The pastor of a Winnipeg church hit by thieves this week says that he hopes those responsible "come to the altar of Jesus."

A member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Rhema Sanctuary's worship team showed up at the church on Monday to retrieve a forgotten item to find the church building had been broken into. "When he got to the church he found out that the back door was opened and keyboards were stolen, a camera, and microphones," says the congregation's lead pastor, Dipo Adewumi.

Pastor Dipo says that a lot of high-tech equipment was taken including gear used to stream services and instruments. All told the total value of items taken was around $25,000, he says.

"Every time things like this happen, we know that the devil is trying to silence us from proclaiming our faith," the pastor says. "Within this city, our church is known to have a very powerful group of worshippers. So the equipment makes a difference whenever we gather together to worship."

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Dipo says that he was left dumbfounded at first when he walked into the building after being made aware of the theft Monday afternoon.

"I was surprised and I kept asking myself what would have come upon someone to come to the house of God to steal. But after a while, I had faith that God did this for a reason because the Sunday that was preceding the incident -- I've been preaching the power of God right from the beginning of the year -- but last week Sunday, God told me to speak about opportunity in the midst of our problems.

"And I addressed the congregation that whenever you are faced with issues, problems, circumstances of afflictions in life, focus on the opportunities that can come out of it because God allowed it for a reason."

In this case, Dipo believes there is an opportunity not only for the congregation but for thieves.

"There is still opportunity for the person to walk up to the altar and surrender to Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith. And we pray for that person, that God will deliver them." 

Despite the setback the congregation will meet and continue to lift their voices in worship together, he says, and hopes to continue to make a difference in their neighbourhood. 

"I just want you to know that we are in a very loving community," Dipos says, addressing the thieves. "We have enjoyed the presence of that community over the past several years, and we will continue to do our best to impact the community. But if the person is hearing or the person is reading a comment the person should please consider giving his or her life to Jesus and let them know rule through his or her life." 

The St. Norbert community church meets on Sundays with two worship gatherings typically, except for the fourth Sunday of every month when they combine their services. 

Dipos says that he would invite prayers from the Christian community in Winnipeg as they take this as an opportunity to spread the good news of Jesus.

"We're fired up. We're more excited now than ever that greater things will come out of this and all glory will return to the King of Kings."