Thief Returns Computers to Las Vegas Megachurch With Note Asking For Forgiveness

By Jeff Schapiro, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, October 22, 2013

A thief who stole two laptop computers from a Las Vegas-area megachurch returned the devices the same day with an attached anonymous note to them asking for forgiveness.

Jud Wilhite, senior pastor of Central Christian Church in Henderson, Nev., posted a picture to his Facebook page showing the laptops, which had been wrapped in a t-shirt, and the message left by the person who took them.

"Stolen from Henderson campus," the note says. "Forgive me."

The computers were taken sometime Sunday morning, according to Central's Director of Communications Ryan Moore. They were found with the note attached that same day in the parking lot of the multi-site church's Northeast Campus after the noon worship service.

Wilhite has been preaching a sermon series called "Love Can," Moore says, and recently spoke on the topic of forgiveness. Moore and a number of social media users say they believe the thief returned the computers after hearing Wilhite preach.

If he could say one thing to the thief, Moore said that he would try to help that person recognize the source of their conviction.

"That voice you heard telling you to return these laptops was the Holy Spirit," he said. "Listen to Him! He'll guide you down the perfect path to blessing and happiness."

The theft was not the first time this year a crime had been committed against Central. In April, a man drove his car into an entrance and down a hallway at the church's Henderson Campus, the Las Vegas Sun reported at the time. The man, who caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage, also smashed windows, broke furniture and knocked holes in the wall.

"It was pretty nuts," said Moore. "But we actually got to take care of the family of the guy that did it for a little bit. We use that as a story of forgiveness as well."