregation closer together.
“God already knows. He’s going to help us, support us. Whatever we lost we can get back, because of him,” said Damian Vivanco, a church member.
“The community is coming together and I know people will step up and these needs will be met,” Vasquez said.
If you have information about the break-ins you’re urged to contact Cathedral City Police.
Christian Calvary is looking for donations to replace the audio visual equipment and the van, which it uses to bring people to and from the church and to feed the homeless.
If you’d like to help, you can call the church directly at 760-275-9442.
