Church Van Stolen, Members Stranded

A van used to transport members of a local church has been stolen, and a pastor is praying for its return.

Tek Dharnal, who runs the First Agape Baptist Church, told Channel 2 that the van was donated to them by a Korean ministry just two months ago, and that for many in the congregation it is the only way to attend services.

The stolen vehicle is a white 1997 Ford that seats 12 and was used to "bring each and every member to church for worship," according to Channel 2.

"This bus was a great blessing for our church," Dharnal said, adding that he and his congregation prayed about getting a van for two years. "We could not buy that van, but somebody at the mercy of God, they donated this van."

First Agape is located within the Rehoboth Baptist Church complex at Lawrenceville Highway and I-285, and serves members of the Bhutanese refugee community, most of whom speak Nepali.

Dharnal said that very few of his flock were able to come to church this past Sunday. "They are calling me, ‘Why (didn’t you) come?’ Dharnal said. "They didn't understand the problems."