SAN ANTONIO – A BBQ pit trailer was stolen from a local church just days before congregation members were to set up for Taste of New Orleans. A church leader told KSAT12 News the loss is making it a bit more challenging to grill up food for Fiesta-goers.
"This is our biggest fundraiser each year and we've been here for 12 years," explained Edmund Tyrance, the deacon at Berean Bible Fellowship Church.
But this year is a bit different than years past because the church had to rent two BBQ pits after someone stole its unit Monday. The church told KSAT12 News that it’s not only surprised and disappointed that someone would take the trailer from church property, but that it’s also puzzled how they managed to tow it away because it had a lock on it.
“When I pulled up in the truck and I saw this open area where I knew the pit was sitting, I had this deep loss feeling in my stomach and I really have not recovered from it as yet. We’re dealing with it by the help of the good Lord, but it was a big loss," said Tyrance.
The church purchased the specially made 12-foot trailer for $6,500 from a gentleman 12 years ago. It has since made about $1,000-$1,500 in improvements to it.
"It's propane so when it rains like this, we cut the propane on and it heats up whether it’s raining or hot- doesn’t matter," Tyrance explained.
All the money Berean Bible Fellowship Church earns at the Taste of New Orleans event goes right back toward church services and expansion. It’s why the church is simply asking the stolen pit be returned.
"We’re not trying to charge you. It might be a decision that you made that you thought you needed it, but I think we need it more. We know we need it more. If you can return it, keep yourself out of trouble, we'd appreciate it," Tyrance said.
If you have seen this BBQ pit trailer or have any information, please call the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.