Hateful, atheistic graffiti in red spray paint covered the windows and outer walls of The Hope Chapel. The vandalism had some profanity, but was primarily anti-Christian in nature. Some of the 40, or more, phrases included, "end the lies," "think," "end the hate" and "Nietzsche was right" (reference to "God is Dead" and other statements by 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche). Symbolism was also used, including anarchy signs, anti-Christianity signs, and anti-religion signs. The damage was estimated at $15,000 to $20,000.
A Hope Chapel elder said of the episode, "I was angry, at first, that someone would do this because we're doing our best to help people and make good news available for people."
The anger is gone and now is the time to forgive.
"You just can't allow that to overcome you to where you're going to respond in the same kind."
Services proceeded on Sunday morning, and the members of the church agreed to update their billboard and send the vandal a message. The message read, "Mr. Vandal, Jesus loves you, too."
The conversations among the members became about finding whoever did this and welcoming him into the church.
The identity of the vandal may not be difficult to discover, according to police. The perpetrator left behind a number of clear fingerprints.
This is not the first time Hope Chapel will need to clean up their building. When the pastor and congregation took over the building ten years ago, it had been a club that featured exotic dancers.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Douglas V. Gibbs
Keene Congregation Carries On Following Vandalism - WMUR New Hampshire
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