The crime happened sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning. Graffiti still covers some of the walls and a professional cleaning crew has been here the past two days clearing up the mess. But, churchgoers say some of the damage cannot be erased.
Vandals tore through nearly everything at the Yosemite New Life Church of the Nazarene in Oakhurst.
Pastor Bill Rushing discovered the damage early Tuesday morning. He says someone smashed a rock through a front window to get inside.
In addition to the profane words sprayed all over the walls, and his ransacked car. The vandals also emptied out fire extinguishers on the floors, stole microphones and computer equipment. They even tore a cross off the wall ... and threw it on the floor of another room.
Total damage, minus the clean-up fees is nearly $4 thousand.
Church goers are saddened by this act of vandalism. Many worked for years to build the facility which has only been open for a year and a half.
Church member, Troy West said, "I can't understand people that will do that, but they're out there and they need the lord."
Despite their frustrations ... the group says they forgive whoever is responsible. They want someone to come forward ... and are willing to welcome them into the church with open arms.
Pastor Rushing said, "Learn a lesson from this and do not do it and get your life together because there are good things happening and you can have them if you want them."
The pastor hopes insurance will cover some of the cleaning costs. Meanwhile, he plans to install security cameras and an alarm system.
