HOUSTON \u2013 A small church in Sunnyside is reeling after thieves broke in, stealing thousands of dollars in equipment and forcing the cancellation of Sunday service at The Living Rock Community Center.<\/p>\n
Pastor Robert Valyan Jr., who has led the church for about 24 years, said this is the second time the church located on 4631 Maggie Street has been hit in 2025.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tried to clean it up,\u201d Valyan said. \u201cIt was something to come in and see stuff scattered everywhere. It just, you know, like come on now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The thieves didn\u2019t just break a window \u2014 they turned the holy place upside down.<\/p>\n
Valyan said he was angry when he saw the mess. \u201cI was really angry. To be honest with you, it was a mess.\u201d<\/p>\n
The burglars snatched everything within reach, including the church\u2019s sound equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cUp here is where I had the sound equipment at. I had a Mackie mixer, an amp, three basses, and three cordless mics,\u201d Valyan said.<\/p>\n
The Living Rock Community Center and its fellowship parish out back were both hit, with losses estimated between $5,000 and $7,000. <\/p>\n
Valyan expressed frustration that the thieves showed no respect for the sacred space.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey don\u2019t care. Just came in God\u2019s house and violated God\u2019s house like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the loss, Valyan finds strength in his faith.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Lord saved my life many years ago and blessed me. I go back to his word, and right now it just says, \u2018Then Jesus said to him, Away, away with you, Satan.\u2019 We just have to keep saying that, keep rebuking the devil, because he\u2019s always going to come. But it\u2019s up to us to keep standing on God\u2019s word.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pastor said the church is still trying to figure out how to replace the sound system but hopes to hold service this coming Sunday.<\/p>\n
He has filed a police report with Houston Police Department and is asking anyone with information to come forward.<\/p>\n
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