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WEST JORDAN — Members of a small West Jordan church are hoping for a miracle.
Four air conditioning units were stolen from the building where members of Victory Baptist Church meet at 7265 South 3200 West. Now, the congregation of lay clergy is stuck with a $3,000 bill.
"It's frustrating because two weeks in a row, they came during the night and they stole the units," said Jose Chargoy, pastor at the church.
West Jordan Police said thieves stole two air conditioning units on the north side of the building on June 30 and on July 7 the other two were stolen from the south side.
"We have no evidence to follow up," said Sgt. Joe Monson with the West Jordan Police Department. "There's not a lot to go on that's why it's frustrating."
Detectives said thieves also stole air conditioning units from a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints next door to Victory Baptist Church around the same time.
Crooks often strip units for copper and scrap metal, Monson said.
"They turn around and get a few dollars for the amount of damage that they're doing," Monson said.
Chargoy and his wife have seven kids. The theft comes at an already difficult time for this 35 member congregation. He said he was laid off several months ago and couldn't afford to pay to insure the building.
They're probably having hard times in their own life. But the way they're doing things, especially in the church, is affecting more families.
–Jose Chargoy
"I work as maintenance in an apartment complex," Chargoy said. "But I just got that about a month ago."
Even though he has a job now, he said he still can't afford to insure the building. However, he said he has some compassion for those who stole their air conditioning.
"They're probably having hard times in their own life," Chargoy said. "But the way they're doing things, especially in the church, is affecting more families."
For Chargoy and his family, the fans blowing and the 80 degree temperature inside the small chapel are reminders that times are tough, and a hot building makes listening to sermons difficult for families in the congregation.
"We have kids that are a few months old and it can get really hot in here," Chargoy said.
Despite their loss they have a positive attitude.
"It is not our goal to make them pay or look for revenge," Chargoy said. "We want them to know that they can come and ask for help and we will help them."
Police are asking those who may have information about these thefts to call 801-840-4000.
Victory Baptist Church (Iglesia Bautista la Victoria) has an account set up at Wells Fargo Bank for those who want to help.
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