Church forgives after thief strikes

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

Katie Missionary Baptist Church was the victim of thievery, but instead of condemning the accused, the congregation has decided to pray for the young man who allegedly stole $7000.

The 19-year-old Nate Christian was accused of stealing money by writing several checks on the church account and forging the signature of the church treasurer, his own grandmother.

Katie Missionary Baptist was operating on a small budget, and Don Phillips, a church, thinks the law should run its course and, if convicted, the young man should receive some sort of punishment.

After writing the checks, Christian then allegedly deposited them at a Pauls Valley bank and withdrew the money.

Though the church members said they were hurt by the action, Katie Missionary Baptist's Pastor, Sammy Bray, said he won't forsake Nate Christian.

"I believe that God can work...with all my heart," Bray said.

The money may be reimbursed by the bank, and until then, the church is relying on the Lord to get by.

Nate Christian told authorities he hopes to pay the money back, himself.