MUNCIE, Ind. -- Vandals spray-painted vulgarities targeting President Trump and God on two Muncie churches over the weekend.
Police believe the vandals targeted Emanuel Temple Church and Calvary Baptist Church late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
The vandals wrote “What’s a God” across the church building in large black letters and drew atheist and anarchist symbols on the walls, windows, doors and even the pastor’s parking spot.
Emanuel Temple Church Evangelist Donna Smith said she noticed the graffiti when she came to church Sunday morning, but instead of being angry, she’s using it as a teaching moment for her congregation.
“Normally when things happen like that we get so disturbed, upset, nervous and angry,” said Smith. “All these different emotions just go through us. But the peace of God just came upon me, and there was no hate in my heart.”
But this isn’t the first time Emanuel Temple has been targeted by vandals. Smith said they were still cleaning up from another incident a couple of weeks earlier.
“A lot of times you want to be angry and all, but then you think that they don’t believe there is a God and where their destination is going to be throughout eternity if they don’t change their belief,” said Smith.
Smith said congregation from a nearby church helped them remove the graffiti and clean their siding, glass and brick.
“If one church is going through something, we’re all going through something,” said Toddrick Gordon from Urban Light Community Church. “So we thought it was very important as a community and local church to help out the other church.”
Muncie police are leading the investigation to find the vandals, but they say they’ve also forwarded the information and photos to the FBI for review.
If you have any idea who may be behind the graffiti you’re asked to contact the Muncie Police Department at (765) 747-4838.
