Pastor Treats Burglar, Vandal With Surprising Response
A pastor whose church was ransacked and money and items were stolen isn’t angry with the alleged perpetrator; in fact, he’s on a mission to show the man God’s love.
Jeff Matteson, lead pastor of Hope Summit Christian Church in Rochester, Minnesota, was in for a shock when his wife, Miranda, called him Jan. 22, 2021, to let him know someone had broken into the church.
Fortunately, he said the house of worship didn’t face massive destruction during the ordeal.
Gage Nathenial Kasper, 29, was charged Thursday with two counts of second-degree burglary of a religious building and a count of theft, according to the Post Bulletin.
Kasper is accused of robbing Hope Summit as well as a second church just one week later.
While Matteson could have expressed anger or lament after the alleged perpetrator was arrested, he instead offered a powerful message of forgiveness in an interview with the Post Bulletin.
“The most important thing to us is that Gage knows that Jesus loves him,” the pastor said. “We’re not angry with him. We exist in Rochester to be of service and to help people like Gage.”
The pastor’s reaction is truly a powerful testament to hope, forgiveness, and love for others. Read more about the story here.
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