A CHURCH, which had money stolen from it prior to Christmas during a break-in, has received around £1,000 in donations from the community to create an outdoor play area.

The Noddfa Baptist Chapel in Abersychan was damaged and around £60 was taken from the mother and toddlers fund on Wednesday, December 7.

A JustGiving page was set up by ward councillor Giles Davies which massively exceeded its target by raising £870 for the church.

The church’s pastor, Reverend John Funnell, said that a message on social media about the break-in prompted public outcry from the people of Abersychan.

“I was deeply saddened by the break-in as the pressure of Christmas and the widespread consumerism that we live in forced someone to steal from the church,” said Rev. Funnell.

“If the person had come to me in their time of need, we would have tried to help as best we could. They could have had more than the value they took and with other means.

“We are praying for the person who did it, or people, and we offer them a warm welcome to Noddfa if they want to come.”

The church services the community young and old with youth clubs, Sunday schools and mother and toddler groups.

“The plan was for the money to go towards the cost of the break-in, to replace the funds and to fix the doors,” said the reverend.

“We are going to use parts of the funds to build a community garden and play area for the 30 to 40 children that serve through the mother and toddlers group.

“We want them to have a safe place to play which trying to incorporate aspects of an active learning centre during the summer months as well.

“It will be free and open to those in the community to use,” said Rev. Funnell.

Cllr Davies added: “I created the page as I am aware of the fantastic work that Noddfa does in our local community with the youth clubs, toddler groups and so on.

“They have been a real driving force in the ward which helps me in my role as a councillor.

“When I heard about the break-in, I thought that I needed to help them.

“I was shocked by how much was raised. I’m really taken aback and in such a short space of time.

“I was expecting around £200 maximum, but £870 in a matter of days is incredible.

“It just shows how close knit this community is.

“The community garden and to develop the outside area into a safe place will be a welcome addition,” he said.

Despite the negative effect on his church, the reverend is pleased that something good has come from the distressing situation.

“It’s like Genesis 50:20 says “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives,” said Rev. Funnell.

“It was horrifying at the time as this is a safe place for families. To have that raided and for such a small amount of money.

“For the community to rally and support us in that way and what we are doing as a church, we are humbled by it.”

Rev. Funnell praised the work of the police, who were ‘excellent’ and ‘very helpful’, even though the person responsible has not yet been identified.

Gwent Police are currently investigating the break-in and anyone with information should call 101, quoting log reference 350 07/12/16.