A Dallas family spent Sunday morning like many others -- attending a church service.
But it was there in the parking lot of their sanctuary where they say they became the target of criminals.
Joshua Luevano and his family sat in the first row of Iglesia Bautista Calvario on Nomas Street in West Dallas, unaware of what was going on in the parking lot.
"I was like, 'Wow,'" Luevano said. "I was like shocked. I couldn't believe someone stole my car at church."
Luevano said he left his 1994 Honda Accord locked before he walked inside for the 10:30 a.m. church service.
Someone drove off with it between 10:40 and 12 p.m., he said.
"We were fellowshipping in the hallway and my son comes in and says, 'Dad, your car is not there.' I said, 'You better not be playing,'" Luevano said.
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Luevano's father is the senior pastor at I.B.C. and said the church has fallen victim to thieves during the holidays over the years, but never this.
"It's just appalling to see that our area, West Dallas, does need more surveillance," Pastor Luevano said.
There is something that cannot be replaced inside the car's trunk, they said.
It's a portrait of Luevano's grandfather who served in World War II.
He prayed his only mode of transportation will turn up.
"It's got the worst paint job of any Honda that I've ever seen," he said. "It's my little hooptie. My humble hooptie. It's mine though. I worked hard for it."
And a final word to the thief or thieves who found no place is off limits: You are still welcomed at this house of worship.
"Sin will take you further than you want to go and it'll cost you more than you want to pay," Pastor Luevano said. "I would ask them to please, if they feel in their heart to return this vehicle, please do so. That's a form of repentance and I think that's what God is looking for."
Luevano called Dallas police to investigate. DPD said it would have more information on Monday.
