Ladies and Gents..Can I please have your attention

[stillfocused]

To all of my sisters and my brothers on this board. I want to share a very important warning that should not be taken lightly.




[shadow=red,down,500]PLEASE WHEN ATTENDING SERVICES IN YOUR LOCAL CHURCH ASSEMBLY KEEP YOUR PURSES AND BELONGINGS CLOSE TO YOU AT ALL TIMES. [/shadow]


yes, I am shouting because I don't want any of you or anyone you know to experience this...anger, panic, disbelief, and finally
peace of mine are emotions you don't want experience in less than 1 hour.


At this time I am without id, credit card, checkbook, and a few other things because someone decide that I didn't need my
purse . I can hear some of you saying "out of the church house". Even though we would like to believe that everyone who attends on a regular basis, sits in the same spot, brings their family just loves the Lord and wants to be in his presence and the services; that's just not the case. Tried tracking it through my cell phone..no luck because they wouldn't answer, or they just turned the ringer off. Many knew of the situation; even though they helped look for it; no one asked if I need any money to get home or someone did ask I needed a ride home..thank God I live 5 minutes away..if that. I was able to borrow some money for gas..

And yes, even though I am the victim in this situation I forgot the one thing a Pastor would always tell the congregation on Sunday morning..

" Ladies, please keep your purse and personal belongings in front of you or where you can see.them...because everybody who comes to church ain't saved."

Please pass this along to everyone you know..Stillfocused


Side Note: Edited by Nikkol regarding font of statement only, as requested by poster

[stillfocused]

Please don't open this post and say " this doesn't pertain to me" or whatever. This is very serious and even though I am here posting..I don't know what I am feeling because I have mixed emotions about the whole incident..this is real and it did happen. And it could happen to you.

[nina]

I am so sorry that you had such an experience... Regardless of where it happens, I know what kind of heartache and headache being without IDs, keys, personal belongings, etc... it can be, and having to redo it all, and the feelings that come with it.
I heard, myself, Rev Cleveland say what you quoted, first I did not not know whether to smile, or be shocked, but I went for "better safe than sorry" and my purse followed me everywhere.
I pray for the peace of God to prevail in you, and that you will be able to take it one step at a time, one day at a time.
Try not to let your mind wander around, and your heart be distracted, do what you know to do to fix what has to be done. Let God handle the rest, He can do way better and more than us.

[hezsweetiknow]

(((Stillfocused)))

You are in my prayers...you just never think you'll be violated in that way in the House of the Lord.

I've heard it all the time, watch your purse, but in all my years of attending church, never heard of someone being taken advantage of! Knew it was possible....but

I pray for the peace of God in your life right now.

Much love...

HezSweet

[livinganewlife]

Praying for you:

I have never heard of anyone being personally robbed in church but I do remember someone running off with the Offering Tray...

One of the attendants (Ushers) just took off running with the offering bucket and it was a big service and the person knew that offering was going to be large that day.... Later discovered that they had a drug problem we are still praying that the Lord restore this person back to the fold.....

We are leaving in sad days.......

[krazeeboi]

I am so sorry to hear about this stillfocused. I will be in prayer for you and yours.

[stillfocused]

Thanks to everyone..I am still a little mad..I want my stuff back !! My Pastors and others are still holding out hope they will bring it back. Thank you so much for your prayers..as I had to take the day off..and go handle it. When I got to the bank no transactions had gone through; I will check on tomorrow. I was able to replace my phone and get my important papers; and replaces 2 of my accounts. God has a sense of humor on this .. he made me pray for them !! For the better as each day goes by I am resting in the peace he has assured me of..once, again Thanks !!

[Jasmine]

I can understand. I have had things stolen from me, not necessarily at church, but the feeling is all the same. Honestly, you should cancel all your accounts and get them re-issued and send an alert to the credity bureau informing that that your belongs were stolen, and have them issue an alert. If someone tries to open an account under your name, they will need to provide Identification. The utility companies will require that they come in before any services wil be hooked up. Its a pain, especially if you need to open any accounts, but in the long run you won't have to prove that you are actually you.

[Beck]

I pray that everything works itself out with you stillfocused. I had my wallet stolen from me twice, and eventually we found out that it was someone who had a serious problem. I had two choices... lay hands on the brotha until that stealin demon was rebuked...lol, or try to get him help and show God's love to him. Of course you know what I did..... I had to remember that Church isnt a place full of perfect people, we all come to God because we need him and everyone isnt where we are spiritually. Get your business taken care of sister and leave the rest up to God, and continue to pray for the person who did take it, that one day that stronghold can be broken.

[anointedteacher]

I'm not surprise... there are so much going on in the church.... We was also advised to keep our eyes on our purse, some of us tell God to sent His angels ;D and leave our purse on the pew when going up to pray and offering. We had one or two people rob in church. Some one stole my super thin leather Bible

My purse was snatched back in 2004... they cleaned my checking account out to a -$600 + dollar and it took about three weeks to get my money back into my account... to close it ...they had everything, my driver license, SS card, check card, voter registration card, Keys, and credit card

Before my purse was snatched.... the customer service from my bank advised me to opening a second free checking account, so I did.... one for my major bills, which I keep home in a safe place (checks and bank card) my second account I use for spending, like eating out, shopping etc. They got a hold of my second account and saving. They could not get into my saving, because they needed a code. as soon after they snatched my purse, I went to the computer and transferred all my money from my second account & saving to my bill account. I canceled my credit cards. They had my house keys and my address, so I had to pay $170.00 to have my lock changed and my pocket size Bible.

I learned my lesson.... I don't put nothing important in my purse, not even my keys. I brought a very small flat wallet, to carry my IDs check and credit cards and a few dollars... and I keep it in my b_a and my keys. so if someone take my purse, all they will get is my make up, pens, $5 worth of changes, lotion, mints, personal items and some dirty tissue ;D I check my credit every other month... no one except a family member stole my identity.

I went to a women convention last year... in one of the workshop, the speaker shows how easy it is for someone can steal your identity right in church. He said that many who come into the church are con artist. They seek out those who have money and become friends.... they hang around to get what they want and disappear. the problem is that we carry too much stuff around in our purse and wallet. Something need to be kept home in a safe. Instead of bringing your whole checkbook to church, write out your check to offering at home and one blink check in case you need it. If you must put it in your purse, get a small purse that is light and fit under your arm. You can dance, shout and fall out, with your purse under your arm


AT

[stillfocused]

Thanks.. My accounts are frozen..one has been reopened. Along with another one for one my little ones; I didn't have their information..but, I just deposited money into the account on Friday. I replaced my cell phone; got my license # changed, my debit cards were cancelled right away; went to social security and my credit cards have been cancelled. I still have to call the national fraud hotline and the irs..it doesn't look like they have tried to take any money from my accounts. I feeling better; still blown away at the fact that some actually had the nerve to take my belongings out of the sanctuary with people around. I replaced my purse..it's not black..so, if they try to take this one..they will get caught..real quick. And I will not be taking that one to church with me..I will definitely be traveling light from now on.

Beck..yes, I did want to lay hands..but, I will continue to pray for them and my Pastors as this i s a young congregation and this is a first for this congregation.

ATT wrote:

If you must put it in your purse, get a small purse that is light and fit under your arm. You can dance, shout and fall out, with your purse under your arm.


I had to laugh at that one because I can see somebody doing just that !!

[MinLisa]

StillFocused, I'm praying with you that everything will work out, I know how you feel , i been through it.....my house was broken and my checks were stolen and used, I underdstand how it feels to be Violated...

We also had the same thing happen in our church, people going into other people purses getting stuff, and one mother place some money in her bible to give in the offering, some took the money out of the bible..

They said the same thing.. I can't beleive this happens in church

[stillfocused]

UPDATE:

I want to say Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me and about this situation.
On this past Tuesday morning I got a phone call as I was dressing for work. I had kind of resolved that the outcome of this would not be the one I expected. I got a phone call from
the persons who had my belongings on last Saturday morning asking me did I want to update my security information on my checking accounts..they were not smart because they blocked out the phone number. I declined and tried to hang up the phone and couldn't heard a nice conversation and called the popo and they advised me of what to do next. Well, Tuesday
someone found my a few of the items that had been stolen..checks they tried to use; id, and a book of checks..they still have my wallet which has checks, my purse, and an organizer..I got one back. I went to local police and had my case update..but, because of where I live they are moving slow; because this does not do with the smuggling of drugs and people.
I am still believing the rest my belongings will be found including my cell phone..

Once again, thank youi all so much !!

Stillfocused