Several teens recently caused about $10,000 in damage to a church in Morgan County, Channel 2 Action News reported.
However, the church’s pastor and the offenders’ parents think they have already implemented the appropriate punishment — making them clean up the mess.
Sheriff’s deputies told Channel 2 five teens aged 11 through 14 admitted they damaged the Madison House of Refuge, which is about 60 miles east of Atlanta.
The teens said they spray painted such words as “demon” and “you’re going to hell.”
The vandals also poured paint on the pews and ruined the sound system.
Pastor Garfield Chambers said his wife broke into tears when she found out about the vandalism.
“We’ve given up everything,” Chambers told Channel 2. “We’ve got to make this happen for others.”
But the pastor got in touch with the juveniles’ parents, giving them permission to come pick them up “at will, and let them clean and start helping around the church,” he said.
“It gives me hope,” the pastor said. “They’re in a good environment, and they’re sorry for what they’ve done.”
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