By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GRACE Christian Academy lost its service pickup truck, chainsaws, a power air blower, pressure washers, and electric cables to burglars who targeted the campus on two consecutive nights over the weekend.
Grace Christian Assembly Lead Pastor Mike Rodgers was preparing for Sunday service and a sermon on deep distress. He planned to quote Psalm 130, which begins: “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.”
Rodgers said the psalm’s message was especially fitting for what the church and school are facing.
In an interview Sunday, Rodgers told Variety that as the church was preparing for morning prayer on Saturday, GCA Evangelism Pastor Laila Portuquez, who was about to lead the gathering, discovered that the chain securing the exit gate had been cut.
Upon entering the campus, she found that three electric cables that had been knocked down by Super Typhoon Sinlaku last month had been cut and stolen.
After police investigated the incident, Rodgers said he contacted the school’s board of directors, which recommended hiring security guards because the burglars might return.
That same day, he immediately called a security firm, which sent personnel to inspect the campus. The guards were scheduled to begin their duties on Sunday.
However, while Rodgers was preparing his sermon on Psalm 130, Portuquez texted him to report that the burglars had returned.
According to Rodgers, the intruders cut the new chain and lock that had been installed to replace those stolen the previous night. Portuquez also discovered that the chains securing the container vans had been cut and that chainsaws, a power air blower, and pressure washers were missing.
As she continued inspecting the campus, she discovered that the school’s old pickup truck had also been stolen.
Rodgers said the events made the message of Psalm 130 even more meaningful.
“Out of the depths, we cry out to God for help,” he said. The sermon he had prepared, he added, “was very appropriate for what we are facing right now, not to mention people who are mistreating the Lord’s people.”
Despite the losses, Rodgers said Grace Christian Academy remains committed to its mission.
Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is now open at Grace Christian Academy, the Home of the Eagles. Enrollment packages are available for students from K4 through 12th grade.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
