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Thieves Put 'Grinch' into Sanders' Christmas
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (January 2, 2004) - In some ways, it has been a stolen
Christmas, but Covenant missionaries Gary and Mary Lou Sander and their
family is safe after thieves stole computer equipment and other
valuables from the Sander's home on December 20.
The Sanders were gone from their home for 90 minutes when thieves
struck. Police say the job was the work of experts and are exploring
local gangs for leads.
"Even though we have 24-hour guards and controlled entrance to our
housing unit, the robbers were able to break through our front door,
steal our (four laptop) computers and computer bags, along with a couple
of back packs, so that they could take everything out with them by
hand," stated Gary Sander in a recent email. "Even though they took a
lot of stuff, it could all have been carried by two people on their
backs and by hand, which makes escape easy. It appears that they knew
the timing of the guards and where the best door would be to enter."
In addition to computer equipment, thieves also stole Christmas
presents, jewelry and cash. Credit cards and passports were not touched,
however, although outdated passports were taken. Emergency funds through
the Evangelical Covenant Church Department of World Mission were sent so
the family could quickly purchase a computer to communicate to friends
and supporters.
"Emotionally we are dealing with a variety of things," said Sander. "No
one wants this robbery to dominate our thinking and activities during
the few days that we can be together as a family (the Sanders' two older
children arrived in Colombia on December 22 for Christmas and the other
two live at home). We are assessing our schedules and routines and
adjusting our lives appropriately. This experience, along with other
training that we have in security, serves to make us harder targets. We
want to feel safe where we live and we are confident that our assessment
will allow us to make our living situation one in which we are safe.
"Robbery jolts anyone who is its victim and it has jolted us," Sander
continued. "We know that we can work through it and come out on the
other side. We are all a part of a large family, which is a beautiful
thing . . . being a recipient of prayer activity because of the Covenant
prayer chains is a blessing. The response of our Colombian brothers and
sisters has been beautiful, as well. We have received many phone calls
and many inquiries of our well being. Different friends and supporting
churches have responded as well and we believe that we will be able to
replace what was taken."
Individuals interested in donating money to support the World Mission
emergency fund should call 773-907-8325 or email the Department of World
Mission at world.mission@covchurch.org.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
