Another Johnston County church has been hit by HVAC thieves. Members of the Bethesda Baptist Church on US70 between Clayton and Smithfield discovered Monday where someone had damaged six HVAC units while stealing copper and other components. Officials estimate it will cost $100,000 to replace the six units.
Pastor Glen Burden told WTSB News on Wednesday its a prime example that “…we sure live in a fallen broken world.” Burden said, “Security will be in place in a higher degree” once the units are replaced. “The amount of money you get in copper is no where the amount it costs to replace the units.”
Asked if he had a message for those who stolen the HVAC units from his church, Pastor Burden said, “We are certainly praying for you and hope you come to trust and know the Lord.”
This is the most recent in more than a dozen thefts from Johnston County churches so far this year. Most of the thefts have involved HVAC units.
Last Thursday, three units were discovered missing from Fellowship Freewill Baptist Church at 3750 US Highway 301, Selma. Officials said it will cost $12,000 to replace the units.
On August 5th and September 29th, a total of $54,000 in heating and air conditioning units were stolen from Baptist Tabernacle Church on Highway 231.
Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell said, “It’s sad when thieves stoop so low as to steal from God’s house.”
