Thieves steal copper from Phoenix church AC unit

PHOENIX, AZ - The bulletins at the Desert Hope Wesleyan Church served more than their usual purpose on Sunday.

Parishioners needed them to keep cool after thieves rendered the church's air conditioning unit useless.

"A very hot service," said parishioner Kathy Vaughn. "If God led us to this point to be on the news because of our AC then we will sweat for His needs."

Sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning, thieves stole the motors and copper wiring from the church's air conditioner.

Sunday's service did go on as scheduled but even with fans scattered throughout the sanctuary, the temperature inside the church reached a very uncomfortable 91 degrees.

"It was a little warm but we got through it," said parishioner Liz Lipkeman. "It's not fair, but life's not fair. But God takes care of us."

It marks the third time thieves hit the church since December.

Pastor William Woods told ABC15 they do have insurance, but will need to pay a $1000 deductible to get the AC fixed.

It's money and time the church could certainly put to better use.

"It's hot and not convenient," said Pastor Woods. "It seems like we're being opposed by Satan or something."

In each occasion, including this most recent time, the thieves managed to get away with the crime.

But Pastor Woods said they'll get their just due in this life or the next.

"They think they're getting away with something but God knows and God will deal with it," said Pastor Woods.  "Judgment day is coming. They'll live in a place a lot hotter than Phoenix if you can imagine."