Acting in forgiveness

Lutheran, The, Aug 2001 by Novak, Cindy

S.D. congregation turns tragedy into renewed zeal to reach out

A tragedy described by its pastor as "one of the darkest moments of St. Peter Lutheran Church" unexpectedly revitalized this oncestruggling congregation in Madison, S.D. After vandals caused more than $40,000 worth of interior damage to their building last August, this rural congregation has had a 29 percent membership increase, a boost in worship attendance and a renewed zeal to reach out to those in need.

It all began when the congregation received widespread media coverage of the vandalism: obscenities painted and carved into the sanctuary's walls and fixtures, gouged pews, broken windows and dishes, smashed light fixtures, slashed artwork, and Bibles and communion trays flung throughout the sanctuary.

"There were so many tears. Everyone was so devastated and shocked that someone could do this to a church," recalls Susan Janssen, congregational vice president. "No one could believe how terrible it was."

The tragedy pulled the congregation and community together. "The outpouring of support was really awesome," Janssen says. The congregation received phone calls, letters and donations, including a new organ from Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, S.D. Buoyed by community support and insurance coverage, parishioners were able to repair and replace all that was destroyed. Within three months, the church looked like new.

As time went on, members' shock and anger gradually turned into curiosity. "We began to wonder who would do such a thing," Janssen says. "We thought, `Whoever did this really had a troubled heart-their actions were a cry for help."'

Apologies follow arrest

Three months after the vandalism took place, police arrested two area teenagers who confessed to the crime. Filled with remorse, 19-year-old Andy Frewaldt and his accomplice, a 16-year-old boy (his name is withheld because he is a minor), asked to publicly apologize to the congregation before serving their sentences.

The 16-year-old apologized on Christmas Eve. A few weeks later Frewaldt nervously asked the congregation for forgiveness. As Frewaldt left the lectern to return to his seat, a member greeted and hugged him. Others stood to shake his hand. After the service, members surrounded Frewaldt, saying they forgave him and the other youth.

"We were totally shocked," recalls Frewaldt's mother, Kathy, who has felt shame, guilt and embarrassment since her son's arrest. "When Andy and I first arrived at the church, we were so scared. I couldn't believe how nice everyone was. I was so overwhelmed with joy I felt like crying."

Lois Janzen Preheim, director of the Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program based at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, S.D., says apologies and forgiveness can benefit victims and offenders. "They can move beyond their pain, recover their zest for life, open their hearts and have a larger awareness of others," she says. "They can feel lighter."

That certainly is the case for St. Peter's members. "After forgiving the boys, a load was off our shoulders," says Adele Kipp, congregational treasurer. "We knew the pain the boys and their families were feeling. We felt it was our responsibility to not only forgive them but also to help them put their lives back together."

In addition to writing letters and praying for them while they are incarcerated, the congregation gave them Bibles. "I can't believe the support we're receiving," Kathy Frewaldt says. "Especially after what Andy and the other boy did. The church embraced them, welcomed them and wanted to help them. I just can't believe it-these are the nicest people I've ever met."

The act of forgiveness has again put St. Peter in the spotlight. "The media attention has helped us understand just how dramatic forgiveness really is," says Terry Knudson, pastor. "There is such a huge need for it."

Since the vandalism took place, Knudson says St. Peter has received 25 new members, bringing membership to 109. Among those new members are the offenders' families.

"We had been separated from organized religion since our oldest daughter died of cancer," says Perry Killion, the 16-year-old's father. "We rejected the whole religion thing. This event has pulled us back into the church. The Lord was able to use something from this evil for his glory."

Knudson says more community members are interested in joining the congregation, adding, "People who have felt alienated from the church are now coming here."

Janssen says, "Through this tragedy, our church was spruced upand on a spiritual level it has been reborn too. Before the vandalism, we were struggling to pay the bills. Our membership was dwindling. We got really caught up in all of that and lost sight of what our real purpose was. I think God has reminded us that our mission is to help our friends and neighbors with their troubles."

Knudson likens the dramatic episode at St. Peter to the Old Testament story of Joseph. "The vandalism was one of our darkest moments," he says. "We now see that God was able to pick up the broken pieces and bring about healing. That can be true in our personal lives-our darkest moments can be times when God does something way beyond anything we ever imagined. "