Three Churches Burglarized in Boynton Beach

It was only $400.

Enough to buy two iPods.

Enough to fill a car's gas tank half a dozen times.

But, most importantly, the $400 was enough to to give important school supplies to every single child at the Deliverance by Faith congregation in Boynton Beach.

Not anymore.

"I know [they're] gonna be disappointed," said Pastor Glenn Lyons, the church's leader, after learning the money was stolen. "I love our youth here, and we try to do whatever we can do."

The $400 for youth programs was among the items swiped in a three-church stealing spree in Boynton Beach Thursday night or Friday morning. Police say thieves pried the church doors open to enter two of them and then ransacked what was inside.

"People [are] just trying to make a living," said Minister Verna Johnson with Bread of Life Ministries, which shares church space with Deliverance by Faith. "They'll do anything to try to, you know, get money. Sad to see them hit the church like this."

The thieves stole money and caused thousands of dollars in damage. Lyons said the hardest part to stomach is that the stolen money was intended for kids. He also feels that the suspects likely have little remorse.

"You would think that they would have more fear of God and take into consideration that the house of god is a sacred place," Lyons said. "This generation has no fear of God. None whatsoever."

The other two churches burglarized are the Church of God Universal at 121 Northwest 8th Avenue and the First Christian Church by Faith at 101 Northeast 12th Avenue.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Boynton Beach Police at 742-6100 or Palm Beach County Crimestoppers at 1800-458-TIPS.