WICHITA, Kansas — Members of ZAIK Church woke up early Saturday to find their sanctuary damaged after a vandal broke multiple glass doors and windows late Friday night. Surveillance video captured a single individual shattering nine panes of glass on the rear side of the building around 11:30 p.m.
Police report filed, no theft reported
Pastor Stephen Luna confirmed that, while the glass was destroyed, there is no evidence of theft or unauthorized entry into the interior. The church promptly filed a report with the Wichita Police Department, and investigators are reviewing the footage. The case has been assigned reference number 26C533110, and anyone with information is asked to contact the department at [email protected].
Insurance will aid repairs, but the congregation needs immediate assistance
According to Luna, the church’s insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing the broken glass, but the claims process can take weeks. In the meantime, the damaged doors and windows have left the children’s ministry spaces exposed, with furniture and equipment covered in shattered glass. The pastor appealed to the Wichita community for two forms of help:
- Volunteer labor: Church members and local volunteers are needed to clean up debris, remove broken glass, and secure the affected areas.
- Financial contributions: Donations will go toward replacing furniture and equipment in the kids’ spaces while the insurance claim is processed.
“We are grateful for the support we have received so far, but the repair timeline means our families are without a safe place for children’s activities,” Luna said. “We ask our neighbors, friends, and fellow believers to stand with us during this difficult time.”
How to help
Those interested in assisting with cleanup or making a monetary donation can contact ZAIK Church leadership directly. The church has set up a dedicated email address and phone line for coordination, though those details were not included in the original post. Luna emphasized that any help, no matter how small, will make a difference for the congregation as they work to restore their worship space.
Community response
Local residents have already expressed concern on social media, offering words of encouragement and asking how they can contribute. Wichita’s broader faith community is rallying around ZAIK Church, underscoring the city’s tradition of neighbors supporting one another in times of need.
While the investigation continues, ZAIK Church remains committed to serving its members and the wider Wichita area. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, community solidarity, and the role of local churches as pillars of support for families and children.
Contact information
For updates on the investigation or to arrange volunteer assistance, please reach out to the Wichita Police Department at the email provided above, referencing case number 26C533110. For donation information, contact ZAIK Church leadership through their official communication channels.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.