The Irvine Street Holiness Church may be a small congregation, but they have a big problem.

"This closet on our left was open like this and everything in there was just thrown out all over the place," described Elmer Perkins, a member of the church, "The speaker stand was flipped over on the ground that was, and both of our speakers were gone."

Last week, someone broke a ten commandment when they broke into the Richmond church and took several guitars and the church's sound system.

"On the outside (they) flipped the lock open, came in this way and more or less helped themselves," said Perkins, adding, "We were hoping they'd have more respect for a church house than to come in to break it."

Perkins questions why someone would steal from a church?

"Stealing is wrong in general, but when you will steal from God's people you're heading in the worst direction you've ever headed in your life," adding, "Yeah, they can get forgiveness of it and get their lives straightened out, and they sure need to because they're heading towards hell."

The theft left the church with a sour note, but they say they will move forward.

"We hate losing our stuff, but like I said the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away."

While the instruments were individually owned by church members, they were left in the building for the weekly services, explained Perkins. Even more, trying to replace nearly $5-thousand worth of equipment won't be easy for a church that has no set budget.

"We've got to try to replace it, which that's alright God will help us," said Perkins.

For now, the small church will keep doing what they can because they refuse to let this theft steal from their joy.