The pastor of an Oakland church, devastated by relentless vandalism, has accused Mayor Sheng Thao of indifference toward the congregation’s plight in a city plagued by crime.
Repeated Vandalism Leaves Church in Ruins
Vandals and burglars have attacked the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church twelve times since April, stripping it of water, electricity, and natural light. The congregation is forced to use flashlights due to broken and boarded-up windows.
Pastor’s Pleas for Help Ignored
Pastor Grace Ugeh has repeatedly sought assistance from the police and mayor’s office but to no avail. She lamented the lack of support in a city where crime surged by 18 percent last year.
Struggle to Maintain Worship Services
The Pentecostal church, located off Oakland’s notorious Hegenberger Road, has survived for 10 years. The area has been deemed the most dangerous square mile in America, with frequent crimes affecting local businesses.
Mayor Faces Recall Effort
A residents’ group recently secured enough signatures to force a recall election for Mayor Thao, less than two years into her term. Retired judge Brenda Habin-Forte, who organized the petition, accused Thao of “ruining the city.”
Crime Statistics Highlight Crisis
Oakland’s murder rate jumped from 78 in 2019 to 126 last year. Additionally, property crime rose by 17 percent, and violent crime increased by 21 percent, while national rates fell by 8.2 percent.
Construction Halted Due to Danger
A construction crew abandoned a pothole paving project in Sobrante Park last week, citing unsafe conditions. Residents were left frustrated as city officials could not guarantee a safe work environment for the workers.
Jewelry Store Robbed in Broad Daylight
In April, an elderly jewelry store owner hid in terror as masked men smashed display cases with sledgehammers, stealing over 85 percent of her stock. Such incidents have become alarmingly common in Oakland.
Traffic Lights Removed Due to Theft
Residents were shocked to find traffic lights removed from their neighborhood after being repeatedly targeted by homeless individuals for their copper components.
Corporations Fund Security Measures
Kaiser, PG&E, Clorox, and Blue Shield have collectively invested $10 million in private security and “buddy-escorts” for employees, addressing safety concerns in Oakland’s deteriorating environment.
Shocking Homeless Encampments
Footage has emerged showing long stretches of Oakland streets lined with makeshift tents for the homeless. The area resembles a third-world country, with trash strewn around makeshift houses built from discarded materials.
Surge in Residential Robberies
Residential robberies in Oakland soared by 118 percent in the first four months of 2024. The city faced additional embarrassment when In-N-Out Burger closed a store for the first time due to rampant crime.
Church Congregation Dwindles Amid Vandalism
Pastor Ugeh’s congregation has shrunk from 100 to 25 members as the attacks continue. Documents and plaster have been strewn about, and doors ripped from frames during the latest break-in.
Desperation and Helplessness
Pastor Ugeh expressed deep frustration and pain, struggling to maintain morale among her dwindling congregation. The damage to the church exceeds $300,000, leaving her feeling trapped and uncertain about the future.
Destruction and Despair
The church is in ruins, with graffiti covering the walls and everything inside smashed. Despite the devastation, Pastor Ugeh remains determined to find a way forward for her community.
Religion News
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