Thieves have made off with thousands of dollars in items from a Winnipeg ministry that works with women in the sex trade. But, the founder says he's praying and believing for a miracle.

Jon Phillips started Heart of the City Ministries in 1984. He says he originally started the ministry to help people experiencing homelessness who are dealing with mental health issues. That quickly morphed into ministering to women in vulnerable circumstances.

Phillips and a team of volunteers go out on the streets of Winnipeg checking on people, handing out clothing, food, and providing spiritual care.

"I've learned that God is always faithful, and He'll meet you in the middle of any circumstance," Phillips says about 35 years of ministry. Now, he's relying on God to come through after the ministry's 15-passenger van was broken into and severely vandalized this week.

The van was parked in Elmwood and filled with supplies like clothing. Phillips says it appears that the thieves attempted to steal the van but couldn't because it needs a computerized key. So, instead, they ripped everything they could from the van including gauges. They also took tools, hundreds of toques and gloves, slashed the tires, broke windows, and spray painted the van.

Out of all the items stolen there was something very important that Phillips says gives him hope. "They took a couple of boxes of Bibles. So we're kind of hoping these guys will read these Bibles, maybe hand them out to their friends, and we have a whole bunch of people praying that these thieves, as we call them, will come to Jesus."

Phillips says the van was filled with so much stuff because they've run out of storage space. He says he's not sure if the items will be covered by the vehicle's insurance, and is worried MPI will write off the van.

For now, somebody has loaned a minivan to the ministry so that they can begin delivering Christmas hampers.

He calls the event traumatizing saying that he feels "violated and sad, but hopeful."