Members of a Brandon congregation are praying for a miracle: They're hoping thieves will bring stolen property back.

  • Trailer stolen off property of Iglesia Cristo La Senda Church
  • Church leaders say property worth more than $3,000
  • Stolen items included clothes and toys for children's ministry

Over the weekend, someone stole a trailer off the property of Iglesia Cristo La Senda Church at 3104 Bryan Road.
 
The theft comes just as the church is getting ready to open its new sanctuary.
 
"Fifty years ago, God gave me the vision. He told me to plan the church, and now we've almost got it," Pastor Sergio Peralta said.
 
Church leaders said the trailer was worth more than $3,000. It contained clothes and toys for the children's ministry as well as the pastor's pulpit.
 
"We couldn't believe it. We were just astonished because it had the lock, it had the chain, so we didn't believe anyone was going to take it," said Ruth Nino, the church secretary.
 
Nino said in spite of the burglary, they will hold their first service in the new sanctuary on Sunday.
 
"We have faith and we trust God that things are going to come back in a big way, a positive way, and we will be blessed," she said.
 
They are asking the thief to bring the trailer back.
 
"I know that the person that did this can be blessed by returning the trailer, and maybe God will transform their lives," Nino said.
 
Peralta said they've already forgiven the thief.
 
"We have our arms open and we love the guy and we forgive the guy," he said.
 
Anyone with information is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.