MIDFIELD, Ala. (WIAT) — Midfield Police are investigating after a pastor reported someone crawled under the church to steal air conditioning equipment worth thousands of dollars.

Now the congregation at Kingdom Growth Free Seventh Day Adventist Church is without air conditioning.

The temperature inside the church’s sanctuary was 97 degrees when CBS 42 interviewed Pastor Richard Harris Tuesday afternoon

“It’s hot in here. When this place is full of our parishioners, it’s going to get even hotter,” said Harris.
Harris said someone gained access to the air conditioning unit and wiring after kicking in a small door on the side of the church.

“To be honest with you, I was angry because in this community we have done nothing but good for people, we’ve taken people off of the street, we’ve fed people,” said Harris.

The pastor believes the crook got on hands and knees, not to pray, but instead to crawl underneath the entire building’s perimeter to get to the expensive equipment. It will cost an estimated $8,000 to fix.

Harris believes God will provide for the church and while he was angry at the suspect, he does have forgiveness.

“Whoever did this, that’s up to God to deal with them,” said Harris.

If you know anything about the crime, call Midfield Police at 205.923.7575.