Bixby pastor walks in on burglars in church

BIXBY -- A Bixby pastor is counting his blessings after walking in on thieves who were the process of burglarizing his church early Sunday, he said.

Pastor Shannon Watterson entered Quest Church around 9 a.m. and noticed the television that is normally stationed in the foyer was missing, and two others in the sanctuary had disappeared as well.

"I looked down the hall, and I saw the televisions were loaded in one of our play wagons," Watterson said. "I saw them (robbers), got out of there and called the police."

Watterson, who has been lead pastor at the church since it opened in downtown Bixby three years ago, said the would-be robbers immediately vacated the premises prior to police arrival without taking any items after realizing someone else was in the building.

Watterson suspects the assailants gained access to the inside of the church by breaking a lock on one of the side doors.

"We've never had any problems before," he said. "The police suggested we install a security system."

While much of Bixby is considered a relatively crime-free area for those living and working in the city, Watterson said that perception is not always completely accurate due to the plight some residents face.

"There are a lot of people hurting here," he said. "Some are desperate."

Church officials were told my Bixby police that the church could have been targeted by the criminals who want to exchange valuables for drugs or cash to feed their drug addictions, the pastor said.

As a result of the attempted burglary, Watterson decided to use the incident as a teaching tool during his sermon.

"Whatever happens we can rise above it," he said. "I wish we could have helped them (robbers). "If they needed something, we are here for them. That's why we're here."

Source: http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/articlepath.aspx?articleid=20130113_317_0_BIXBYA119853&rss_lnk=1

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