Church Member Steals Equipment and Uses Electricity Without Permission
"My Pastor Father Told Me to Embrace with Love"
A church member has been causing headaches by excessively borrowing electricity every weekend and stealing supplies.
On the 7th, a post titled "Electricity thief who charges their phone at church every day" was uploaded to an online community. As of 10 a.m. on the 8th, the post had garnered about 119,000 views and 4.2 million recommendations, becoming a hot topic. The author, A, who identified herself as the daughter of a pastor at a small local church, began by saying, "I've seen people charging their phones at cafes or public places, but this is the first time I've seen it happen at a church."
A explained, "Our church doors are password-protected so that members can easily come and go even on weekdays," adding, "Many people come to pray, but last year, a family who became new members had a daughter who kept charging her phone at the church." According to A, B, a woman in her mid-20s, charges a total of seven devices every weekend at the church: three phones, one iPad, and three portable batteries. A described the situation, saying, "There are three Sunday services and community meetings, and during those times, she brings about four chargers and insists on charging all her devices."
A continued, "Not only that, but she keeps taking church supplies. Toilet paper, sanitary pads, napkins, restroom soap, snacks for the elementary department, chopsticks, paper cups, shampoo, and ingredients for Sunday lunch in the refrigerator." She added, "I've seen B's paper bag filled with church supplies multiple times when she was leaving after meetings. One day, I asked, 'Did your sister bring this from home?' but each time she evaded the question, saying she used them for praying alone in the sanctuary, then ran off home." She also mentioned, "There is even a deacon who saw B filling water bottles at the church water purifier."
A said, "My parents never force members to donate. They run the church by tithing from their own double jobs' salaries," but added, "However, B and her parents have never donated a single penny. During community meetings, we collect fees to buy snacks with the deacons, but B never pays and just eats." She continued, "When we sometimes go to cafes together, B stuffs napkins, straws, and disposable wet wipes into her bag in front of the deacons. It's embarrassing to watch." She claimed, "I told my parents, and they said B's family moved churches because she was caught stealing donations at her previous church."
A said, "My parents and the deacons think B might be poor or have unknown trauma, so they say we should love her even more, and even though I'm her younger sibling, they tell me to buy her a meal." She added, "I know B's family; they are not poor and carry luxury goods. She also has a job. I really want to kick her out, but my dad keeps saying he still loves her. I don't know what to do," seeking advice.
Netizens who read the story responded with comments such as, "She should be told off for taking supplies," "Someone should firmly tell her to buy and use her own money. Otherwise, she won't understand," "She just seems like a thief," "She seems to be using stealing as an excuse to go to church, regardless of faith," "You have to say no when something is not allowed," and "Regardless of religion, theft is wrong. You have to be firm."
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